Robbie Bachman, co-founder and drummer of Bachman-Turner Overdrive, dies at 69

Robbie Bachman, the co-founder and drummer of Bachman-Turner Overdrive, has died at age 69.

His older brother Randy Bachman shared the news on Twitter saying his brother, “the pounding beat behind BTO,” had passed.

Another sad departure. The pounding beat behind BTO, my little brother Robbie has joined Mum, Dad & brother Gary on the other side. Maybe Jeff Beck needs a drummer! He was an integral cog in our rock 'n' roll machine and we rocked the world together. #RIP #littlebrother #family pic.twitter.com/XASj6CVXzA

— Randy Bachman (@RandysVinylTap) January 13, 2023

The younger Bachman — born Robin Bachman — played drums to hits “Takin’ Care of Business” and “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet,” helping establish the band as a formidable force in Canadian music during the 1970s.

The Winnipeg native’s career began shortly after Randy split from the Guess Who in 1970 and formed a new act called Brave Belt, offering his 18-year-old brother the spot on drums.

The band would later change their name to Bachman-Turner Overdrive.

After years of success, Randy would eventually leave BTO and the brothers would become involved in a number of legal disputes over use of the band’s name.

Despite the rift, they reunited in 2014 when BTO was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at the Juno Awards.

Randy Bachman paid tribute on Twitter, noting his brother’s influence.

“The pounding beat behind BTO, my little brother Robbie has joined Mum, Dad & brother Gary on the other side. Maybe Jeff Beck needs a drummer! He was an integral cog in our rock ‘n’ roll machine and we rocked the world together.”