Cheap Trick Biography

Cheap Trick is an American Illinois-based rock band established in 1973. Their most successful songs include I Want You to Want Me, Surrender, and Dream Police.

Early Formation 

Before Cheap Trick, there was Fuse, a band formed in the late 60s by guitarist Rick Nielsen and bassist Tom Petersson. After a failed start they changed their name to Sick Man of Europe. Another failed attempt later they finally settled for Cheap Trick with the addition of drummer Bun E. Carlos and vocalist Randy “Xeno” Hogan. Hogan was kicked out and replaced by vocalist Robin Zander.

Career Beginnings

Starting 1975, they toured continuously with over 200 concerts and opening gigs for acts like Kiss, Santana, AC/DC, and Queen. This helped them make new content and improve their live performances. The next year they were signed to Epic Records and released their self-titled album in 1977. The band found major success in Japan and the LP went gold there. In Color, the second album arrived shortly after with a softer tone and melodic skill. It was gold in Japan and managed to break into the US chart.

Breakthrough

By now they were superstars in Japan as they concerts were sold-out. Following the release of the third album Heaven Tonight, arrived their first top 100 single Surrender in the US. The breakthrough in America was accomplished with their energetic and loud live album At Budokan in 1979. The LP peaked at position 4 and stayed on the chart for a year. Dream Police, the fourth album was issued and enjoyed success as well. In 1980, Cheap Trick released the Found All the Parts EP.  Before the release of All Shook Up, Peterson left the group and was replaced by Jon Brant. The album was certified gold in America. One on One went platinum and was more successful than the last album. The band encountered a commercial setback with Next Position Please, followed by the same challenge with Standing on the Edge and The Doctor. Peterson rejoined the group in 1988 and Cheap Trick experienced a comeback with Lap of Luxury, which went platinum.

Struggles

In the 1990s, however, the commercial setback returned so they decided to sign with Warner Bros. Woke Up with a Monster was released followed by a new version of the famous live album, called Budokan II. Cheap Trick left the label and was invited by their fans, The Smashing Pumpkins to perform with them. The group signed to the indie label Red Ant-Alliance and in 1997 they released another self-titled LP. Unfortunately, before they could enjoy any success the label went bankrupt. As a result, the band signed up to a four-night residence in Chicago and continued touring the world. After a few live records, Cheap Trick issued the studio LP Special One in 2003, followed by  Rockford in 2006 and The Latest in 2009. After 15 years of no label representation, the group was signed to Big Machine Records and revealed  Bang, Zoom, Crazy… Hello in 2016. The single Long Time Coming was revealed as a teaser for their upcoming album, called We’re All Alright!.

Photo credit: Ultimate Classic Rock