Bachman-Turner Overdrive

Bachman-Turner Overdrive Artistfacts

  • 1972-1977, 1983-2018
    Randy BachmanGuitar, vocals1972-1977, 1983-1991, 2009-2018
    Tim BachmanGuitar1972-1973
    Robbie BachmanDrums1972-2005
    C. Fred TurnerBass, vocals1972-2018
    Blair ThorntonGuitar1973-2005
    Jim ClenchBass, vocals1977-1979
  • Randy Bachman was a member of the Guess Who before forming this band. He left at the peak of their popularity due to his religious beliefs.
  • The band originally started as Brave Belt (before Tim Bachman and Turner joined).
  • On the BTO website, Robin Bachman claims that only Randy was ever a Mormon (That means no drugs or alcohol - or even coffee or tea). As leader of the band, Randy pushed the idea that they were all Mormon on the media even though it wasn't true. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jim - Aurora, CO
  • The name is a combination of the members' last names and Overdrive, the trucker magazine. Legend has it that Randy and Frank were sitting around a table at a Husky Restaurant (which is a big "Truck Stop" chain in Canada) and they were trying to think of a name for the band. Randy was reading the magazine and said as a joke, "We should name ourselves Overdrive." >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Mark McKenzie - Windsor, Canada
  • BTO was rejected by 25 record companies before being signed to Mercury Records.
  • Randy Bachman would later form Ironhorse, which released two albums.
  • Randy Bachman's son, Tal, is also a singer. He had a hit in 1999 with "She's So High." >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Dan - West Hartford, CT
  • When Randy Bachman left in 1977, the band continued as "BTO." Bachman returned in 1983, and the band has toured and recorded sporadically since.
  • They opened for Van Halen in 1986 on an 11-month tour. This was Van Halen's first excursion with new lead singer Sammy Hagar, who wanted BTO to blast out hits to get the crowd fired up. Van Halen would take the stage minutes later, leaving no time for the crowd to think about David Lee Roth.

Comments: 7

  • Brian Preece from Stockport, UkIn the list of TV programmes, you missed out that it was the track Smashy and Nicey used to play at the end of their sketches in Harry Enfield’s TV Programme
  • Jeff Michaels from Rochester NyBob from Schenectady... it's actually BACK-MAN
  • Bob from Schenectady, NyRandy's last name is pronounced "batch-man". It was American DJ's who forced it to be pronounced "bock-man". Randy has stated that the band can be called 'bock-man' but he is still 'batch-man'.
  • Tom from Philly, NjTop notch band.. songs we well produced fro the times... "aint seen nothin yet" was ahead of it's time!


    Tom Lesko
    Seance 1982
  • Warrinder from A TownTim Bachman's son is my guitar teacher. He's gone on tour with B.T.O. and he goes with his unle when he does solo stuff. He got to meet Ringo Starr when Randy toured with Super Bands. He does drink coffee.
  • Willard from Pittsfield, Ili thought they were a great early rock band with there own distinct sound!!
  • Brett from Edmonton, CanadaAre they in the rock 'n' roll hall of fame?
see more comments

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