LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Bachman Turner Overdrive: Randy Bachman
built 670 days ago
Randy Bachman departed in 1977, forming Ironhorse as well as recording solo. He was replaced by Jim Clench, and the following year the band officially changed its name to B.T.O. but could not revive its earlier fortunes. In 1984, Randy Bachman, Tim Bachman and C.F. Turner regrouped, with ex-Guess Who drummer Garry Peterson, and released a second self-titled album that barely scraped the US charts. Tim Bachman continued to lead a version of the band before several other original members returned to tour in the early 90s.
Source:
In the same year, after some artistic disputes around Freeways and his control over pushing albums out, Randy Bachman left and formed Ironhorse. The band changed its name to BTO in 1978, under the impression that Randy Bachman owned the rights to the full name. Robbie Bachman, formerly the youngest member, was in charge, and Jim Clench was added to replace Randy Bachman (as Blair Thornton had replaced Tim Bachman some time before). Two records were released, neither successful and neither easily recognizable as BTO efforts: Rock n Roll Nights and Street Action (which had two long bluesy tunes possibly reflecting the band's reaction to their current straits). Both Jim Clench and Fred Turner sang lead. Rock n Roll Nights had a number of outside writers; Fred Turner's only song, Heartaches, was interesting in its use of three different musical styles in alternation.
Source:
After the release of Freeways in 1977, Randy Bachman left the group for a solo career and another band, Ironhorse. Randy was replaced by bassist/vocalist Jim Clench, formerly of April Wine. Original bassist Turner moved to rhythm guitar/vocals, with Thornton becoming the primary lead guitarist. Even though this lineup included drummer Robbie Bachman, the band had to record and tour only as "BTO" after Randy fought (and won) to retain the rights to his last name in anticipation of solo projects. The re-structured BTO released a pair of albums (Street Action - 1978 and Rock & Roll Nights - 1979) before breaking up.
Source:
Bachman-Turner Overdrive owes its identity -- and its platinum LP -- to Randy Bachman's lyrics: Top 40 rockers about hard work and trying to make good that usually talk to you and leave you singing. Unfortunately,
Source:
With the limited success of the first two albums Randy Bachman began hunting for a better record deal which he found with Mercury/Polydor. By then, Chad Allen had been replaced by another Bachman brother, Tim, on guitar and the direction of the band slid into an even heavier mode. By this time, 'Brave Belt III', was the intended next record but with a new label and band direction the group changed gears, literally, and became 'Bachman Turner Overdrive' or B.T.O. for short.
Source:
Randy Bachman's new band, Ironhorse, produced two records, then changed its name to Union and added Fred Turner for their final record. While these are certainly worth getting, they are very, very hard to find.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Randy Bachman