Rock Myself to Sleep

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Rock Myself to Sleep" by April Wine, a track from their 1985 album Walking Through Fire, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this nostalgic vibe. This song, penned by Kimberley Rew and Vince de la Cruz of Katrina and the Waves, carries a catchy, heartfelt energy with lyrics about longing and sleepless nights. Fun fact: it was featured in the 1985 horror flick Fright Night, playing during a restaurant scene with Charley and Amy, adding a rock edge to the film’s spooky atmosphere. The song was released as a single, with its cover art mirroring the fiery theme of the album, featuring flames and a guitar. There’s also a rare 12" version out there, not a remix but a less compressed cut for audiophiles. A music video was made, but it skipped any Fright Night tie-ins, instead showing a rich girl dancing to the band’s performance on laserdisc—a quirky ‘80s time capsule. Fans on Reddit have called it “really catchy,” though some noted it came when April Wine’s career was winding down.

Interestingly, "Rock Myself to Sleep" was covered by Starship, but April Wine’s version remains the fan favorite for its raw, hard-rock grit. The song didn’t chart, unlike the album’s ballad “Love Has Remembered Me,” but it’s still a staple for diehards. The Walking Through Fire album itself was a contractual obligation, recorded after the band had mostly broken up, with only Myles Goodwyn and Brian Greenway from the classic lineup, backed by Montreal session musicians. Despite being seen as a weaker effort, the album hit #174 on the U.S. charts in October 1985, and “Rock Myself to Sleep” has endured as a cult classic, especially among Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO.

April Wine kicked off in 1969 in Waverly, Nova Scotia, when brothers David and Ritchie Henman, cousin Jim Henman, and Myles Goodwyn decided to form a band. They picked the name “April Wine” simply because it sounded cool—two words that rolled off the tongue. By 1970, they moved to Montreal, diving into the vibrant music scene, and signed with Aquarius Records. Their self-titled debut dropped in 1971, but it was their 1972 hit “You Could Have Been a Lady” that put them on the map, peaking at #32 in Canada. The band’s early days were all about grinding it out—touring relentlessly and blending hard rock with melodic hooks. They hit their stride in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s with albums like The Nature of the Beast, spawning their iconic power ballad “Just Between You and Me,” which made them the first Canadian band on MTV.

Over five decades, April Wine has released over 20 albums and built a loyal fanbase with their high-energy live shows. They’re still rocking, drawing crowds across Canada and beyond, as noted on their Facebook page, where they share tour updates and throwback photos. Their Instagram is a treasure trove of vintage shots and fan love, while their X account keeps the conversation going with news and quips. Fans connect on sites like Last.fm, where you can dive into their discography, or join the April Wine Fan Club on Facebook to swap stories and merch. Another great spot is r/classicrockcanada, where Zoo Freaks and other rock lovers keep the band’s legacy alive.