Randy Bachman: Takin' Care of Business

by John Einarson, Randy Bachman

This moving and fascinating autobiography, written by repected rock music historian John Einarson with Randy Bachman, gives readers a once-in-a-lifetime tour behind the from Randy's earliest days in Winnipeg with Lenny Breau and Neil Young to The Guess Who's sold out reunion tour in the summer of 2000.

Genres: Music, Biography, Music Biography

527 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Graeme Waymark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is too awkward for me to review as I was very close to Randy, BTO and Bruce Allen for a decade. I am mentioned in the book which I appreciate. I can say that I saw few inaccuracies and little exaggeration/hyperbole. The words reflect the life of Randy Bachman as an entertainer and performer, also as a musician and member of a band of individuals.

What is not mentioned or called for is the deep emotional, personal side of Randy. Everything skirts the surface. Words can describe a divorce and it applies to Randy. But no author can express the emotions expressed by Randy after hanging up from his wife's final telephone call before separation by her. I don't know even today if Randy didn't want those thoughts and emotions in writing by anyone or that he simply could not express himself. I thought I was close to him; I hardly knew him. Perhaps the same thing has been said of prodigies in any intellect, skill, artistic gifts or inventiveness. I enjoyed most moments working with him and this book on re-reading brings back that joy often. When thinking of many in the Entertainment world I see the muse of tragedy, Melpomene, who wore the sad mask, and the muse of comedy, Thalia, the mask of joy and happiness.

While confirming my analysis of feelings, I want to mention that one could not have been close to Randy without getting to know his manager Bruce Allen. I DID get to know him well; much better than I did Randy; however, even Bruce was a mask. He was intense and did share his upbringing but the hidden Bruce when I last communicated with him was still an enigma and private. Regardless, he gave me a chance, respect and trust where others had not up to that point. I never have had the chance to ever thank him and perhaps he will read this one day. Two very special men who an integral part of my career, my thirties and forties and direction forged for the rest of my life.

[Hugh Egener · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting that this is great business book. The Guess Who were a top Cdn band in the 70's, but money was lost like so many bands. Randy started up Bachman Turner Overdrive (BTO) and he ensured that he handled all the money, kept a clear head on all money matters and contracts and banked it nightly. Through his money savvy the band member would be financially secure in later life. The Guess Who and BTO are my favourite Cdn band. I sculpted a replica bronze piece of Randy playing his car.

[Dave Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, the story is told.

[Kathy Stevenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a Winnipegger, I enjoyed reading about Randy Bachman's early days and rise to rock stardom and recognition as a talented songwriter. The downside to this book is that it is long (527 pages) and Einarson is often switching from the inclusion of parts of interviews to his own retelling of what was said in those interviews. Chapters are overly long (there's no reason to have a 52 page chapter!) which makes it a bit of a slog. There are two sections of photos included, the first highlighting his early years and his first marriage and the second mostly of all the famous people he worked with and all the accolades and rewards of his career. He comes off as a very decent fellow but maybe a bit too focused on his career in that he pushed himself and his bandmates to travel constantly and work long hours, to the detriment of some family relationships.

[Calvin Weatherall · Rating 4 out of 5]

FINALLY finished reading this book, and it only took 3 years! Bought it at a used book store in my home town Owen Sound on a rare visit. Most every book I read is the audio version, but on this 5 day winter vacation in Granby Colorado, I finished it. It ended as Randy Bachman joined up with the original Guess Who members in 2000 for the Pan American Games, then did a 'Running Back Across Canada' tour. Bachman is an incredible musician with an untypical rock and roll story since he became a mormon early on in his career. Thus, endless pages were not spent on how wasted the musician got during his career. His adventures, music, personal life, and songwriting were featured and I appreciated that.

[LDD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned a lot about the Canadian music scene in the 60’s and 70’s. The influences of Randy Bachman on so many acts is amazing. Wasn’t sure I would be able to finish a 500+ page book but it was an easy and thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Ed Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Randy Bachman is one of the musical rock 'n' roll greats, to this day I'm still a huge fan of the Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive. My only beef with this book is that the author is obviously a huge Randy Bachman fan, which means objectivity here has been thrown out the window. Obviously, you'd expect someone like Randy Bachman to have had trials and tribulations in his life, but what you don't expect is that he would be portrayed as having always being right regarding them. There were (and are) real issues within Bachman-Turner Overdrive, and there were and maybe are still real issues within the Guess Who, but no objective person would believe that Randy Bachman didn't have some role or fault regarding these issues. He's a great man and a great talent, but this book does not paint an objective picture that frankly both he and his fans deserve.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Takin' Care of Business is aptly titled, as Bachman dwells a lot on the business side of rock music. One of the founding members of the greatest Canadian band of all time, The Guess Who, Bachman rode the wave of early success, followed by lean years, then the "These Eyes" and "American Woman" breakthrough. Then, at the height of their success, Bachman either quit or was fired from the band. Picking up the pieces with his Poco/Buffalo Springield inspired band Brave Belt, Bachman eventually found Fred Turner and Bachman-Turner Overdrive was born.

Some great stories here; John Entwistle's massive decibel amplifier at rehearsals for Ringo Starr's All Star Band, Randy's early influences, and his love-hate relationship with Guess Who frontman Burton Cummings. Highly recommended.

[Cathie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A good biography of the life of Randy Bachman. Covers most of his music career, his personal life and definitely highlights the aspect of his being the "businessman" of all his music endeavors. Good star gossipy bits too, like when he produced for Trooper, opened for Van Halen, played with Neil Young. Highlights his religious views (Mormon), family life and the principles he lives by.

[Kevin Gallan · Rating 4 out of 5]

very well done

[Lori Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story about his life. It was easy to read, good writing style.