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.
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