1/14/23 In Memoriam: Robbie Bachman (1953 – 2023)

Robin Peter Kendall Bachman (February 18, 1953 – January 12, 2023) was a Canadian drummer and the youngest brother of guitarist, singer and songwriter Randy Bachman. He was the original drummer for both the Brave Belt and Bachman–Turner Overdrive bands. He also was sometimes credited as “Robbie” or “Rob” on the liner notes of Brave Belt and BTO albums.

While growing up, Bachman practiced the drums at home, often playing along with his older brother Randy. When Robbie was age 18, Randy offered him the Brave Belt drumming job, and Robbie accepted. Other members of Brave Belt were Chad Allan and Fred Turner. In 1972, another Bachman brother, Tim, joined Brave Belt after the departure of Allan.

When Brave Belt changed their name to Bachman–Turner Overdrive in 1973, Robbie was credited with designing the BTO ‘gear’ logo. BTO enjoyed a period of peak popularity between 1973 and 1976, releasing five Top 40 albums and six U.S. Top 40 singles (eleven in Canada). Robbie co-wrote (with Fred Turner) one of Bachman–Turner Overdrive’s biggest hits, “Roll On down the Highway” (Billboard No. 14 and RPM No. 4 in 1975). He remained with BTO until late 1979, after their tour supporting the 1979 album Rock n’ Roll Nights had ended.

In 1984, Robbie declined to join a reformation of BTO due to licensing issues with brother Randy. He also opposed Randy’s decision to include Tim Bachman as the second guitarist, instead of Blair Thornton. He was replaced on that 1984 album and subsequent tours by former Guess Who drummer Garry Peterson. Robbie later rejoined the Not Fragile line up of BTO for a reunion lasting from 1988 until 1991. In 1991, Randy Bachman left the band and the rest of the group, with replacement guitarist/vocalist Randy Murray, toured as BTO until the end of 2004.

In 2009, Fred Turner and Randy Bachman reunited and began recording a new album, which was released in September 2010 under the name “Bachman & Turner” to coincide with a world tour. Robin Bachman and Blair Thornton had brought a lawsuit against Randy Bachman in an effort to prevent him and Turner from touring under the Bachman–Turner Overdrive or BTO name.

Bachman was semi-retired following BTO’s last live shows in 2004. He was the uncle of musician Tal Bachman.

Bachman died on January 12, 2023, at the age of 69. He is survived by wife Chrissy. His death was confirmed by his brother and bandmate Randy Bachman, without providing the cause of death.

Tuesday 9/27/22 10am ET: Feature Artist / Feature LP: Bachman Turner Overdrive – BTO’s Greatest (1986)

Bachman–Turner Overdrive, often abbreviated as BTO, were a Canadian rock band from Winnipeg, Manitoba founded by Randy Bachman, Robbie Bachman and Fred Turner. Their 1970s catalogue included five Top 40 albums and six US Top 40 singles (eleven in Canada). BTO has five certified Gold albums and one certified Platinum album in the US; in Canada, they have six certified Platinum albums and one certified Gold album. The band has sold nearly 30 million albums worldwide, and has fans affectionately known as “gearheads” (derived from the band’s gear-shaped logo). Many of their songs, including “Let It Ride”, “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet”, “Takin’ Care of Business”, “Hey You”, and “Roll on Down the Highway”, still receive play on classic-rock stations.

The original lineup consisted of Randy Bachman (lead guitar, lead vocals), Fred Turner (bass guitar, lead vocals), Tim Bachman (guitar, vocals) and Robbie Bachman (drums). This lineup released two albums in 1973. The second and most commercially successful lineup featured Blair Thornton (lead guitar), in place of Tim Bachman. This lineup released four albums between 1974 and 1977, including two that reached the Top 5 in the U.S. pop charts, as well as the band’s only U.S. No. 1 single (“You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet”). Subsequent lineups enjoyed only moderate success.

After the band went into a hiatus in 2005, Randy Bachman and Fred Turner reunited in 2009 to tour and collaborate on a new album. In 2010, they played the halftime show at the Grey Cup in Edmonton. The two stopped touring following Turner’s amicable retirement in March 2018.

On March 29, 2014, the classic Not Fragile line-up reunited for the first time since 1991 to mark Bachman–Turner Overdrive’s induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and participated in a tribute performance of “Taking Care of Business”.

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BTO’s Greatest is a U.S. CD-only compilation album by Bachman–Turner Overdrive. It was released in 1986 by Mercury Records. It was released in Europe also on vinyl.

“Looking Out for No.1” 5:20
“Roll On Down the Highway” 3:55
“Hey You” 3:34
“Freeways” 4:56
“Takin’ Care of Business” 4:52
“Down, Down” 4:20
“You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” 3:38
“Let It Ride” 4:28
“Flat Broke Love” 3:57
“Can We All Come Together” 5:50
“Rock and Roll Nights” 5:19
“Jamaica” 4:09

Monday 5/24/21 2pm ET: Sounds of The 70’s

Monday 5/17/21 2pm ET: Sounds of The 70’s

This week we feature music from Jethro Tull, Thin Lizzy, Paper Lace, Cher, Bad Company, Rare Earth, CCR, Jim Croce, Eddie Floyd, Elton John, BTO, Miracles, Big Star, Diana Ross and more . . .

Tuesday 11pm ET: Feature LP: Bachman Turner Overdrive – Gold (2005)

Bachman–Turner Overdrive Gold is a compilation album by Bachman–Turner Overdrive. It was released in 2005 by Mercury Records.

“Gimme Your Money Please”
“Hold Back the Water”
“Blue Collar”
“Little Gandy Dancer”
“Stayed Awake All Night”
“Don’t Get Yourself in Trouble”
“Thank You for the Feelin'”
“Takin’ Care of Business”
“Give it Time”
“Welcome Home”
“Let it Ride”
“You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet”
“Not Fragile”
“Rock Is My Life, and This Is My Song”
“Roll on Down the Highway”
“Free Wheelin'”
“Blue Moanin'”
“Four-Wheel Drive”
“Hey You”
“Flat Broke Love”
“She’s Keepin’ Time”
“Quick Change Artist”
“Don’t Let the Blues Get You Down”
“Find Out About Love”
“It’s Over”
“Take It Like a Man”
“Lookin’ Out for #1”
“Away from Home”
“Down to the Line”
“Life Still Goes On [I’m Lonely]”
“Shotgun Rider”
“My Wheels Won’t Turn”
“Down, Down”
“Down the Road”
“Heartaches”