After an extended absence from the North American music scene Randy Bachman and Fred Turner are fresh out of the studio and back on the road after parting ways in the late 1970’s. The bombastic pair from Winnipeg’s North End once formed the backbone of the guitar heavy rock group Bachman-Turner Overdrive.
Randy Bachman and Fred Turner (Photo - Dan Harper)
In the new self titled album, Bachman and Turner go to great lengths to prove that they still have what it takes to Take Care of Business and get the kids up dancing. Recorded on vintage equipment the album does definitely have that old school sound. The opening track and their first single together in over twenty years, Rollin’ Along has a well produced slick quality that overlays a core of hardcore classic blues based rock and roll.
Both seem reinvigorated by early success of Rollin’ Along and have started touring around the world hitting rock festivals in Europe and North America, despite being in their 60’s they are Not Fragile. In a quote from the Bachman and Turner website Randy says. “I’m thrilled to be working on new music with Fred, and I feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. I feel like I’m coming full circle, with a completeness that I never ever thought I’d feel again.”
Speaking personally I’m overjoyed to see these two legends working together again. I saw Bachman-Turner Overdrive live at Assiniboia Downs Racetrack as a teenager in the mid 80’s during one of the bands short-lived reunions.
Hearing them play You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet live in an open air setting was one of my first concert experiences. Unfortunately being from a small town and not acquainted to big city rock and roll I didn’t appreciate the experience as I should have. In later years I grew to love that Winnipeg sound typified by BTO, The Guess Who and Neil Young.
I wish our boys from the North End much success in this latest greatest adventure, keep that Winnipeg sound alive where ever you travel. Just keep Rollin’ Along.
Bachman and Turner Live (Photo - Awais Butt)
Bob
Exploring Winnipeg and Beyond. 
I was a rhythm guitarist in the early Winnipeg music scene. At times I hosted stages, and recall Fred Turner being on the stage, as well as social interaction with members of his associated groups over the years. I stopped playing guitar in 1975, but have now as of this year started to play again, despite the disabilities that age and injuries provide. Music overcomes all.
George Goulet
Thanks for the great comment George!
Please feel free to share any stories that you may have about memorable gigs or the social scene back then. As always, do look around the blog there may be many stories in here that you will find to your liking.
Bachman-Turner look like they’re not messing around on stage. Niiice.
You’re absolutely right, those guys don’t mess about on stage. Straight up rock and roll is the name of the game here. Like I said in the article, the new album sounds like it was recorded in the band’s prime. They haven’t lost the sound at all.