Bachman-Turner Overdrive – Biography, Songs, Albums, Discography & Facts

Bachman-Turner Overdrive Biography

Bachman–Turner Overdrive, sometimes known as BTO, was a Canadian rock band from Winnipeg, Manitoba, formed in 1973 by Randy Bachman, Robbie Bachman, and Fred Turner. They had five Top 40 albums and six US Top 40 singles in the 1970s (eleven in Canada). In the United States, BTO has five Gold albums and one Platinum album, while in Canada, they have six Platinum albums and one Gold album. The band’s fans are popularly known as “gearheads” (named from the band’s gear-shaped logo) and have sold approximately 30 million CDs worldwide. Many of their songs, such as “Let It Ride,” “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet,” “Takin’ Care of Business,” “Hey You,” and “Roll on Down the Highway,” continue to be played on classic rock radio stations.

Randy Bachman (lead guitar, lead vocals), Fred Turner (bass guitar, lead vocals), Tim Bachman (guitar, vocals), and Robbie Bachman (drums) made up the initial lineup (drums). In 1973, this group issued two albums. Blair Thornton (lead guitar) replaced Tim Bachman in the second and most commercially successful lineup. Between 1974 and 1977, this lineup released four albums, two of which reached the Top 5 on the US pop charts, as well as the band’s lone No. 1 single (“You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet”). Following lineups were just moderately successful.

The Bachman–Turner Overdrive was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2003. The band would have had to perform as the Not Fragile line-up, which would have required Randy Bachman to join the band for that performance. At the moment, the current edition of BTO turned down the invitation unless they could be inducted as “BTO” without Randy Bachman on stage. The band was not inducted because the Hall declined (the “classic” lineup of Randy Bachman, Fred Turner, Blair Thornton and Robbie Bachman would eventually be inducted – by astronaut Chris Hadfield – in 2014).

Randy Bachman and Fred Turner reunited in 2009 to perform and collaborate on a new record after the band went on hiatus in 2005. They performed at the Grey Cup halftime show in Edmonton in 2010.Following Turner’s amicable retirement in March 2018, the two stopped touring.

The classic Not Fragile lineup reunited for the first time since 1991 on March 29, 2014, to commemorate Bachman–Turner Overdrive’s induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and performed “Taking Care of Business” as a tribute.

BTO issued another compilation set in 2013, Bachman–Turner Overdrive: 40th Anniversary, to capitalize on the recent Bachman & Turner record and supporting shows. On two CDs, there are 26 tracks. The majority of the songs had previously been released, but there were four new ones, including “Rough Ride” from the 1984 BTO reunion album sessions and “West Coast Turnaround” from the 1975 Head On sessions. One Brave Belt song (“Never Comin’ Home”) is included on the CD collection, while eight tracks on disc two are from the long-out-of-print B.T.O. Live – Japan Tour album from 1976. Live versions of “Blue Collar” and “Give It Time,” recorded during the same Japan concerts but not included on the vinyl edition, are also included on disc two. Randy Bachman announced Fred Turner’s retirement from touring on March 10, 2018.

Some of their awards and nominations include: Juno Award winner, Most Promising Group of the Year in 1974, Juno Award winner, Group of the Year in 1975, 1976, and 1978, Guitar Magazine, “Takin’ Care of Business” rated at number 10 in top 100 most covered songs in 2008, and in 2014, the Canadian Music Hall of Fame (Inductee).

Bachman-Turner Overdrive Discography

BTOSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Rock n’ Roll Nights AppleYouTube
Street Action Apple
Freeways AppleYouTubeAmazon
Head On SpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Four Wheel Drive SpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Not Fragile SpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Bachman–Turner Overdrive IISpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Bachman–Turner OverdriveSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon

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Frequently Asked Questions

Bachman-Turner Overdrive?

Bachman-Turner Overdrive is a Canadian rock group from Winnipeg, Manitoba whose members include guitarists Randy Bachman and Fred Turner, drummer Robbie Bachman, bassist Bill Wallace, and keyboardist Blair Thornton. Formed in 1972 from the remains of the Guess Who, BTO (as it’s known for short) had a string of successful albums in the 1970s, including “Not Fragile,” “Four Wheel Drive” and “Head On.” Their signature hits include “Let It Ride,” “Roll on Down the Highway” and “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet.” In spite of their success, BTO parted ways in 1976, with Randy Bachman going on to found the band Brave Belt and then becoming a successful solo artist.

What Was Bachman-Turner Overdrive Biggest Hit?

The biggest hit for the Canadian rock band Bachman-Turner Overdrive was a song called “Takin’ Care of Business.” This track appeared on their 1974 album, Not Fragile, and quickly became one of their most popular songs. It continues to be played today at sporting events and on classic rock radio stations around the world.

Who Was The Lead Singer For Bachman Turner Overdrive?

The biggest hit for the Canadian rock band Bachman-Turner Overdrive was a song called “Takin’ Care of Business.” This track appeared on their 1974 album, Not Fragile, and quickly became one of their most popular songs. It continues to be played today at sporting events and on classic rock radio stations around the world.

Who Sang In Bachman-Turner Overdrive?

The band Bachman-Turner Overdrive was fronted by singer-songwriter-guitarist Randy Bachman. He sang lead vocals on most of the band’s songs, including their biggest hits “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” and “Takin’ Care of Business.” Bassist C.F. Turner also contributed lead vocals to a number of the band’s songs, including “Let It Ride” and “Roll On Down The Highway.

Most Searched For Bachman-Turner Overdrive Songs

You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet SpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Taking care of business SpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Let It Ride SpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Roll On Down The Highway SpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Hold Back The Water SpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Down Down SpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Gimme Your Money Please SpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Not Fragile SpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
It’s overSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
FreewaysSpotifyAppleYouTube