Cheap Trick, a name that resonates with rock enthusiasts, has carved a niche in the annals of rock history with their indelible sound and electrifying live performances. Hailing from Rockford, Illinois, this band has influenced generations with their unique blend of power pop, hard rock, and the quintessential spirit of rock 'n' roll. Here's an SEO-optimized dive into the history of Cheap Trick.
Formation and Early Days
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Origins: Formed in 1973, Cheap Trick's inception came through the merger of members from different local bands. Rick Nielsen and Tom Petersson, with their early band Fuse, alongside drummer Bun E. Carlos, and later singer Robin Zander, laid the foundation for what would become a legendary quartet.
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The Name: The moniker "Cheap Trick" was inspired by a concert experience where Petersson remarked on the band Slade's use of every "cheap trick in the book," leading to an epiphany for their own band name.
Rise to Fame
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Initial Success in Japan: After their debut album "Cheap Trick" (1977) didn't gain much traction in the US, Japan embraced them with open arms. Their album "In Color" became a sensation, setting the stage for their international breakthrough.
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'At Budokan': The live album "Cheap Trick at Budokan" (1978) was a game-changer. Recorded during their Japanese tour, it captured the frenzy of their live act, turning tracks like "I Want You to Want Me" into anthems and catapulting them to fame.
The Music and Influence
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Sound and Style: Known for their Beatles-inspired melodies, power pop sensibilities, and Rick Nielsen's quirky stage antics with his five-necked guitar, Cheap Trick became synonymous with catchy hooks and high-energy performances.
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Classic Hits: Songs like "Surrender," "Dream Police," and "The Flame" (their first #1 hit) defined a generation, with lyrics that ranged from humorous to heartfelt.
Challenges and Comebacks
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The 80s and 90s: The band faced challenges with lineup changes and shifting music trends but persisted. Their power ballad "The Flame" in 1988 marked a commercial resurgence.
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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Their induction in 2016 was a testament to their lasting impact on rock music, acknowledging their contributions to the genre.
Continued Legacy
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Modern Era: Even into the 21st century, Cheap Trick continues to tour, release new music, and captivate new audiences while maintaining their cult following.
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Cultural Impact: Their music has been featured in various media, from films like "10 Things I Hate About You" to television shows like "That '70s Show," where their cover of Big Star's "In the Street" served as the theme song.
Conclusion
Cheap Trick's journey from the bowling alleys of the Midwest to the echelons of rock royalty is a testament to their perseverance, talent, and the timeless appeal of their music. They've navigated the ebbs and flows of the music industry with a blend of resilience, humor, and an unwavering commitment to their craft, ensuring their place in rock history is not only secured but cherished by fans old and new.
Studio Albums
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Cheap Trick (1977)
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In Color (1977)
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Heaven Tonight (1978)
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Dream Police (1979)
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All Shook Up (1980)
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One on One (1982)
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Next Position Please (1983)
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Standing on the Edge (1985)
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The Doctor (1986)
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Lap of Luxury (1988)
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Busted (1990)
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Woke Up With A Monster (1994)
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Cheap Trick (1997) - Often referred to as "Cheap Trick '97" to differentiate it from the debut.
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Silver (2001)
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Special One (2003)
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Rockford (2006)
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The Latest (2009)
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Bang, Zoom, Crazy... Hello (2016)
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We're All Alright! (2017)
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In Another World (2020)
Live Albums
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At Budokan (1978) - Initially released in Japan, later in the U.S.
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Cheap Trick at Budokan: The Complete Concert (1996) - Expanded version of the original live album.
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Live at the Whisky: 1977 (1977) - Released much later.
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Live at Budokan: 25th Anniversary Special Edition (2003)
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Sgt. Pepper Live (2009) - Live performance of the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album.
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Live in Australia (Downunder) (2014)
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Live at the Forum 1979 (2017)
Compilation Albums
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Found All the Parts (1980) - Early singles and B-sides.
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The Greatest Hits (1991)
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Sex, America, Cheap Trick (1996)
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The Essential Cheap Trick (2004)
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The Classic Albums Collection (2010) - Box set.
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The Complete Budokan (2012) - Another expanded edition of the Budokan live album.
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From Tokyo to You (2017) - Another live compilation from Budokan.
Websites
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Wikipedia:
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YouTube:
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Social Media:
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