RECAP: BACHMAN-TURNER OVERDRIVE'S "BACK IN OVERDRIVE" CANADIAN TOUR

Canadian rock royalty Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) brought a wave of pure classic rock energy to the Abbotsford Centre on Thursday night for the second stop of their “Back In Overdrive Tour 2025.” For a band that’s been crafting arena-sized anthems for over five decades, this marked their first-ever performance in Abbotsford—proving that great rock truly has no expiry date. The crowd? Electric. From longtime fans who saw BTO during their heyday in the ‘70s to teens donning vintage tour tees, the venue was filled with generational enthusiasm.

Photos by Tage Stenner / Backspin Canada

Before the show, we spoke to one fan waiting in line with a group of friends. Grinning ear-to-ear, he shared, "I’m here with all my buddies—we grew up listening to them, so we’re excited to go back in time and relive some childhood memories together.” That attitude rang throughout the night as fists pumped, heads nodded, and voices joined in harmony to songs that defined an era.

This was the second of 22 dates on BTO’s all-Canadian tour, and it felt personal. Randy Bachman—founder, frontman, and national treasure—opened the evening by thanking fans and sharing that this tour was curated with intention. “We handpicked cities like Abbotsford, Victoria, Penticton... not just the big ones like Vancouver,” he said, “because we wanted to connect with more of Canada—not less.”

When Randy Bachman walked onto the massive stage—clad in a black embroidered western shirt, trimmed with silver thread, and a touch of country-rock flair—it was clear this wasn’t just a reunion show. It was a declaration. With his gold-top Gibson Les Paul resting confidently in hand, he looked every bit the iconic road warrior: seasoned, steady, and ready to let the music do the talking.

The visuals were equally arresting. Behind the band, an enormous screen beamed nostalgic footage and vibrant animated graphics as the group played shoulder-to-shoulder centerstage. The setup was impressively clean and visually dynamic—a bold reminder that BTO still knows how to command a room, from front row to nosebleeds.

Though the night they kept the energy up, while it also had moments of reflection. While two original members of BTO, Robbie and Tim Bachman, are no longer with us, the current lineup keeps the spirit alive. Alongside Randy were his son Tal Bachman and Tal’s wife Koko Bachman. Fred Turner, the original bassist and co-vocalist, is also performing on select dates.

The setlist was a carefully curated mix of their biggest hits and deeper cuts, designed to take fans on a journey through the band’s storied discography and Randy’s enduring musical legacy. With fans dancing in the aisles, clapping to the rhythm, and singing along in unison, the evening felt like a celebration of resilience—of music that’s aged like fine wine, and of a band that refuses to fade away.

For longtime followers, moments like these are especially impactful. BTO’s roots in British Columbia run deep. Their first performance in the province was all the way back on November 5, 1973, and in 1986 they opened for Van Halen at BC Place—a concert that remains a cornerstone of rock history in Vancouver.

Now, nearly 40 years later, BTO are still here. Still rocking. Still taking care of business.

Remaining Tour Dates – Back In Overdrive Tour 2025

April 4 – Penticton, BC @ South Okanagan Events Centre

April 6 – Cranbrook, BC @ Western Financial Place

April 8 – Prince George, BC @ CN Centre

April 9 – Grande Prairie, AB @ Bonnetts Energy Centre

April 11 – Calgary, AB @ Event Centre at Grey Eagle Casino

April 12 – Calgary, AB @ Event Centre at Grey Eagle Casino

April 13 – Lethbridge, AB @ VisitLethbridge.com Arena

April 15 – Regina, SK @ Brandt Centre

April 17 – Brandon, MB @ Westoba Place at Keystone Centre

April 19 – Winnipeg, MB @ Canada Life Centre