In March 2025, Bachman-Turner Overdrive released its first new song in decades, a rocking tune titled “60 Years Ago” that singer/guitarist Randy Bachman wrote as tribute to the fertile 1960s music scene in his hometown, Winnipeg, Canada.
Videos by American Songwriter
The song was released as a one-off digital single, but in a recent interview with American Songwriter, Bachman reported that more new tunes may be on the way from BTO.
The 81-year-old Canadian rocker revealed that he’s been writing new material with founding BTO singer/bassist Fred Turner and his son Tal Bachman, who plays guitar and sings in the group’s current lineup.
“I’m working on three or four songs with Fred Turner, [and] a couple with my son Tal,” Randy said.
Bachman reported that if “60 Years Ago” is successful, BTO likely will follow it up by releasing one or more new tunes.
Randy also explained that the band’s manager is talking with two labels about signing BTO to a new record deal. Along with the new deal, Bachman is envisioning BTO releasing a career-spanning box set similar to Rush’s 2025 retrospective Rush 50.
“It’s phenomenal,” Randy said about Rush’s box set. “So, I want to do something [like] that for all the BTO fans, and then something new.”
More About BTO’s Current Lineup and “60 Years Ago”
Bachman relaunched Bachman-Turner Overdrive in 2023, but without Turner, who’d retired from touring in 2018. The band’s current lineup includes Randy’s son Tal, as well as Tal’s wife, KoKo, on drums. Rounding out the group are bassist Lance Lapointe and guitarist Brent Knudsen on guitar.
Randy recorded “60 Years Ago” with contributions from Tal and KoKo, as well as guest vocals by Turner. In addition, Bachman incorporated some archival guitar and backing vocals from his old pal Neil Young into the track.
Bachman Says The Guess Who Also May Release New Music
During the American Songwriter interview, Bachman also revealed that he and his old Guess Who bandmate Burton Cummings were planning to play shows together again in 2026. The news arrived several months after the September 2024 announcement that Bachman and Cummings had gained control of the rights to The Guess Who’s name and trademark.
Randy also told American Songwriter that it was possible that he and Cummings could eventually release some new Guess Who music.
Bachman noted that the rights to The Guess Who’s recordings are due to revert back to the band. If and when that happens, he imagines that the group also might release an expansive compilation that could feature some new tunes.
“Let’s do a nice box set and let’s get something new. Let’s put two or three new songs in there,” Randy said. “And if those fly, we’ll do a whole album. The album doesn’t need to be 12 songs anymore. You can put out six and eight songs.”
Bachman-Turner Overdrive’s 2025 Tour Plans
BTO recently wrapped up a spring tour of Canada.
Next up for the band is a U.S. summer outing dubbed the Roll On Down the Highway 2025 Tour. The trek, which features Marshall Tucker Band as co-headliner on many of the dates, gets underway on July 18 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. , and is scheduled through a September 20 performance in Lincoln, California.
Jefferson Starship also will be a special guest many of BTO’s shows.
(Photo by Shimon Karmel)
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