Brave Belt

Chad Allen, serving as vocalist, keyboardist, and guitarist, joined forces early on with guitarist Randy Bachman in outfits including the Reflections and Chad Allen & the Expressions. The pair launched the Guess Who in 1963. Even while the Guess Who remained active, Bachman and Allen started Brave Belt in 1970, recruiting bassist and vocalist Fred Turner plus drummer Robin Bachman. After finishing their first album and beginning work on a second, Allen exited and guitarist Tim Bachman stepped in. Before they could complete a third release, Brave Belt transformed into Bachman-Turner Overdrive.

Reprise Records issued two singles from the new act within a year of its formation: “Rock and Roll Band” and “Crazy Arms, Crazy Eyes.” Their self-titled debut album arrived as well, delivering hard rock tempered by country and pop touches. Two double-sided singles and the heavier, more assertive Brave Belt II followed in 1972. By 1973 the group had become Bachman-Turner Overdrive, whose final album of newly recorded material surfaced in 1996, although the band continued sporadic touring into the late 2010s. Robin Bachman, known professionally as Robbie Bachman, died on January 12, 2023, at the age of 69.