Tim Bachman of Bachman-Turner Overdrive dead at 71 following complications with cancer

Tim Bachman, the guitarist and vocalist of Bachman-Turner Overdrive, has died at 71.

The musician’s death was confirmed by his son, Paxton Bachman, via a Facebook post on Friday.

Paxton shared that Tim — who played in BTO from 1973 until 1974, and reunited with the group a decade later — passed following complications with cancer ‘throughout his brain.’

‘My Dad passed this afternoon. Thank You Everyone for the kind words,’ he wrote, adding, ‘Grateful I got to spend some time with him at the end. Grab yer loved ones and hug em close, ya never know how long you have.’

His death comes just three months after his brother – and BTO co-founder – Robbie Bachman died in January at the age of 69. 

Sad news: Tim Bachman (R) the guitarist and vocalist of Bachman-Turner Overdrive, has died at 71, following complications with cancer; Bachman pictured with band members

Paxton also recalled Tim’s his final moments in a Facebook post, writing, ‘I sat with Dad yesterday afternoon and reminisced about some of the good times we had.’

‘He was pretty out of it most of the time, but at one point looked up at me with really, big wide eyes and said, “I love you Paxton, keep sharing the music…” and then passed back out.’ 

‘It’s really hard watching your parent lay in bed helpless and sick and there’s nothing you can do to help them. Breaking my heart. Thankful for the time we got to spend together,’ he added. 

Tim and his brothers Randy and Robbie formed BTO in 1973 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada with C.F. Turner. 

He was featured on the band’s two albums: Bachman–Turner Overdrive and Bachman–Turner Overdrive II.

The guitarist was later replaced by Blair Thornton, but he returned to the band for a reunion tour in 1984. 

In 2014 Bachman-Turner Overdrive was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. 

Gone too soon: The musician’s death was confirmed by his son, Paxton Bachman, via a Facebook post on Friday

Complications: Paxton shared that Tim passed following complications with cancer ‘throughout his brain’