It’s definitely been a long time since the classic ’70s, and so having the chance to see a band such as Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) play was a show not to be missed.
Randy Bachman is now the keeper of the BTO flame, which includes his son Tal in the band on vocals and guitar as well as his daughter-in-law Koko Bachman on drums. The son and daughter-in-law help Bachman maintain the classic BTO sound, as well as the other members of the band. It all came alive in fantastic fashion recently at the Warner Theatre in Washington, DC.
On Oct. 28, the BTO show at the Warner Theatre was a quick jaunt through the band’s catalog as well as playing some classic Guess Who songs — as Randy had previously been a member of The Guess Who alongside Burton Cummins. Bachman thanked the crowd for their support over the years, and he was very upbeat about The Guess Who legacy as well as the classic band he helped create with BTO. Bachman had left school early to go on the road with The Guess Who.
Randy Bachman is one of the key signature musicians and guitarists still creating the classic rock sound in today’s music scene. His guitar playing is still spectacular and there is no doubt who is playing when heard. He was very open and conversed with the crowd often throughout the show. At one juncture, he reminisced how great record stores once were as places that curated art through vinyl record covers.
One of the highlights of the early part of the show was BTOs cover of the song “Fragile” by YES, which Bachman described as real classic progressive rock with an almost rocket science quality to the music.
The fans got their way halfway through the show with a few Guess Who songs, including “No Sugar Tonight,” “No Time,” and the immortal “American Woman,” which is one of the most covered songs in rock and roll history.
Watch The Guess Who perform “American Woman” live for The Midnight Special on YouTube:
Near the end of show, Tal Bachman played a great version of “She’s So High” from 1999, before the band kicked into a stellar selection of BTO’s very best to close the evening. The songs included “Let It Ride,” “Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet,” “Let It Roll,” and one of the ’70s finest songs, “Takin’ Care of Business.”
Watch Bachman and Turner perform “Takin’ Care of Business” live in New York City on YouTube:
Bachman and company were fantastic throughout the show. Each member outstanding on their own and very dynamic as a 5-piece band. Koko Bachman needs an honorable mention on drums as she is a non-stop rhythm machine playing stellar on drums with amazing energy.
The fans left the show very happy and satisfied for the great opportunity to hear some of the greatest songs of the ’60s and ’70s. Hopefully, we will get another show in DC in the near term with Bachman and Cummins together. That would be a real dream come true.
Here are some photos of Bachman-Turner Overdrive performing live at Warner Theatre on Oct. 28, 2025. All pictures copyright and courtesy of James Todd Miller.
