RIP Jim Clench, Bassist for April Wine and B.T.O.
Jim Clench, a bassist from Montreal who performed with April Wine and Bachman Turner Overdrive, has passed away at the age of 61. Clench had been battling lung cancer.
Clench was with April Wine from 1970 until 1975, performing on the band’s hits including “You Could Have Been a Lady” and “The Whole World’s Goin’ Crazy”.
After his break from April Wine, Clench performed with Bachman Turner Overdrive, starting in 1977 when Randy Bachman left the band to pursue a solo career. Clench remained with the band until they officially broke up in 1979.
He later rejoined April Wine as it regained popularity in 1992, and left the band again in 2006.
April Wine singer/guitarist Myles Goodwyn posted a note on April Wine’s website, reflecting on the bassist:
“The news of Jims’ death has left me numb and like many others I’m sure… melancholy. I met Jim in 1970 the year April Wine came to Montreal from Nova Scotia. When Jim Henman left April Wine in 1971, I asked Jim to join the group which he did, and so began an amazing 19 year fraternity.
“He was a hell of a bass player and possessed one of the most unique voices in rock. I had the pleasure of writing songs with him in the 70’s, although my most-liked songs of his, he penned alone… Oowatanite, Cat’s Claw and my personal fave, You Opened Up My Eyes.
“Jim was one of the smartest, funniest and most giving persons I ever met. When Jim passed on, on Monday, he left a lot of friends and fans saddened. His illness was sudden, and a surprise to myself and to the other members of April Wine. I’m sorry that I didn’t have a chance to personally say goodbye. Perhaps we’ll get the chance to say hello again some day… and write some more tunes together. Rest in peace Jimmy.”
RIP
R.I.P. Jimmy..Thank you for the great music and memories xo
I cant belive it!!. I was on line here and out of the blue I typed Jims name on search, and this is what meets my eyes? I met Jim in Moncton N.B. in 1997. April Wine was playing at Chevys. I went to see them,and after the show, I happened to meet Jimmy. We had an incredible 3 hour talk about music his days with B.T.O., and Wine. I can be and am thankful that I got to meet him and have such a lengthy talk with him. Ill always remember that, thanks for all the great songs Jim, thanks for everything you brought to music and humanity. Ill miss you for a long time to come.