Bachman-Turner Overdrive Rides Again: new Music, Neil Young, adn a North American Tour
After a staggering hiatus of over four decades, Canadian rock legends Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) are roaring back into the spotlight with a brand-new single, “60 Years Ago.” The song, a heartfelt ode to their Winnipeg, Manitoba, roots, not only marks their first original material as 1984 but also features a special guest appearance from fellow Canadian icon, Neil Young.
The release is a significant event for fans of classic rock, a genre that continues to resonate deeply within the American musical landscape. Consider the enduring popularity of bands like The eagles, Journey, and Fleetwood Mac, whose music continues to fill stadiums and dominate classic rock radio stations across the U.S.. BTO is hoping to rekindle that same magic.“This song is our tribute to Winnipeg, the place where we grew up as teenagers in the ‘60s, a time when the city’s music scene was exploding. It was the Liverpool of North America, a melting pot of incredible talents,” explained singer and co-founder Randy bachman in a statement. Bachman’s description underscores the importance Winnipeg held as a crucible for musical innovation, a phenomenon similar to what bands like The Byrds experienced in Los Angeles or the British Invasion bands discovered in the London scene.
According to Rolling Stone, “60 Years Ago” picks up “where classic BTO left off nearly 50 years ago in terms of sonic crunch.” The track boasts a guitar solo from Neil Young, adding another layer of legendary status, as well as backing vocals from former co-founder fred Turner, who no longer tours with the band. Turner’s participation gives a nod to the band’s origins and appeals to dedicated fans who know the band’s lineup history.
The song’s lyrics reflect on the passage of time and the enduring power of rock and roll: “In our teenage dreams of rock and roll / We never thought we’d get this old,” Bachman sings. “60 years ago / So dammed cold and so much snow / 60 years ago / We stayed inside and rocked and rolled.” The sentiment encapsulates the band’s journey and offers a relatable narrative for aging rockers and new fans alike.BTO, originally formed in 1973 by Randy, Robbie, and Tim Bachman, along with Fred turner, cemented their place in rock history with a string of hits that defined the era. Songs like “Takin’ Care of Business,” a blue-collar anthem practically mandatory for any American barbecue playlist,“You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet,” famously punctuated by Randy Bachman’s stuttering vocals,“Let It Ride,” and “roll on Down the Highway” propelled them to international stardom,with over 30 million albums sold worldwide before they were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2014.
“60 Years Ago” arrives as the first original release as their 1984 self-titled album, and the first recording under the BTO name since 1996’s “Trial by Fire,” a re-recorded collection of hits made without Randy Bachman’s involvement. Randy, now 81, is the only original member consistently performing with the group. Robbie and Tim Bachman passed away in 2023.Hitting the Road in 2025
after resuming touring two years ago, Bachman-Turner Overdrive has announced an extensive tour across the United States and Canada in 2025. Concert tickets are now available through online vendors like Vivid Seats and StubHub. The current touring lineup consists of a mix of seasoned musicians and family talent: Randy Bachman, Tal Bachman (Randy’s son and “She’s So High” singer) on guitar, Tal’s wife Koko Bachman on drums, Lance Lapointe on bass, and Brent Knudsen on guitar.
Here’s a list of tour dates:
April 4: Penticton South Okanagan Events Center, BC
April 6: Cranbrook Western Financial Place, BC
April 8: Prince George CN Centre, BC
April 9: Grande Prairie Bonnetts Energy Centre, AB
April 11: Tsuut’ina Grey Eagle Event Centre, AB
April 12: Tsuut’ina Grey Eagle Event Centre, AB
April 13: Lethbridge VisitLethbridge.com arena,AB
April 15: Regina Brandt Centre,SK
April 17: Brandon Westoba Place,MB
April 19: Winnipeg Canada Life Centre,MB
April 24: Kitchener The Aud,ON
April 26: Toronto The Theatre at great Canadian Casino Resort,ON
April 28: St. Catharines Meridian Centre, ON
April 29: peterborough Memorial centre, ON
May 1: London Canada Life Place, ON
May 2: Ottawa TD Place, ON
May 4: sudbury Arena, ON
May 5: Laval Place Bell, QC
May 7: Saint John TD Station, NB
may 8: halifax Scotiabank Centre, NS
July 18: Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel, IA
July 19: Welch Treasure Island Resort and Casino, MN
July 20: Fargo scheels Arena, ND
July 22: Interlochen Kresge Auditorium, MI
July 24: Appleton Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium, WI
July 25: Terre Haute The Mill Terre Haute, IN
July 26: Huber Heights rose Music Centre at The heights, OH
July 28: Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, IL
July 29: Elk Grove The Village Green, IL
July 31: jefferson City Capital Region MU Health Care Amphitheater, MO
Aug. 1: El Reno Lucky Star Casino, OK
Aug. 3: Amarillo Civic Center Complex, TX
Aug. 15: West Wendover Peppermill, NV
Aug.16: Beaver Creek Vilar Performing arts Center (VPAC),CO
Aug. 18: Boise Western Idaho Fair, ID
Aug. 21: pala Pala Casino Spa & Resort, CA
Aug. 22: Fort mcdowell We-Ko-Pa casino Resort, AZ
Aug. 23: Albuquerque Route 66 Casino Hotel, NM
* sept. 20: Lincoln Thunder Valley Casino Resort, CA
The Enduring Appeal of BTO
BTO’s resurgence comes at a time when classic rock is experiencing a significant revival, fueled by nostalgic fans and a new generation discovering the raw energy and timeless appeal of the genre. With new music, a high-profile collaboration, and a extensive tour schedule, Bachman-Turner Overdrive is poised to reclaim their place among rock royalty. Whether it’s tapping your foot to “Takin’ Care of Business” or discovering the new sounds of “60 Years Ago,” BTO continues to provide the soundtrack to a generation – and hopefully, many more to come.
