The Timeless Legacy of Bachman-Turner Overdrive Live at Meridian Centre

By: Dan Duffin

St. Catherine's, ON - My last time out to cover Colin James in Hamilton was probably Ontario’s snowiest day of the winter with a fun drive in blizzard conditions. This time out the windows were down and dry roads all around as the weather hit a much needed 20+ degrees.

There was a fun pre-summer vibe outside of the Meridian Centre in the streets with T shirt sellers greeting the fans as they poured in, and many happy to purchase as they settled in for a night of Canadian Rock.

The Headpins

First act of the night was the Headpins, a Canadian rock band from Vancouver, BC and active since the late 70’s with various lineup changes across the years. Ab Bryant on bass and Bernie Aubin on drums are the only original members in the lineup today. Katrina (Kat) Lawrence is their current lead vocalist. They opened the night from a hazy and colourful stage and carried plenty of energy in their performance.

Headpins Set List

Don't Matter What You Say

Feel It (Feel My Body)

Just One More Time

Don't It Make Ya Feel

Line of Fire

Turn It Loud

April Wine

Next up, April Wine from Halifax, Nova Scotia and on the scene since 1969 they have experienced good success in Canada with 21 Top 40 Singles. The band was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at the 2010 Juno Awards. This was another loud energy filled performance of their hits including a spectacular mid act jump from newest member, and lead singer Marc Parent, captured in the gallery. Although I felt I didn't know this band very well, the songs were certainly familiar to me and sounded great live, Like old classics!

April Wine Set List

Oowatanite

You Could've Been a Lady

(Hot Chocolate cover)

Say Hello

I Like to Rock

Before the Dawn

Enough Is Enough

Just Between You and Me

Sign of the Gypsy Queen

Bad Side of the Moon

Roller

Bachman-Turner Overdrive

Randy Bachman of BTO performs live in St. Catherine's. Photo By: Dan Duffin

The main act of the night was of course Bachman-Turner Overdrive with Randy Bachman and his son Tal Bachman fronting the band and delivering the hits “Roll on Down the Highway” and “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” to a now completely full Meridian Centre. This band has been around since 1973 so they are as old as me. It was great to see them perform in front of a Canadian crowd right here in St. Catharine's.

BTO Set List

Take It Like a Man

Gimme Your Money Please

Rock Is My Life, and This Is My Song

Not Fragile

Blue Collar

Four Wheel Drive

These Eyes

Laughing

Undun

No Sugar Tonight

No Time