Canadian rock 'n' roll legends Randy Bachman and Fred Turner are coming to Salamanca.
Bachman and Turner, well known for their work in Bachman-Turner Overdrive, have reunited to bring new material and live performances to their dedicated fans. They will appear at the Seneca Allegany Casino Events Center on Saturday at 7 p.m.
The idea of reuniting with Bachman came as both a surprise and brought a lot of excitement, said Turner.
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Randy Bachman, left, and Fred Turner will appear as “Bachman And Turner” at the Seneca Allegany Casino Events Center on Saturday at 7 p.m.
Submitted photo
"We hadn't really worked together since 1991," Turner told The Post-Journal. "I was getting to the age where I was retired, and had put all this stuff behind me. Then all of the sudden we're talking about getting back to the studio, and going out on the road again."
And, go back to the studio they did. In 2010, Bachman and Turner released their first album together in 20 years.
"Everybody likes it, but as you know CD sales are not what they used to be - they are more of a promotional thing now," said Turner. "But it's done well for us, has been well accepted and we're happy with it."
The new album, "Bachman And Turner," features 12 songs, including the single "Rollin' Along."
"That song was based on the rolling on down the highway kind of thing," said Turner. "When I wrote that I was looking at the Nickelbacks and other guys who had to beat around to get to where they are right now - sitting on top of the world ."
Even though the duo isn't at the top of the world right now, they once were. The duo was the heart of the legendary Bachman-Turner Overdrive that provided the world with classics such as: "Takin' Care of Business," "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet," "Rollin' Down The Highway," "Let It Ride," "Blue Collar," and "Looking Out For #1." But, the story started well before Bachman-Turner Overdrive. Bachman topped the charts with The Guess Who, becoming the first Canadian act to ever reach No. 1.
"I'm sure that Randy really wants to be up there. He has been working hard as hell for the last 50 years, and he's never stopped - he's the dynamo," said Turner. "Me, I just play because I love doing it. And, when it wasn't feeling good anymore, and it got very old, I decided to retire."
Turner's retirement wasn't permanent though. He did that for six years before Randy approached him to ask if he'd like to do some new stuff, said Turner.
"He said we could do some new stuff, and play the old stuff, but at least there would be something new moving forward," said Turner. "And, I said, 'Yeah, I could do that. I just don't want to go back to constantly doing the old songs.'"
That mentality is apparent on new album. The songs, "Rock and Roll Is the Only Way Out" and "Slave To the Rhythm," are, according to Turner, examples of why music is life for the duo.
"I think Randy started playing around 6, and I first went on stage when I was 14 years old," he said. "It's life, and you don't know anything else because that's what you're driven to do."
So, at the Seneca Allegany Casino Events Center, Bachman and Turner will be playing some classics in addition to selections from "Bachman And Turner." "Moonlight Rider" is one of the new songs that Turner really enjoys because, "It's one of those rock 'n' roll songs that has a good groove, and it's fun to play," he said.
But according to Turner, other than selections from the 2010 album, the duo doesn't have any more material ready for live performances yet.
"We've been focused on getting things in line," said Turner. "But, I've got a lot of songs that are pieces and parts right now. And, Randy is always writing, he never stops. So, hopefully we're going to get together to do another one - I'm looking forward to that."
One thing they do have to offer though is a new backing band, whom are the perfect fit, said Turner. Brent Howard, Marc LaFrance and Mick Dalla-Vee, who been together for more than 27 years, are doing the classic Bachman-Turner Overdrive hits justice.
According to Turner, fans of Bachman-Turner Overdrive will love the new material. "You're going to see what you saw, and if you liked that then we're going to deliver it," he said.
Tickets start at $40. The Seneca Allegany Casino Events Center is located at 777 Seneca Allegany Boulevard in Salamanca. For more information visit senecaalleganycasino.com or call 888-913-3377.