City Winery enjoys The Guess Who and BTO’s greatest tunes, tales by Randy Bachman

Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Rock n’ roll lightning rarely strikes once, let alone at least twice, but Randy Bachman was able to experience sizeable stardom with both The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive. He also maintained a prolific solo career ever since (and in between occasional reunions) right up to 2018’s “By George – By Bachman: Songs Of George Harrison.”

Though The Guess Who continued, Bachman changed lanes throughout the ‘70s in BTO and kept cruising up the charts as a result of “Roll On Down The Highway,” “Let It Ride” and “Hey You,” all accompanied by more tales so fascinating, they must be heard directly from the troubadour either at a future gig or on the corresponding DVD/CD collection.

All of the above was on display when Bachman brought his “Every Song Tells A Story” Tour to the intimate City Winery for the first of two sold out shows, which found the 75-year-old singer/songwriter/guitarist and a three-piece-band (featuring his son/fellow artist Tal Bachman) in dependable form for over two hours. Setting up in the living room-styled space afforded the man behind the bands to open up about his creative process and inspirations, casting the original “Between Two Mountains” as a tribute to Harrison, then citing The Beatles’ long lost “You Like Me Too Much” as a favorite.

That formative timeline soon turned towards The Guess Who’s rendition of “Shakin’ All Over,” prior to Bachman, Burton Cummings, Jim Kale and Garry Peterson becoming psychedelic torchbearers throughout the rest of the 1960s thanks to “These Eyes,” “Laughing,” “No Sugar Tonight” and “No Time.” The headliner naturally saved “American Woman” (recorded right here in Chicago and later covered by Lenny Kravitz) for that portion’s finale, which is now nearing its 50th birthday, but continues stand the test of time.

Though The Guess Who continued, Bachman changed lanes throughout the ‘70s with C. Fred Turner, Tim Bachman and Robbie Bachman in BTO and kept cruising up the charts as a result of “Roll On Down The Highway,” “Let It Ride” and “Hey You,” all accompanied by more tales so fascinating, they must be heard directly from the troubadour either at a future gig or on the corresponding DVD/CD collection. The stripped down set was further elevated by Tal turning in the personally-penned millennium gem “She’s So High,” though it was his proud pop’s “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” and “Takin’ Care Of Business” that charged past the finish line like the classics they’ve become.

Click here for more photos of Randy Bachman at City Winery.

For additional information on Randy Bachman, visit RandyBachman.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include Randy Bachman (Jan. 25); Chicago Philharmonic Sunday Brunch Series (Jan. 27); Susan Werner (Jan. 27); Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds Of Zamar (Jan. 28); Rachael Yamagata with Radnor & Lee (Jan. 29-30); Alejandro Escovedo with Don Antonio Band (Jan. 31-Feb. 2); Langston Hughes Birthday Celebration (Feb. 3); Ms. Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton (Feb. 4-5); Marcus Johnson with Kathy Kosins (Feb. 6); Marc Roberge of O.A.R. (Feb. 8); Anders Osborne (Feb. 9); Fox Crossing String Band (Feb. 10); Anita Wilson with Dante Hall (Feb. 10); Ruen Brothers (Feb. 11); Hudson Taylor (Feb. 12); Patrizio Buanne (Feb. 13); 10,000 Maniacs (Feb. 14-16); Chicago Philharmonic Sunday Brunch Series (Feb. 17); Kandace Springs (Feb. 17); Donavon Frankenreiter (Feb. 18); Procol Harum (Feb. 20-21); Bobby McFerrin & Gimme 5 (Feb. 22-23); The Four C Notes (Feb. 24); Steve Earle (Feb. 25-26) and Ann Hampton Callaway (Feb. 27). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

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City Winery enjoys The Guess Who and BTO’s greatest tunes, tales by Randy Bachman

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