Teenage Love (Live 1977)

The Zoo Crew is spinning a classic tonight with April Wine's "Teenage Love (Live 1977)" from their electrifying album Live at the El Mocambo. Recorded on March 4 and 5, 1977, at Toronto’s legendary El Mocambo club, this track captures the raw energy of the Canadian rockers opening for The Rolling Stones, who were billed under the cheeky pseudonym "The Cockroaches." The Stones were secretly recording parts of their own live album, Love You Live, and the 300 lucky radio contest winners in attendance were initially disappointed, expecting only April Wine. They had no idea they were about to witness a historic performance by both bands, with producer Eddie Kramer—known for his work with Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin—capturing the gritty, unpolished sound that makes "Teenage Love" a standout.

One juicy piece of trivia about the El Mocambo shows comes from the chaos surrounding The Rolling Stones. Keith Richards and Anita Pallenberg were arrested for drug possession in Toronto just before the gigs, nearly derailing the performances. Despite the legal drama, April Wine delivered a tight set, with "Teenage Love" kicking off the album with its sassy, rebellious vibe. Fans on April Wine’s official Facebook have shared memories of the era, noting how the song’s raw guitar riffs and Myles Goodwyn’s commanding vocals embodied the band’s early, hard-rocking spirit. The live recording, mixed at Electric Lady Studios in New York, has been praised by fans on X for its authenticity, though some purists argue it sounds a touch too polished for a true club vibe.

Another tidbit from the Discogs community highlights the album’s vinyl release, which includes special thanks to "The Cockroaches" and even the El Mocambo staff in the liner notes, adding a layer of camaraderie to the event. April Wine fans on the April Wine Rocks (Fan Group) Facebook group often reminisce about how "Teenage Love" captured the band at a pivotal moment, just before they hit mainstream success with hits like "Roller" and "Just Between You and Me." The song’s lyrics, brimming with youthful defiance, resonated with the Zoo Freaks of the day, making it a perfect fit for the hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station to spin for their devoted listeners.

April Wine got their start in 1969 in Waverley, Nova Scotia, when brothers David and Ritchie Henman, along with their cousin Jim Henman and lead singer Myles Goodwyn, formed the band. Originally, they relocated to Montreal to chase their rock dreams, signing with Aquarius Records in 1971. Their self-titled debut album dropped in 1972, but it was their second album, On Record, with the hit cover "You Could Have Been a Lady," that put them on the map. Goodwyn’s songwriting and soulful voice became the band’s backbone, blending hard rock with melodic hooks. Over the years, the lineup shifted—Jim Henman left early, and the band saw various members come and go—but Goodwyn remained the constant, leading April Wine through decades of touring and recording.

By the time they hit the El Mocambo stage in 1977, April Wine had released six studio albums and were on the cusp of their golden era. Their raw energy and tight harmonies, as heard in "Teenage Love," showcased a band hungry to prove themselves alongside rock giants like The Rolling Stones. You can dive deeper into their legacy on their official website or connect with fans on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts. For those craving more community, the April Wine Rocks (Fan Group) on Facebook is a lively spot where Zoo Freaks and longtime fans swap stories, rare photos, and love for the band’s enduring catalog.