Bachman-Turner Overdrive

Formed: 1972 in Winnipeg, Canada Disbanded: 1979

Group Members:

Chad Allan, Randy Bachman, Robbie Bachman, Tim Bachman, Jim Clench, Blair Thornton, C.F. Turner

The Canadian classic rock group Bachman-Turner Overdrive was formed in Vancouver, BC as the band Brave Belt in 1970 by ex-Guess Who guitarist Randy Bachman (vocals/bass), his brothers Robbie (drums), and guitarists Fred Turner and Chad Allen (who was also from Guess Who). Brave Belt signed to Reprise Records in 1971 and released an eponymous debut within a month but did not strike it big. Later that year Brave Belt II also failed to chart, leaving the band's future in question. With Chad Allen replaced by another Bachman brother, Tim, the group adopted a heavier sound and changed its name to Bachman-Turner Overdrive. (Allen went on to a solo career and later became a Christian rocker.)
Now signed to Mercury records, the quartet made their new debut with a self-titled album, quickly followed by the hit 1973 release Bachman-Turner Overdrive II, which contained the Canadian and U.S. Top 40 single "Takin' Care of Business." 1974's Not Fragile and it's No. 1 single "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" catapulted the group to stardom, but after the release of the 1975 albums Four Wheel Drive and Head On Randy Bachman left the group to pursue other interests. Bachman was replaced by former April Wine bassist Jim Clench and vocalist Blair Thornton; the group released three more albums as Bachman-Turner Overdrive before shortening their name to BTO and releasing Rock 'N' Roll Nights in 1979. Randy Bachman went on to a solo career, also performing with the groups Ironhorse and Union, but BTO the band broke up in 1980. An incarnation of Bachman-Turner Overdrive/BTO toured during the late '80s and early '90s, performing at municipal fairs and oldies clubs.

Discography:

Album
Reflection
2003 From the Front Row: Live
2003 Head On [Bonus Track]
2000 Live
1998 King Biscuit Flower Hour
1986 Overdrive
1986 Live!-Live!-Live!
1984 Bachman-Turner Overdrive [1984]
1979 Rock n' Roll Nights
1978 Street Action
1977 Freeways
1975 Four Wheel Drive
1975 Head On
1975 As Brave Belt
1974 Not Fragile
1973 Bachman-Turner Overdrive [1973]
1973 Bachman-Turner Overdrive II