Bachman-Turner Overdrive's co-founder and drummer Robbie Bachman has died aged 69.
His older brother Randy Bachman, who played guitar and fronted the 70s rock group, shared the devastating news on his Twitter account on January 12.
"Another sad departure,” he wrote.
"The pounding beat behind BTO, my little brother Robbie has joined Mum, Dad & brother Gary on the other side.
"Maybe Jeff Beck needs a drummer! He was an integral cog in our rock 'n' roll machine and we rocked the world together.”
The band, often abbreviated as BTO, was formed in 1973 by Robbie, Randy and Fred Turner.
In the 70s, they achieved five top-40 albums and six US top-40 singles.
They also have five certified gold albums and one certified platinum album in the US.
When he was growing up, Robbie practised playing the drums at home with his older brother Randy.
By the time he was 18, Randy offered him the Brave Belt drumming job, which he gladly accepted.
Brave Belt members included Chad Allan and Fred. In 1972, Robbie's other brother Tim joined the band after Chad left.
The band changed their name to Bachman–Turner Overdrive in 1973 and Robbie was credited with designing the BTO 'gear' logo.
He also co-wrote the group's biggest hit, Roll On Down The Highway, with Fred.
Their third studio album, Not Fragile, strengthened their success and included Roll on Down the Highway.
Robbie stayed with the band until late 1979 after their tour for Rock n' Roll Nights ended.
BTO sold nearly 30 million albums worldwide and their hits include Let It Ride, You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet and Takin' Care Of Business.
The group reunited in 1983, with Randy, Tim, Fred, former Guess Who drummer Garry Peterson and their drum tech Billy Chapman.
Robbie declined to reunite with them after having business and trademark disagreements with Randy and the other band members.
He said at the time: "When Randy wanted to get back together again, I said, 'Okay, let's have a publishing company with the band. Let's all write the tunes. We'll all share equally and there won't be any more animosity.'
"He said no, so I got up and left. Blair wasn't asked to rejoin because Randy knew that Blair wouldn't take any crap like Timmy would."
