ROCK MOMENT – April Wine ‘I Like To Rock’

Released in 1979 on the album Harder… Faster, ‘I Like to Rock’ became one of the signature songs from Canadian rock legends April Wine. The track captured everything fans loved about the band: hard-driving guitar riffs, arena-sized energy, and a polished sound that blended classic rock with the heavier edge emerging at the end of the 1970s. Written by lead singer and guitarist Myles Goodwyn, the song helped cement April Wine’s reputation as one of Canada’s premier rock exports.

The inspiration behind ‘I Like to Rock’ was fairly straightforward. Goodwyn wanted to write a pure rock anthem — something simple, loud, and celebratory that connected with live audiences immediately. At the time, disco still dominated radio, but hard rock bands were fighting back with songs built around guitar hooks and rebellious energy. ‘I Like to Rock’ fit perfectly into that movement. Rather than relying on complicated lyrics, the song embraced the idea that rock music itself was a lifestyle and an escape.

One of the most famous aspects of the song is its clever guitar arrangement. During the instrumental break, April Wine incorporated riffs inspired by Day Tripper and Satisfaction. Instead of sounding like imitation, the combination felt like a tribute to the roots of rock and roll. Fans and critics alike praised the way the band wove those legendary riffs into their own hard-rock sound. The layered guitar work became one of the defining features of the track and showcased the band’s musicianship.

‘I Like to Rock’ also arrived during April Wine’s commercial peak. The band had already built a strong following in Canada, but songs like this helped them gain greater exposure in the United States. The track became a staple of FM rock radio and an essential part of the band’s live shows. Concert audiences responded instantly to its opening riff and chant-like chorus, turning it into one of those songs designed for packed arenas and raised fists.

Over the years, ‘I Like to Rock’ has remained one of April Wine’s most enduring songs. It continues to appear on classic rock playlists and compilation albums, representing an era when guitar-driven rock ruled the airwaves. More than four decades later, the song still captures the raw excitement of late-1970s arena rock and stands as a testament to April Wine’s ability to create music that was both powerful and timeless.