Cheap Trick

Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick is an American rock band from Rockford, Illinois, that consists of Robin Zander, Rick Nielsen, Tom Petersson, and Bun E. Carlos.

The band gained popularity in the late 1970s and created a substantial fan base through a hard-edged yet melodic pop sound. Their music is noted for combining the tunefulness of The Beatles with the speed and energy of punk rock.

In 1961, Rick Nielsen began utilizing an ever-increasing collection of rare and valuable guitars in Rockford. He formed Fuse in 1967 with Tom Petersson and released a self-titled album for Epic Records in 1968.

The album went unnoticed. Frustrated by their lack of success, they, by then were joined by Bun E. Carlos on drums, moved to Philadelphia in 1971.

Cheap Trick is characterized distinctly for its use of unusual guitars and basses. Zander plays a Hamer 12-string guitar in addition to a Gibson Firebird, Fender Telecaster, and Rickenbacker 450 Gibson Flying V and Fender Stratocaster.

Nielsen is an avid collector who, despite rationalizing his guitar collection, still has more than 250 pieces in his possession. Their biggest hits to date include 'Surrender', 'I Want You to Want Me', 'Dream Police', 'Voices', 'Stop This Game', 'If You Want My Love', 'Don't Be Cruel', 'Ghost Town', and 'The Flame'.

In May 2003, Cheap Trick brought their record label to Big3 Entertainment that released 'Special One'. In 2006, the band released 'Rockford' which spawned the hit single 'Perfect Stranger'.

They promoted the album through their appearances on the Sirius and XM satellite radio networks and a North American tour. Many compositions from Cheap Trick have appeared in commercials, video games, movie soundtracks, and television episodes.

Their single 'Surrender' was featured as a playable track in the hit video game Guitar Hero II the same year. The version of 'Surrender' from 'At Budokan' is on the soundtrack of Detroit Rock City. It was also heard in the 2003 film Daddy Day Care.

The band also wrote and performed the theme songs for Comedy Central's The Colbert Report, the FOX series That '70s Show.

In 2008, the group was selected to be featured in the John Varvatos Spring/Summer 2008 clothing ad campaign. On April 24, 2008, Cheap Trick played live at the Budokan for the 30th anniversary of the 1978 album Live at Budokan.

The song 'Dream Police' was featured as a playable track in the hit video game Guitar Hero: Aerosmith the same year. The band is noted for their four decades of almost continuous touring and their reputation as 'the greatest live band ever'. Their At Budokan album set the standard for live recordings.

Cheap Trick have lined up in 2008 a busy year touring North America and Australia. They are also planning to show their appearance on 'Sgt.

Pepper' show at the Hollywood Bowl. In July 2008 at their concert in Milwaukee, Neilsen announced to the crowd that the show was being recorded for a future CD and/or DVD release. Currently they are touring with Heart and Journey.