Bachman-Turner Overdrive

Bachman-Turner Overdrive Artistfacts

  • 1972-1979, 1983-2005, 2023-
    Randy BachmanGuitar, vocals1972-1977, 1983-1991, 2023-
    Tim BachmanGuitar1972-1974
    Robbie BachmanDrums1972-2005
    C. Fred TurnerBass, vocals1972-2005
    Blair ThorntonGuitar1974-2005
    Jim ClenchBass, vocals1977-1979
  • Randy Bachman was a member of the Guess Who before forming Bachman-Turner Overdrive. He left in 1970, at the height of their success, amid health problems and disagreements with his bandmates. His Mormon beliefs put him at odds with their partying lifestyle.
  • Bachman-Turner Overdrive grew out of Brave Belt, a country-rock band Randy Bachman formed in 1971 with former Guess Who singer Chad Allan and his brother Robbie on drums. Fred Turner and Tim Bachman joined later, and the group became Bachman-Turner Overdrive in 1973.
  • Randy Bachman's Mormon lifestyle (no drugs or alcohol - or even coffee or tea) influenced BTO's life on the road. A 1975 Rolling Stone profile described them as a band that drank soda before shows and followed strict rules against drinking and smoking on tour. Bachman saw their disciplined approach as a way to avoid the problems he experienced with the Guess Who.
  • The name is a combination of the Bachman brothers' surname and Overdrive, the trucker magazine. Legend has it that Randy and Frank were sitting around a table at a Husky Restaurant (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."
  • According to Randy Bachman, BTO were rejected by 22 record companies before being signed to Mercury Records. He kept the rejection letters.
  • After leaving BTO, Randy Bachman formed Ironhorse, which released two albums: Ironhorse in 1979 and Everything Is Grey in 1980.
  • Randy Bachman's son, Tal, is also a singer. He had a hit in 1999 with "She's So High."
  • When Randy Bachman left in 1977, the remaining members continued as BTO. Randy returned for a reunion in 1983 and left again in 1991. In 2009, he reunited with Fred Turner under the name Bachman & Turner. Randy revived Bachman-Turner Overdrive in 2023 with a lineup that included his son Tal.
  • They opened for Van Halen on their 1986 5150 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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