Myles Goodwyn looks back on almost 40 years of April Wine

Most people have heard the story about the local boy who made it big over and over again, but we never seem to tire of it. And with Myles Goodwyn and April Wine headlining Weir Rockin' this weekend, it's the perfect time to tell it again.

When Myles Goodwyn's name comes up in conversation, many people pipe up with their own personal story. But he doesn't remember us quite as well, because when he moved from here, his head was filled with nothing but dreams.

"It was April 1, 1970," said Goodwyn from a recording studio in Toronto, where he is currently working on a blues solo project. "I remember it. That's the day I left."

He left to pursue a career as the leader of the band April Wine, and 15 studio albums, three live releases, numerous compilations, a boxed set and thousands of concerts later, the band is still enormously popular in Canada, the United States and throughout the world. After nearly four decades, they continue to record.

"I have to make new records," he said. "I always have to be writing and playing, it's what I do."

The band enjoys playing new music, but they also know what their audience wants to hear - the classic April Wine songs they grew up with, danced to and fell in love to, and they're more than happy to oblige.

"I never get tired of playing them," he said. "The crowd response is always great and those songs have memories for me just as they do for the fans. They grew up listening to them, and I grew up writing them."

April Wine still tours regularly, promoting their albums, but recently they started promoting a charity close to Goodwyn's heart.

"My son was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes two years ago," said Goodwyn. "We raise money for the juvenile diabetes research foundation at our concerts. I want people to know about that."

As singer, guitarist, writer, producer and leader of the band, Goodwyn's passion and drive has shaped and directed the group from its earliest beginnings.

He is the only remaining original member of the group since April Wine was born in 1969. When asked which photo he would like The Weekly News to use, he said, "I'm nearly 60 years old. Just make me look good."

Weir Rockin' '07 kicks off in Upper Sackville on Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. April Wine will be promoting their latest record, Roughly Speaking, and performing all of their classics.

For information on Weir Rockin', and to purchase tickets, visit aprilwineconcert.com.

blhall@hfxnews.ca