Cheap Trick

The Profile

Cheap Trick are an American rock band formed in 1973 in Rockford, Illinois. The classic lineup features Robin Zander, Rick Nielsen, Tom Petersson, and Bun E. Carlos. Fusing power pop and hard rock, they broke through globally with the live album At Budokan; signature songs include I Want You to Want Me and Surrender, and they scored a late-80s No.1 with The Flame. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.

Known for Beatles-influenced hooks delivered with hard-rock punch, a celebrated live reputation (especially At Budokan), Rick Nielsen’s showmanship and five-neck guitar, Tom Petersson’s 12-string bass, and Robin Zander’s powerhouse vocals.

Six DeBaser reviews chart Cheap Trick’s Beatles-infused power-pop/hard rock, from the 1977 debut to the roaring At Budokan and later Bang Zoom Crazy... Hello. Reviewers praise Robin Zander’s powerhouse vocals, Rick Nielsen’s riffcraft, Tom Petersson’s multi-string bass, and Bun E. Carlos’s heavy snare-driven groove. Consensus: stellar live band, catchy and loud, still kicking with energy.