Classic rocker reveals secrets of 1970s number one hit

This is a historic single released by a Canadian band at the height of the American War in Vietnam.

But “there was no political negativity” in the No. 1 song “American Woman,” said guitarist, singer and songwriter Randy Bachman.

“It wasn’t written in that style,” said Bachman, who brings his band Bachman-Turner Overdrive, including his son Tal, to the St. George Theatre on Sept. 20.

“Everyone is enlisted”

Bachman, originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, was part of Guess Who when “American Woman” hit the top of the charts in 1970.

Bachman said “American Woman” was inspired by the Guess Who’s experiences on the road when the band members, still in their late teens and early 20s, toured the United States during the Vietnam War.

“In every city we go to,” he told the Advance, “there are no men our age. Everyone is drafted, there is no one between 18 and 35.”

He said, “Women are all over us. And we weren’t used to it. We didn’t really have girlfriends.”

Bachman said the song was born out of a jam session on stage in Canada after the band returned from the United States.

The chorus, “American woman, stay away from me,” came easily to singer Barton Cummings, Bachman said, as did other lyrics, including American-inspired lines about “war machines” and “ghetto scenes.”

“It was just a rhyme we added,” said Bachman, 80.

“American Woman” topped the charts, Bachman said, and became a “protest song against war.”

He said: “People just give it different meanings.”

Shifting into high gear

Bachman left Guess Who shortly after the success of “American Woman” and eventually formed Bachman-Turner Overdrive with his brothers, Tim and Robbie Bachman, and Fred Turner.

Tim Bachman was quickly replaced by Blair Thornton in what is considered the classic BTO line-up.

The group released a series of successful singles and albums during the 1970s, including the number one hit “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet,” as well as FM radio staples like “Takin’ Care of Business” and “Let It Ride.”

Randy Bachman left the group in 1977, marking the beginning of decades of changing lineups, legal wrangling over ownership of the BTO name and trademarks, and eventual reunions.

Taking care of business

But the last few years have been ones of renaissance for Bachman and BTO, including potential new hardware for BTO.

Bachman said that retired bassist Fred Turner “has been going back and forth with me writing new songs and singing on them. We’ve got that all in the works and it’s very exciting.”

A documentary, “Takin’ Care of Business,” recently premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Additionally, concert footage filmed during the band’s 1976 world tour, but lost for many years, has been recovered and is being prepared for release.

Bachman said a two-disc vinyl release of the band’s 1976 concert album, “BTO Japan Tour,” recorded at the famed Budokan arena, is also on the cards.

“An incredible evening”

Fans coming to the show at the St. George Theater “should expect rock and roll history from Manitoba, Canada,” Bachman said, with a set list filled with hits, including fan favorites from the Guess Who and BTO catalogs.

“It’s an incredible night,” Bachman said. “It’s a collective awakening to happier days. Every song brings back memories of happier times. I’ve seen the joy on so many faces. The music takes everyone back.”

The set includes an extended medley of some of Bachman’s favorite cover songs, during which Bachman invites audience members to sing, dance and perform for the band.

The audience, he said, “goes crazy. It’s so much fun to watch them.”

The song “Takin’ Care of Business” ends the night, with Bachman from the stage asking the venue’s security guards to relax and “join the party” during this song.

“I want people to be able to come down the aisle, to the front,” Bachman said. “Don’t chase them to their seat.”

Bachman-Turner Overdrive will be performed at the St. George Theatre on September 20. For tickets click here or at the theater box office at 35 Hyatt St. The phone number is 718-442-2900.