April Wine is shown in an undated concert photo. Goodwyn fronted the group for more than five decades. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
April Wine songs such as Tonite Is a Wonderful Time to Fall in Love, Oowatanite and Just Between You and Meare an essential part of Canadiana.
While Goodwyn fronted April Wine for more than five decades, his last show with the band was March 2 in Truro, N.S. He continued to be involved with the group, helping manage the band and writing material for a new album.
Goodwyn told CBC earlier this year that he was tired of travelling in airports and living out of a suitcase.
“The lifestyle is not healthy for me anymore,” said Goodwyn, who had diabetes.
Previous health issues
In 2008, he was hospitalized after he collapsed on his way to a Quebec airport. Alcohol abuse had taken its toll; Goodwyn had internal bleeding and nearly died.
After months of rehab, Goodwyn said he realized there were things he wanted to do, such as write an autobiography, Just Between You and Me, which was released in 2016, and put out a blues album, Friends of the Blues.
One of the songs on that album was called I Ain’t Gonna Bath In the Kitchen Anymore, an autobiographical tune that referenced childhood details such as the lack of running water at their Waverley, N.S., home and hitchhiking to church on Sundays.
While Goodwyn was born in New Brunswick, he was raised in Nova Scotia. He also lived in Quebec for decades.
Goodwyn told CBC earlier this year that he wasn’t ready to truly retire.
“I still don’t want to give all that up,” he said. “I can’t imagine the day when I don’t do these things.”