Biography

Vocalist, keyboardist, and guitarist Chad Allen and guitarist Randy Bachman first worked together in bands like the Reflections and Chad Allen & the Expressions. In 1963, they decided to form another little rock group -- they became the famed Guess Who. By 1970, though the Guess Who were still alive and kicking, Bachman and Allen turned their attention to a new rock outlet, Brave Belt. Other members were bassist and vocalist Fred Turner and drummer Robin Bachman. After the completion of one album, and only a little work on a second, Allen left, and was replaced by guitarist Tim Bachman. Before a third offering was ready, Brave Belt folded into a new mortality, Bachman-Turner Overdrive. Within a year's time of their formation, Brave Belt had released two excellent singles, "Rock and Roll Band" and "Crazy Arms, Crazy Eyes." The band, working under the Reprise Records label, also finished a self-titled debut album filled with hard rock that managed to be flavored with touches of country and pop. In 1972, there were two double-sided singles and a second album, Brave Belt II. Some of the music from this second outing was much bolder and heavier. By 1973, Brave Belt melted away and left a new group behind named Bachman-Turner Overdrive. The latter's final album to contain newly recorded material arrived in 1996, although they remained active on the touring circuit, on and off, through the late 2010s. Robin Bachman, aka Robbie Bachman, died on January 12, 2023 at the age of 69. ~ Charlotte Dillon, Rovi