Roller

Greetings, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Roller" by April Wine from their 1978 album First Glance, and we’ve got some juicy trivia to share. Written by lead singer Myles Goodwyn in 1976, "Roller" wasn’t recorded until 1978 but became the band’s biggest hit from the album, peaking at #25 on Canada’s RPM 100 Singles chart and #34 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. on April 28, 1979. The song’s infectious three-guitar hook and story about a gambling woman caught fire when an FM station in Flint, Michigan, started playing it, turning it into a U.S. radio staple. It’s no wonder "Roller" became a trademark tune for April Wine, often closing their shows with its iconic “bye bye” outro, as noted in reviews on Outsider Rock. The track’s raw energy even landed it in the 2001 movie Joe Dirt, cementing its place in pop culture.

Another tidbit for you Zoo Freaks: "Roller" was born during a pivotal time for April Wine, when the addition of guitarist Brian Greenway gave the band a beefier sound. According to Discogs reviews, the song’s “vicious neck-snapping” riff and Geddy Lee-esque opening yowl made it a standout, with its solo featuring a clever single-guitar mimicking a double-guitar pattern. Fans on Rate Your Music call it a “timeless gem,” with some recalling how it soundtracked late-70s backyard parties. The song’s success helped April Wine land opening slots for bands like Rush, Journey, and even The Rolling Stones in 1978, as mentioned on Wikipedia. Check out the official music video on YouTube to feel that retro vibe!

Now, let’s rewind to how April Wine got rolling. Formed in 1969 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the band’s roots trace back to St. John’s, Newfoundland, where brothers David and Ritchie Henman started playing music together in the late 1960s. They teamed up with cousin Jim Henman and Myles Goodwyn, initially forming a band called Prism (not the Vancouver one), before relocating to Nova Scotia and becoming April Wine. Their early days were marked by a move to Montreal, where they honed their hard rock sound. Their second album, On Record (1972), brought their first taste of success with a cover of Hot Chocolate’s “You Could Have Been a Lady,” hitting #2 in Canada. Despite moderate international success, April Wine became Canadian rock royalty, with hits like “Roller” and “Just Between You and Me” through the 1970s and 1980s, as detailed on Wikipedia.

Want to connect with April Wine and their fans? Visit their official website for tour updates and merch. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest news. Zoo Freaks can also join fan communities like the April Wine Fan Club on Facebook, where diehards share memories and rare vinyl finds. For more fan-driven content, check out Citizen Freak, a site celebrating the band’s legacy with album details and collectible info. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks!