April Wine was formed in my town. I grew up with the Henmans and Goodwins, which is the way the family name is spelled. Here's a documentary on the band that was released just after Myles passed - ua-cam.com/video/rrcadzfew1U/v-deo.html And here's one of their best live concert videos - ua-cam.com/video/YKr10utcD1k/v-deo.html Mercer actually had a fire alarm bell mounted on a stand for this one track.
I had read somewhere that Jerry Mercer was one of the drummers that was an inspiration for Neil Peart. April Wine opened for Rush on a few 1978 tour dates. April Wine played virtually everywhere in Canada from the late sixties to present. RIP Myles Goodwin.
@@dawnagoad9745Glad that I got that wrong. 85 years old, born in Newfoundland, 10 years before it was a part of Canada. Looks like I need to do some editing. Thank you!
Canadian Gen X guy here. I love this band. A lot of amazing songs. I am lucky enough to have seen them live quite a few times at bars and small venues. Absolutely amazing band. Really solid guys as well.
Drummer Jerry Mercer is a Canadian music legend. He is now 85 years old, retired from April Wine and touring BUT still plays drums. He also had his own drum company called "Monolith Drums". Jerry comes up to my home town area of Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada and jams at my friends camp with other local musicians just for fun and to relax. No rehearsals... this is just about the fun. I have a video of Jerry drumming at my buddies camp from 2021. At that time he was 82 years old. He was just up doing the same thing a week ago August 2024 and still drumming. He is a giant of man... Just watch any vintage April Wine videos. Big thanks to you Andrew for showcasing Jerry's drumming and the band April Wine. :-). Here's a link to Jerry Mercer playing at my buddies camp with friends just enjoying life and drums. ua-cam.com/video/JnsabUmf8Nc/v-deo.htmlsi=fD9SJkrz0XvCYgl8
Gerry Mercer...what a drummer. Check out some of his live drum solos where he incorporates a whistle. I know I myself couldn't possibly recreate the breathing techniques he uses during these. Amazing stuff
GERRY MERCER -Check Montreal group Mashmakhan, Gerry Mercer's previous band late 60s to early 70s. Three members of that group (including Mercer) later on joined April Wine to record some of theirgreatest hits - Mashmakhan members were Steve Lang, Brian Greenway, Gerry Mercer and Pierre Sénécal - a hit song of theirs to check "As the Years Go By" . Gerry also urgently replaced Offenbach drummer on a Europe tour, a french group also from Montreal in the 60's &70s, he had to learn their tunes on the fly, a real professional
True story I was in grade nine in 1978 I went to the school dance and they had splurged for a live band their name was Elder Dark and they opened with this song it was the first time I heard it and they nailed it. I remember just watching the band rock out and they were the spark that got me playing bass I have been going ever since and at 62 still play in 3 different bands sometimes all it takes is a spark so Thanks to April Wine and Elder Dark for the beautiful music 🙂
I used to live down the street from Jerry. A really nice guy. The bell sound is a red 12 inch fire bell. The wall mounted type that were common in schools.
Hard to believe, but April Wine played my high school in east Toronto twice in the very early 1970s. Yep, for a couple of bucks and an SAC card, you got to see April Wine absolutely rock out in the school gym. I was on the dance committee, so I got in free of course. I learned a helluva lot about how to setup a PA system, how a soundboard and lighting worked. How gear was unloaded and loaded after the gig. Got to be a gopher for bands that played our school. Other bands that played my school were Lighthouse, Crowbar, Fludd, A Foot In Cold Water. But the best by far was April Wine. The second time they played there iirc they did 4 encores. I felt a certain sense of pride when I saw them a few years later opening for Humble Pie at Maple Leaf Gardens, T-Rex the CNE, and again in 1979 on the same bill as Aerosmith and Ted Nugent for 50,000 people. And to think I'd seen them in my school gym for nothing.
I was 12 when this came out, so it's an essential part of my musical experience. And it was insanely huge in Canada. One of many hits here. I saw them in 1981-ish, and it was a great show. I'm happy that their music is appreciated worldwide.
The intro to this song was used in the Canadian Lotto 649 TV and radio commercials all through the '90's and into the early 2000s. That fire bell intro is indelibly imprinted on anyone who watched TV in Canada in those years. I've seen them 3 times and they were always absolutely incredible live even the last time when they were all in their late '60's. April wine is one of those bands that if anyone asks you to name an April Wine song you might sort of be not so sure, but if you see them live you know 80 percent of the songs they play. You should check out another great Canadian band called Chilliwack. The drumming in that band is also very interesting and exceedingly well crafted.
If you want to see and hear Jerry Mercer live.... You have to check out April Wine I like to rock live Hammersmith 1981. Previous to AW he drummed for Mashmakhan and Roy Buchanan. All the best
I could be wrong, but I heard that it was a fire bell that was stolen from a high school in Nova Scotia. Leastwise, that was what I was told when I lived in Nova Scotia when this song was released.
Jerry Mercer is a legend in Montreal. His first recording band was Mashmakhan (As the years go by). He used to tour bars on his own, just him and his drum kit This was, I assume, after Mashmakhan broke up as this is when my older brother and cousins saw him play. I first saw April Wine in 72 or 73 in a high school gym. They were, with Offenbach, the only "name" bands that played high schools. Saw both bands a dozen times in the seventies going from high school gyms to the Montreal Forum.
Awesome reaction ! - might be time to watch a live performance so you get a look at the band with often 3 guitars and the great ( self taught) drummer Jerry Mercer
If I remember correctly, he’s not using the bell of a cymbal, he’s actually using a real school bell or boxing bell…I have an olllld manual brass boxing bell, it is HEAVY for its size, and it sounds exactly like this. Just looked it up, and for live performances they used a fire bell, along with the rotating red lights.
Love this band , part of my musical roots. so many great songs, ok not one bad one but by far my favorite has to be Cats Claw. there is no studio version of it just one live. lyrics are extremely taboo plus it is a musical masterpiece
@@dancan6622 No worries good sir. Electric Jewels is one of my fave April Wine albums. Used to see the live every six months or so in my misspent youth.They always put on a great show.
Yes there are more good Canadian drummers besides Neil Peart! I would love for you to do a reaction to Streetheart's "Action", it will be right up your alley.
saw the "Stand Back" tour, what a blast. the cannon on the cover blasted glitter confetti about half way down the concert hall. this is part of what made them fantastic!!
Great band great record. That cannon was not a prop, it was real and they set it off during their concerts for this album tour. I know that because I standing in front of the stage when it went off. My ears rang for 2 days afterwards.
First time listener haven't checked out all your comments yet. But if you haven't already could you do the full album On record, buy April wine. It's one of those albums you like to play in the car on a long trip
April Wine is/was so under rated.
Yeah great stuff
You really should check out their cover of the King Crimson classic “21st Century Schizoid Man”. (It’s some of Jerry’s most impressive drumming.)
They do such a great version!
This song will really impress you, possibly as much as it impressed King Crimson...
Jerry Mercer was a very good drummer. I was privileged to see him perform this song live with April Wine in January of 1980.
I saw him in '09 in think and he was still amazing
Did he do the long solo with the stobe light?
Hello from Halifax NS. 🇨🇦 Thanks for doing Oowatanite. It's my favorite April Wine song. I've really enjoyed your Rush reactions.
Same my friend! Also a Haligonian and a true Rush fan!
This song sounds truncated. Wasn't there a longer version that doesn't fade out or am I thinking of a live version.
My favorite too From Annapolis Valley
April Wine was formed in my town. I grew up with the Henmans and Goodwins, which is the way the family name is spelled.
Here's a documentary on the band that was released just after Myles passed - ua-cam.com/video/rrcadzfew1U/v-deo.html
And here's one of their best live concert videos - ua-cam.com/video/YKr10utcD1k/v-deo.html
Mercer actually had a fire alarm bell mounted on a stand for this one track.
this band has been around for 50 years
I had read somewhere that Jerry Mercer was one of the drummers that was an inspiration for Neil Peart. April Wine opened for Rush on a few 1978 tour dates. April Wine played virtually everywhere in Canada from the late sixties to present. RIP Myles Goodwin.
Jerry was a legend, at least locally 😅
Jerry is still very much alive
@@dawnagoad9745Glad that I got that wrong. 85 years old, born in Newfoundland, 10 years before it was a part of Canada. Looks like I need to do some editing. Thank you!
Canadian Gen X guy here. I love this band. A lot of amazing songs. I am lucky enough to have seen them live quite a few times at bars and small venues. Absolutely amazing band. Really solid guys as well.
Drummer Jerry Mercer is a Canadian music legend. He is now 85 years old, retired from April Wine and touring BUT still plays drums. He also had his own drum company called "Monolith Drums". Jerry comes up to my home town area of Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada and jams at my friends camp with other local musicians just for fun and to relax. No rehearsals... this is just about the fun. I have a video of Jerry drumming at my buddies camp from 2021. At that time he was 82 years old. He was just up doing the same thing a week ago August 2024 and still drumming. He is a giant of man... Just watch any vintage April Wine videos. Big thanks to you Andrew for showcasing Jerry's drumming and the band April Wine. :-). Here's a link to Jerry Mercer playing at my buddies camp with friends just enjoying life and drums. ua-cam.com/video/JnsabUmf8Nc/v-deo.htmlsi=fD9SJkrz0XvCYgl8
Gerry Mercer...what a drummer. Check out some of his live drum solos where he incorporates a whistle. I know I myself couldn't possibly recreate the breathing techniques he uses during these. Amazing stuff
I saw April Wine at least 6 times in London Ontario. Always a good show. Loved the songs Roller, Before The Dawn and Babes In Arms
GERRY MERCER -Check Montreal group Mashmakhan, Gerry Mercer's previous band late 60s to early 70s. Three members of that group (including Mercer) later on joined April Wine to record some of theirgreatest hits - Mashmakhan members were Steve Lang, Brian Greenway, Gerry Mercer and Pierre Sénécal - a hit song of theirs to check "As the Years Go By" . Gerry also urgently replaced Offenbach drummer on a Europe tour, a french group also from Montreal in the 60's &70s, he had to learn their tunes on the fly, a real professional
If you wanted to hit some more fun Canadian bands you could dive into The Tragically Hip. Great band!
or Triumph! what a band!
True story I was in grade nine in 1978 I went to the school dance and they had splurged for a live band their name was Elder Dark and they opened with this song it was the first time I heard it and they nailed it. I remember just watching the band rock out and they were the spark that got me playing bass I have been going ever since and at 62 still play in 3 different bands sometimes all it takes is a spark so Thanks to April Wine and Elder Dark for the beautiful music 🙂
Jerry used a fire alarm bell for that affect
The original one that Jerry Mercer used was rumoured to have been stolen from a high school in Nova Scotia, lol
Best drum groove from Jerry Mercer was on "Say Hello".
Yup I did a cover of that one after hearing it!
They played at one of my high school dances in Ontario Canada, probably 1973.
Great memories Stephen!
lol my kids growing up called this the train song! needless to say i listened to classic rock all the time in my vehicles!
That's the way!!!
I used to live down the street from Jerry. A really nice guy. The bell sound is a red 12 inch fire bell. The wall mounted type that were common in schools.
Hard to believe, but April Wine played my high school in east Toronto twice in the very early 1970s. Yep, for a couple of bucks and an SAC card, you got to see April Wine absolutely rock out in the school gym. I was on the dance committee, so I got in free of course. I learned a helluva lot about how to setup a PA system, how a soundboard and lighting worked. How gear was unloaded and loaded after the gig. Got to be a gopher for bands that played our school. Other bands that played my school were Lighthouse, Crowbar, Fludd, A Foot In Cold Water. But the best by far was April Wine. The second time they played there iirc they did 4 encores. I felt a certain sense of pride when I saw them a few years later opening for Humble Pie at Maple Leaf Gardens, T-Rex the CNE, and again in 1979 on the same bill as Aerosmith and Ted Nugent for 50,000 people. And to think I'd seen them in my school gym for nothing.
April Wine Takes me back to the teen years in the mid 70s in the Vancouver area
I was 12 when this came out, so it's an essential part of my musical experience. And it was insanely huge in Canada. One of many hits here. I saw them in 1981-ish, and it was a great show. I'm happy that their music is appreciated worldwide.
believe that they band used the fire alarm from the studio wall to record on a whim-they were looking for some kind of different effect so tried that
Hey,...Jerry Mercer used a outdoor alarm bell making it sound like a cymbal.
Yep, they were pretty good back in the day. Live version rips. Saw them with Styx.
The intro to this song was used in the Canadian Lotto 649 TV and radio commercials all through the '90's and into the early 2000s. That fire bell intro is indelibly imprinted on anyone who watched TV in Canada in those years. I've seen them 3 times and they were always absolutely incredible live even the last time when they were all in their late '60's. April wine is one of those bands that if anyone asks you to name an April Wine song you might sort of be not so sure, but if you see them live you know 80 percent of the songs they play. You should check out another great Canadian band called Chilliwack. The drumming in that band is also very interesting and exceedingly well crafted.
