I’m sure most readers of my generation are more than familiar with the 70s rock ‘n rollers BTO or Bachman Turner Overdrive.  Some of course will also remember Randy Bachman’s role in The Guess Who. Some younger readers may only know Randy Bachman from his excellent CBC radio show, Vinyl Tap.

Well, Randy Bachman and Fred Turner plan to play together again, as Bachman Turner Union. Former bandmates from BTO, Bachman’s brother Robin and Blair Thornton have their knickers in a knot about this, claiming the rights to the Bachman Turner name have long ago been signed away. Even if this is the case, is it possible sign away the rights to using your own names?

Randy Bachman must be plenty frustrated at this point. After all, when he plays with Burton Cummings, they can’t use the name The Guess Who, and now he and Turner may not be able to use their own names. Nevermind the importance of Bachman’s artistic role in both outfits.  What did Robin Bachman and Blair Thornton do again? Maybe Randy Bachman and Fred Turner should get together with Burton Cummings and tour the country under a new name – for instance, Prince and the Revolution. Har!

This is a lesson for other combos out there. Be very careful around all rights issues. There’s always somebody who wants to eat your lunch.