Jim Clench

James Patrick Clench (May 1, 1949 – November 3, 2010) was a Canadian bassist, vocalist and songwriter best known for his roles in the Canadian rock bands April Wine and Bachman–Turner Overdrive.[4][5]

Jim Clench
Birth nameJames Patrick Clench[1]
Born(1949-05-01)May 1, 1949[2]
OriginCanada
DiedNovember 3, 2010(2010-11-03) (aged 61)
Montreal, Quebec, Canada[3]
GenresRock
Occupation(s)Musician
InstrumentsBass, vocals
Years active1971–2006
Associated actsApril Wine, Bachman–Turner Overdrive, Loverboy, 451 Degrees

With April Wine (first run)

Clench was asked to join April Wine after their original bassist Jim Henman decided to leave the band in October 1971.[6][7] Although Myles Goodwyn was April Wine's primary lead singer, Clench was lead vocalist on songs such as the hit singles "Oowatanite" (which he also wrote) and "Weeping Widow".[7] In 1975,[3][8] after recording three studio albums and one live, Clench decided to leave April Wine and was replaced by former Mashmakhan bassist Steve Lang.[6]

Early April Wine albums recorded with Clench include; On Record (1972), Electric Jewels (1973), Live! (1974), and Stand Back (1975), which was released just before he left the band.

With Bachman–Turner Overdrive

In 1978, Clench was asked to join Bachman–Turner Overdrive to replace Randy Bachman, who decided to start a solo career.[9] Clench was with BTO until its first breakup in 1979, appearing on the albums Street Action (1978) and Rock n' Roll Nights (1979). In addition to playing bass, Clench shared lead vocal duties with Fred Turner and wrote multiple songs for these two albums.[10]

Shortly afterwards, Clench also appeared as a guest musician on Bryan Adams's 1980 debut album.[10][11]

In 1980, Clench formed and toured with his own group, 451 Degrees. They released one album in Canada only. A video of their hit song, "Don't Walk", is available on YouTube.

Jim also appeared in Loverboy, who made their live debut opening for Kiss at Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, B.C. on November 19, 1979. Shortly after this show, Clench was replaced by Scott Smith.

With April Wine (second run)

In 1992, April Wine reformed and Clench accepted an invitation to rejoin.[6] He then took part in four more studio albums recorded after the reformation. Those albums include; Attitude (1993), Frigate (1994), Back to the Mansion (2001), and Roughly Speaking (2006). Clench also appears on April Wine's Greatest Hits Live 2003.

In late 2006, Clench once again left April Wine, and was replaced by former Brutus/Offenbach bassist Breen LeBoeuf at the beginning of 2007.[12][13]

Death

On November 3, 2010,[1][10] Clench died in a Montreal hospital after a battle with stage 4 lung cancer.[3][8]

References
  1. "The Gazette (Montreal) – Obituaries". Legacy.com via MontrealGazette.com. Retrieved November 5, 2010.
  2. "April Wine – Jim Clench biography". AprilWine.ca. Archived from the original on November 7, 2010. Retrieved November 5, 2010.
  3. "April Wine and BTO former bassist Jim Clench dies". Toronto: TheStar.com. November 5, 2010. Retrieved November 5, 2010.
  4. "Jim Clench – AllMusic". AllMusic.com. Retrieved November 4, 2010.
  5. "April Wine's Clench dead at 61 – Canada – TheChronicleHerald.ca". TheChronicleHerald.ca. Archived from the original on November 17, 2010. Retrieved November 16, 2010.
  6. "CANOE – JAM! Music – Pop Encyclopedia – April Wine". Jam.canoe.ca. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  7. "Quintessential Canadian rockers April Wine to be inducted to Canadian Music Hall of Fame". JunoAwards.ca. Archived from the original on September 26, 2010. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  8. "CBC News – Music – April Wine, BTO musician Jim Clench dies". CBC.ca. November 5, 2010. Retrieved November 5, 2010.
  9. "CANOE – JAM! Music – Pop Encyclopedia – Bachman Turner Overdrive". Jam.canoe.ca. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  10. "Lives Remembered – Telegraph – Jim Clench". London: Telegraph.co.uk. November 10, 2010. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  11. "Bryan Adams – Bryan Adams – AllMusic". AllMusic.com. Retrieved November 13, 2010.
  12. "Southwestern Ontario – April Wine plays show at Trilogy, Friday". Walkerton.com. Archived from the original on July 17, 2011. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  13. "April Wine – The official website". AprilWine.ca. Retrieved November 4, 2010.
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