Randy Bachman, the founder and leader of the Canadian rock band Bachman-Turner Overdrive, has finally announced details of the long-awaited reunion of the group, which was first reported on in June. The band, known for hits such as "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet", "Takin' Care of Business" and "Let It Ride", will perform a handful of dates in August, followed by more shows in the U.S.A.
However, not all the original members will be part of the reunion. Singer and bassist Fred Turner, who shared vocal duties with Randy and co-wrote many of the band's songs, has retired from music and will not join the tour. Guitarist Blair Thornton, who joined the band in 1974 and contributed to their classic albums Not Fragile and Four Wheel Drive, is also out due to health reasons. Randy's younger brother, drummer Robbie Bachman, passed away this past January.
The new lineup of Bachman-Turner Overdrive will feature Randy's son, Tal Bachman, who is also a successful singer-songwriter with hits such as "She's So High" and "Aeroplane". Tal will play guitar, piano and sing backup vocals. The other members are Mick Dalla-Vee on bass and vocals, Marc Lafrance on drums and vocals, and Brent Knudsen on guitar.
Randy says he is excited to bring back the band that put Overdrive into rock and roll. He says, “Watch out U.S.A.: the band that put Overdrive into rock and roll is back. More heavy music to come!” He also reveals that he has the blessing of Turner and Thornton, who have given their support to the reunion.
Turner says, “I am so glad to hear Randy is going forward with Bachman-Turner Overdrive. I’m sure it will be a great venture and I hope Randy gets a great kick out of doing this with Tal and the band. The rest of us will be watching and wishing you every success. Go for it my good buddy." He also adds that he will be writing songs for the band with Randy and Tal.
Thornton says, "While I will not be there this time around due to health reasons, I know that Randy and the guys will rock the house down!"
In addition to the reunion tour, Bachman says there are a few BTO projects in the works, including next year's release of a film made about them in 1976 -- a good amount of which has never been seen -- and a double live album recorded that same year at Tokyo's Budokan Arena. He says, "They spent weeks with me in my house with my children and then with Fred Turner, my brother Robbie [Bachman] and Blair Thornton. They went on the road and filmed us with Thin Lizzy and Bob Seger and all the other opening acts that we had. So now we got it all and it's being restored. I'm remixing Live at Japan. We found 18 tracks that no one's ever heard, live at the Budokan."
[Source: Classic Hits Today]