Bachman-Turner Overdrive Takes Care of Business in Laval at Place Bell [Photos]

For a good many of us, we still wake up every morning from the alarm clock’s warning. However, on this day, the alarm was a little less painful than usual. Later that night, we would be witnessing some Classic Rock Royalty. It’s not every day that I get to say that a legend is performing before my lens, but that was the case this past Monday night at the Place Bell in Laval. Bachman-Turner Overdrive was in town with Randy Bachman front and center.

It’s not just the alarm clock that is cruel, but rather Father Time as well. Sadly, Randy Bachman is the only remaining member of the band still in action, but it doesn’t take away from the greatness of the songs or the wonderful memories that are associated with them. The original run of Bachman-Turner Overdrive was just a little bit before my time, but the timeless songs have been etched into the annals of Canadian history and beyond.

On this night, the crowd may have been a little bit older than some of the shows that I shoot, but that doesn’t mean that they still aren’t out looking for a good time. Bachman-Turner Overdrive opened with “Take It Like A Man,” and the masses rose to their feet. No need to worry about crowd surfers buzzing past my head on this night, but you could feel the overwhelming sense of happiness coming not only from the crowd, but from the band as well. The original crew may not be there, but their replacements do a great job of bringing the songs to life and bringing the smiles to everyone who remembers them.

Speaking of the band, though seated, Randy Bachman is still full of rock n’ roll vigour. His voice sounds great, and his playing is just as solid as always. After Lance Lapointe handled the vocals for the first two songs, Randy Bachman shared his voice with us for “Rock Is My Life, And This Is My Song.” The song was given an even more nostalgic feel by a series of photographs of the band through the years that played on the video wall behind the band. The band also features Randy’s son Tal on keyboards and guitars. Tal’s wife Koko kicks some serious butt on the drums and is easily the best dressed drummer I have ever seen.

The evening came to a rowdy end with a killer medley of rock tunes before BTO brought the evening to a close with “Takin’ Care Of Business.” Nostalgia is a powerful drug, and it was in strong supply on this night. But we could all use a little nostalgia in these times to remember the good times, but to also be reminded that there will always be more good times to come. Bachman-Turner Overdrive are bringing their “Back In Overdrive” tour to a close, but hopefully they’ll be back on the road again soon. Don’t you dare miss them if they do.

Bachman-Turner Overdrive @ Place Bell (Laval, QC) on May 5th, 2025

25 photos