Bachman-Turner Overdrive
In 1970, Randy Bachman left the highly successful Canadian rock band The Guess Who and formed Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) in 1972. Originally named "Brave Belt," the group consisted of Bachman, Guess Who Alum Chad Allen, bassist C.F. Turner and Robbie Bachman (Randy's brother). After two albums as Brave belt, Allan was replaced by another Bachman, Tim and in honor of the trucker magazine "Overdrive," the band became BTO.
BTO released a self-named lp in 1973, but it was their second release BTO II that proved that they belonged in the pop/rock mainstream. Their first hit "Let It Ride" was only a precursor to what followed. The album also yielded one of their best remembered singles "Takin' Care Of Business," an anthem blue-collar song that primed them for their arena rock stardom. The single reached number twelve and spent ten weeks on the American Billboard Top 40 Charts.
Mixing their formula of hard-edged guitar riffs and a smooth backbeat, BTO released the lp "Not Fragile" which was their biggest selling release and produced their only number one single, the whimsical "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" as well as the hit "Rollin' Down The Highway."
The band displayed their versatility with the next album "Four Wheel Drive," filled with textured four-chord work by Bachman and their now famous unique sound to produce the hit "Hey You," which became a FM rock and roll staple.
Subsequent albums released in the 1970's could not match their commercial success of prior lps, but were critically acclaimed and well received. A live album, appropriately called "Japan Tour Live" was released in 1977 and was one of the first "live albums" taped in Japan. This was followed by a compilation album "Best Of BTO (So Far)." In 1977, the band released "Freeway" and problems within the band and the musical direction of the group caused Randy Bachman to leave the group. He was replaced by April Wine's Jim Clench on bass with Turner switching to rhythm guitar and the legal issues (they used the name BTO) started. The group released a couple of albums (Street Action and Rock And Roll Nights), but the magic of one of Canada's finest rock bands was gone.
In 1984 Randy rejoined the group for a self-titled release that was met with praise but failed to produce any singles. The group disbanded again with all the members taking time to pursue other projects.
BTO reformed again in 1991 without Randy Bachman and has continued to tour with their present lineup. But without the founder and soul of the band Randy Bachman, the group has become a novelty act.
Author Robert Benson writes about rock/pop music, vinyl record collecting and operates www.collectingvinylrecords.com, where you can secure your copy of his ebook called "The Fascinating Hobby Of Vinyl Record Collecting." Robert can be contacted at robert@collectingvinylrecords.com.