Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick is an iconic American rock band whose infectious blend of power pop, hard rock, and punk energy has captivated fans across generations. Formed in Rockford, Illinois in 1973, the band quickly built a reputation for explosive live shows, sharp songwriting, and a unique mix of radio-friendly hooks and rock-and-roll swagger.
The classic lineup—Robin Zander (vocals, rhythm guitar), Rick Nielsen (lead guitar, chief songwriter), Tom Petersson (bass), and Bun E. Carlos (drums)—forged a sound that balanced melody and muscle. With Zander’s powerful vocals, Nielsen’s flamboyant guitar antics, and a rhythm section rooted in grit and groove, Cheap Trick stood apart in the ‘70s rock scene, effortlessly straddling the line between arena rock and underground cool.
The band’s breakthrough came with 1978’s Cheap Trick at Budokan, a live album recorded in Japan where the band had become wildly popular. Featuring hit versions of “I Want You to Want Me” and “Surrender,” the album captured the band's high-octane energy and launched them into global stardom. From there, they delivered a string of successful albums, including Heaven Tonight, Dream Police, and All Shook Up (produced by George Martin of Beatles fame), solidifying their status as rock royalty.
Cheap Trick’s ability to evolve kept them relevant through the decades. In the 1980s, they reached new heights with the chart-topping power ballad “The Flame”, while the 1990s and 2000s saw a resurgence in critical and fan appreciation for their earlier work. They remained a consistent touring force, sharing stages with everyone from Aerosmith and Heart to Pearl Jam and Green Day.
Known for their cheeky stage presence—Nielsen famously wielding five-necked guitars and showering audiences with guitar picks—Cheap Trick has never taken themselves too seriously, even as their musicianship and legacy have earned serious respect. In 2016, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a long-overdue honor that recognized their influence on rock, punk, power pop, and alternative music.
With over 20 studio albums, countless live recordings, and a discography that spans hard-hitting anthems, heartfelt ballads, and offbeat deep cuts, Cheap Trick continues to tour and record with unrelenting passion. Their 2021 album In Another World shows that even five decades in, the band hasn’t lost their edge—or their sense of fun.
“Surrender”
“I Want You to Want Me”
“Dream Police”
“The Flame”
“If You Want My Love”
Few bands have maintained the chemistry, creativity, and sheer joy of performance that Cheap Trick has delivered for over 50 years. They’re not just rock survivors—they’re rock lifers, still reminding audiences why they fell in love with loud guitars and perfect pop choruses in the first place.
