NEWS STORY: Bronze Statue of Bachman-Turner Overdrive Unveiled in Winnipeg
A tribute to one of Canada’s most legendary rock bands, a life-sized bronze statue honoring Bachman-Turner Overdrive was unveiled today in downtown Winnipeg, the hometown of founding members Randy Bachman and Fred Turner.
The statue, installed in front of the iconic Burton Cummings Theatre, depicts the band mid-performance—Randy Bachman with his guitar in full swing, Fred Turner gripping the mic stand, and the energy of “Takin’ Care of Business” immortalized in bronze.
Hundreds of fans, city officials, and fellow musicians gathered for the unveiling ceremony. A live BTO tribute band played hits such as “Let It Ride” and “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet,” igniting cheers and nostalgic sing-alongs from the crowd.
A Fitting Tribute
Mayor Scott Gillingham praised the band’s contributions to Canadian music, saying,
> “This statue doesn’t just honor their music—it celebrates the spirit of Canadian rock that inspired generations worldwide.”
Randy Bachman, visibly emotional, addressed the crowd:
> “To see this in our hometown… it’s beyond anything we imagined when we started jamming in basements. This is for the fans who rode the long highway with us.”
Designed to Rock
The statue, crafted by renowned sculptor Colleen Whitford, took nearly a year to complete. “I wanted to capture the thunderous energy of their live shows,” Whitford said. “They were loud, proud, and undeniably Canadian.”
A Legacy Cast in Bronze
Bachman-Turner Overdrive sold over 20 million records during their peak and carved a permanent place in rock history. This statue now stands as a symbol of their enduring legacy and the pride of a nation that never stopped takin’ care of business.
