From a young age of twelve, Canadian Randy Bachman wanted to be nothing but a famous rock star. His dreams took shape when he invested his hard-earned lawn-mowing money into an orange 1957 Gretsch 6120 guitar. Miraculously, the instrument seemed to have a life of its own, inspiring Randy to effortlessly write captivating songs.
In the years that followed, Randy's bands, The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO), skyrocketed to fame with an impressive lineup of chart-topping hits such as "American Woman," "Takin' Care of Business," and "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet." Remarkably, all of these songs were written on—or perhaps by—the Gretsch guitar. Randy experienced all the euphoria, success, and wealth of a 1970s rock star, albeit tempered by his Mormon faith and his large brood of children. Regardless, he believed the rock-and-roll magic would last indefinitely.
Unfortunately, fate had a different plan. In January 1977, Randy's cherished guitar was stolen from his hotel room. The theft became the catalyst for a string of devastating setbacks in his personal and professional life, including bankruptcy, debt, divorce, and rejection from the music industry. Over the next 45 years, Randy embarked on a relentless worldwide search for his stolen guitar, convinced that its recovery would bring back the success and contentment he once knew.
Rich with remarkable and personal archival, music, and cinema verite, the film dives into the highs and lows of an artist’s professional and personal life, ultimately leading to an extraordinary climax—the rediscovery of his cherished instrument, courtesy of the unwavering determination of an internet sleuth. The magical Gretsch guitar is miraculously located, now in the possession of a Tokyo-based rockabilly musician named TAKESHI. However, before Randy can be reunited with his beloved instrument, he must confront a foe even greater than a lost guitar—cancer.
The documentary film “Taking Care of Business” delves into timeless themes such as rags-to-riches stories, unwavering obsession, the miraculous nature of artistic creation, the enduring power of hope and music, the unbreakable bond between parent and child, loss of faith, and the triumph of achieving success against all odds.