Randy Bachman - vocals, guitar; Tim Bachman - rhythm guitar; Robbie Bachman - drums; Fred Turner - vocals, bass
Bachman Turner Overdrive came about when former Guess Who guitarist, singer and songwriter Randy Bachman decided to leave the successful Canadian band (both he and vocalist/pianist Burton Cummings had struggled for control of the band, and Bachman decided to exit for a solo career) in 1970. Bachman had done a solo album (Axe), that failed to chart. In 1972, he began working with bassist Fred Turner in a band called Brave Belt. When Bachman brought in his brothers Tim, on rhythm guitar, and Robbie on drums, Bachman Turner Overdrive was born. The band's first, self-titled album helped establish the riff rock quartet in Canada, and secured them a deal on Mercury Records in the States, but achieved little commercial success.
But it would be the next two studio albums, BTO II in 1973, and Not Fragile in 1974, that would secure the band's place on the Top 40 charts. "Taking Care of Business," "Let It Roll," "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet," and other singles soon made BTO as popular as The Guess Who had been in their heyday. This recording, made in 1974 for the King Biscuit Flower Hour, was taken from a lengthier set. It includes the aforementioned hits "Let It Ride" and "Takin' Care Of Business" as well as another radio favorite, "Roll On Down The Highway," and the BTO concert favorite, "Slow Down Boogie."
The original lineup stayed intact until this tour ended and they began work on Not Fragile. Tim Bachman left to pursue a career in the recording studio, and was replaced by Blair Thorton. Randy Bachman departed to form Ironhorse and do solo records in 1977. The group officially renamed itself BTO with replacement Jim Clench and carried on for two more albums. BTO has had reunions and also continued working without both Randy Bachman and Fred Turner in the lineup. This recording captures the power of the original version when they were at the top of charts.