Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick
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Questions
When and where did Cheap Trick form?
The band formed in Rockford, Illinois in 1973.
How did the band get its name?
The name reportedly came from a Slade concert, where bassist Tom Petersson remarked that the band used "every cheap trick in the book" in their act.
Who are the classic members of Cheap Trick?
The classic lineup is Rick Nielsen (guitar), Robin Zander (vocals), Tom Petersson (bass), and Bun E. Carlos (drums).
Did Robin Zander join right away?
No. Zander initially declined the invitation when the band formed in 1973, and he did not join as lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist until the fall of 1974.
What made Cheap Trick at Budokan such a big deal?
The 1979 live album, recorded after unexpected fan frenzy on their first Japan tour in April 1978, launched them to international stardom and went triple platinum.
What was their biggest hit?
"The Flame" from 1988 was their only No. 1 single. The live version of "I Want You to Want Me" from At Budokan reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
What are Rick Nielsen’s guitars all about?
Nielsen is famous for performing with multi-neck guitars, which became an iconic visual element of the band’s identity.
Is Cheap Trick in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Yes. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 8, 2016.
Did a Beatles producer ever work with them?
Yes. Former Beatles producer George Martin worked with the band on their 1980 album All Shook Up, which reached No. 24 and was certified gold.
Did Cheap Trick do a TV theme song?
Yes. In 1999 they recorded a cover of Big Star’s "In the Street," which became the theme song for Fox’s That ’70s Show.
Which artists were influenced by Cheap Trick?
The band influenced alternative rock artists including Nirvana, Green Day, Pearl Jam, and Smashing Pumpkins.
What happened with the original drummer, Bun E. Carlos?
Carlos officially left in 2010, with Rick Nielsen’s son Daxx Nielsen becoming the touring drummer. Carlos filed a lawsuit against his former bandmates in 2013, and the dispute was eventually settled.
How many shows have they played and how many records have they sold?
Cheap Trick has performed live more than 5,000 times and sold more than 20 million albums.
Are Cheap Trick still making music?
Yes. They released All Washed Up in November 2025, their twenty-first studio album.