Robbie Bachman

Robbie Bachman
File:Robbie Bachman (cropped).png Bachman in 1974
Background information
Birth name	Robin Peter Kendall Bachman
Also known as	Rob Bachman
Born	(1953-02-18)February 18, 1953 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Died
Occupation(s)	Drummer
Associated acts	Brave Belt, Bachman-Turner Overdrive

Robin Peter Kendall Bachman (February 18, 1953 – January 12, 2023) was a Canadian drummer and the youngest brother of guitarist, singer and songwriter Randy Bachman. He was the original drummer for both the Brave Belt and Bachman–Turner Overdrive bands. He also was sometimes credited as "Robin" or "Rob" on the liner notes of Brave Belt and BTO albums.

Biography

While growing up, Bachman practiced the drums at home, often playing along with his older brother Randy. When Robbie was age 18, Randy offered him the Brave Belt drumming job, and Robbie accepted. Other members of Brave Belt were Chad Allan and Fred Turner. In 1972, another Bachman brother, Tim, joined Brave Belt after the departure of Allan.

When Brave Belt changed their name to Bachman–Turner Overdrive in 1973, Robbie was credited with designing the BTO 'gear' logo. BTO enjoyed a period of peak popularity between 1973 and 1976, releasing five Top 40 albums and six U.S. Top 40 singles (eleven in Canada). Robbie co-wrote (with Fred Turner) one of Bachman–Turner Overdrive's biggest hits, "Roll On down the Highway" (Billboard No. 14 and RPM No. 4 in 1975). He remained with BTO until late 1979, after their tour supporting the 1979 album Rock n' Roll Nights had ended.

In 1984, Robbie declined to join a reformation of BTO due to licensing issues with brother Randy. He also opposed Randy's decision to include Tim Bachman as the second guitarist, instead of Blair Thornton. He was replaced on that 1984 album and subsequent tours by former Guess Who drummer Garry Peterson. Robbie later rejoined the Not Fragile line up of BTO for a reunion lasting from 1988 until 1991. In 1991, Randy Bachman left the band and the rest of the group, with replacement guitarist/vocalist Randy Murray, toured as BTO until the end of 2004.

In 2009, Fred Turner and Randy Bachman reunited and began recording a new album, which was released in September 2010 under the name "Bachman & Turner" to coincide with a world tour. Robin Bachman and Blair Thornton had brought a lawsuit against Randy Bachman in an effort to prevent him and Turner from touring under the Bachman–Turner Overdrive or BTO name.

Personal life and death

Bachman was semi-retired following BTO's last live shows in 2004. He was the uncle of musician Tal Bachman.

Bachman died on January 12, 2023, at the age of 69. He is survived by wife Chrissy.

External links

• Robin Bachman – Know Name Records Interview
• BTO musicians tour for their devoted fans - 1997 article
• Website for BTO – Archived
• Web site features photos of BTO in concert