Watched Jerry Mercer from side stage around 2007... he was on fire that night, such an underrated drummer.
If you want to see and hear Jerry Mercer live.... You have to check out April Wine I like to rock live Hammersmith 1981. Previous to AW he drummed for Mashmakhan and Roy Buchanan. All the best
Not just a regular bell, a CN train crossing bell!! formed in Waverly, Nova Scotia,Canada!! Great Reaction Video! "From A Life long fan!
I could be wrong, but I heard that it was a fire bell that was stolen from a high school in Nova Scotia. Leastwise, that was what I was told when I lived in Nova Scotia when this song was released.
Watch the documentary that just came out. They tell you what bell they used
April Wine - Cedar Rapids Iowa (1982 concert)
at 23 minutes there's a 6 minute jerry mercer drum solo with overhead cameras.
thats a great recording-good sound and video
Jerry Mercer is a legend in Montreal. His first recording band was Mashmakhan (As the years go by). He used to tour bars on his own, just him and his drum kit This was, I assume, after Mashmakhan broke up as this is when my older brother and cousins saw him play. I first saw April Wine in 72 or 73 in a high school gym. They were, with Offenbach, the only "name" bands that played high schools. Saw both bands a dozen times in the seventies going from high school gyms to the Montreal Forum.
stand back was a 8 track staple for us when back road cruising
Awesome reaction ! - might be time to watch a live performance so you get a look at the band with often 3 guitars and the great ( self taught) drummer Jerry Mercer
If I remember correctly, he’s not using the bell of a cymbal, he’s actually using a real school bell or boxing bell…I have an olllld manual brass boxing bell, it is HEAVY for its size, and it sounds exactly like this.
Just looked it up, and for live performances they used a fire bell, along with the rotating red lights.
Love this band , part of my musical roots. so many great songs, ok not one bad one but by far my favorite has to be Cats Claw. there is no studio version of it just one live. lyrics are extremely taboo plus it is a musical masterpiece
Cats Claw Studio version is on the Electric Jewels album.
@@danhurley2274 I stand corrected. Thank you. I seem to have forgotten that one..To my defense , the live is so much better
@@dancan6622 No worries good sir. Electric Jewels is one of my fave April Wine albums. Used to see the live every six months or so in my misspent youth.They always put on a great show.
@@danhurley2274 Only got to see them a couple times but definatly prefer thee older mere original stuff
Great!!!!
Yes there are more good Canadian drummers besides Neil Peart!
I would love for you to do a reaction to Streetheart's "Action", it will be right up your alley.
Here's the best audio version I can find on UA-cam:
ua-cam.com/video/tgip7AIQXyU/v-deo.html
Mathew Frenette is a great drummer. He then went from Streetheart to Loverboy.
Give a listen to another Canadian band Triumph "Lay It On The Line" their official video is the best.
Outside of Canada people dont realize these guys are as big as Rush world round if not maybe a slight bit bigger than them
I'm digging them so far!
They were huge in St. Louis Missouri. Still played on tge radio and I drove 11 hours to see them in STL in Sept. Saw the 3 times in 3 months!
Great album. Come hear the band
sign of the gypsy queen has a live video, it's more rockin and ends with a bit of a drum solo.
saw the "Stand Back" tour, what a blast. the cannon on the cover blasted glitter confetti about half way down the concert hall. this is part of what made them fantastic!!
I caught that very same concert/tour in Swift Current...still remember that cannon, great time!
Andrew, check out Jerry on their official Before the Dawn video. He's such a great clean pro on the kit.
Thats my favorite AW song
You should contact Jerry. Hes always up to talking drumming. One of tge nicest guys I've ever known. My kids think the world of him!!
should have been a lady
I am canadian and April Wine never made it to stadium status but had more hit songs and more songs played on the radio then most bands.
California World Music Festival
Great band great record. That cannon was not a prop, it was real and they set it off during their concerts for this album tour. I know that because I standing in front of the stage when it went off. My ears rang for 2 days afterwards.
Wtf!?
First time listener haven't checked out all your comments yet. But if you haven't already could you do the full album On record, buy April wine. It's one of those albums you like to play in the car on a long trip