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Bachman-Turner Lose Their Overdrive, Still 'Takin' Care of Business'

Bachman and Turner, Randy Bachman, Fred TurnerE1 Entertainment

Randy Bachman and Fred Turner, the two founding members of iconic Canadian rock band Bachman-Turner Overdrive, have recently been going by just Bachman & Turner after being served with a lawsuit last May. Former members Robin Bachman (Randy's brother) and Blair Thornton sued the pair over the rights to their original name, but in hindsight some good came out of the ordeal.

"We didn't realize it at the time, but they did us a huge favour," Turner tells Spinner. "Using BTO would've taken us backwards and using Bachman-Turner gives us the recognition that we had, but takes us forward, and we're moving in another direction now. So it was probably a very fortunate thing that happened.

"I still don't know why they didn't want the name to go on. I couldn't see it doing any harm to them, but they had their reasons and it worked for us," Turner adds.

Bachman wouldn't comment on his relationship with his brother, but agreed with Turner and added that they have "no thought of looking back."

Their new record, the first in "twenty or so years," began awhile ago as a Bachman solo project, featuring guest appearances by Neil Young and Jeff Healey (who died in 2008). Bachman wrote 'Rock 'n' Roll is the Only Way Out,' intending for British rock crooner Paul Rodgers to sing on it, but Rodgers happened to be away on tour so Turner was asked to replace him. "I had no idea it was going to come back and sound the way it sounded -- a light went off."

"The timing was just right, like the planets were aligning or something," says Bachman. "It's all been there waiting for me to uncover and now for the world to uncover as well."

Bachman describes the band's revival as "going to heaven without dying," adding that, "As long as there are the B.B. Kings, the Mick Jaggers and the Keith Richards' around, people will be interested in rock 'n' roll.

"I saw the Who in London two years ago, and I just sat there with my daughter and I cried because I never I'd never heard them live onstage in my generation," Bachman shares. "It's just a really touching thing to see guys playing music that's been with you for so long and I know we bring that to a lot of people when we go onstage and play."

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Amanda

Canada has alot of great talent, these guys are front and centre of Canada's music scene forever in Canada collective soul, sure they weren't pretty boys of Rock and roll and sure they didn't party and drugs but damn they could rock with the best of them thanks for the music and memories guys Rock forever Randy, Blair, Turner and Rob.

November 10 2010 at 4:10 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ray

What a great band and it is good to see them back!! Blair Thorton cranked up that Gibson SG back in those days to give the band an edge but it was Randy's and Fred's vocals, like all bands, that gave them their signature sound. "People seeing you having fun just lying in the sun...tell them that you like it that way" What great lyrics!! If you want to hear another great song of theirs listen to one of the last hit songs they ever had called "Looking Out For Number One". It tells the real story of the music busines that is still true today, and will always be. A real classic band!!

August 29 2010 at 4:53 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Loren Dorder

You ain't seen nothin' yet...

August 29 2010 at 3:54 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Tammy

I was in 10th grade when "You ain't seen nothing yet" came out. It was and always has been a favorite of mine. Bittersweet memories.

August 29 2010 at 3:39 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
spiritsup5

tks. guys u live forever in the hearts of rock and roll forever...

August 29 2010 at 3:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
MIKE ZVIRBLIS

Taken care of dentures!

August 29 2010 at 2:38 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
usaguy45

thanks guys

August 29 2010 at 2:13 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply