Cheap Trick

Cheap Trick formed in the mid-'70s in Illinois with a bag of power-pop tricks cribbed from bands like the Beatles and Badfinger. But guitarist Rick Nielsen was also a fan and student of the era's guitar heroes, so the power in Cheap Trick's power-pop was just as prevalent as the pop. After three albums slowly expanded their increasing fan base, a fluke live album, 'Cheap Trick at Budokan,' originally released only in Japan, became a Top 5 hit in the U.S. They scored only one more Top 10 album since that 1979 classic ('Dream Police,' also released in 1979 and actually all set to hit shelves when it was delayed to give 'Budokan' time to grow) but have remained a popular live act.

Selected Discography: ‘In Color’ (1977), ‘Heaven Tonight’ (1978), ‘Cheap Trick at Budokan’ (1979)
Further Reading: Top 10 Cheap Trick Songs, Top 10 Rick Nielsen Cheap Trick Songs, Looking Back on ‘Dream Police’

Cheap Trick: Captivating Tour Posters

This is a classic piece of artwork, from the very recognizable image of Rick Nielsen rocking out on guitar to the typewriter-esque lettering that's been the Cheap Trick logo throughout their career. Apparently red is seen as a motivating color for rock poster art, as most of our entries seem to feature it prominently...

Chad Childers

Cheap Trick Drummer: I’m Still In the Band, but I Don’t Talk to Them

If you don't tour with a group and never talk to your bandmates anymore, are you still actually in the band? According to Cheap Trick drummer Bun E Carlos ... yes.

Shauna W

Cheap Trick to Perform at Washington D.C. Earth Day Rally

Cheap Trick will rock the nation's capitol on this coming Sunday, April 22. The classic rockers are part of the entertainment for an Earth Day rally on the National Mall in Washington D.C., which according to the band's website runs from 12PM to 7PM ET.

Billy Dukes

No. 44 Cheap Trick, ‘I Want You To Want Me’ – Top 100 Classic Rock Songs

In the spring of 1979, you couldn't escape the sounds of 'I Want You To Want Me,' the first big hit from Cheap Trick.Then again, why would you want to?

Dave Swanson

Aerosmith + Cheap Trick 2012 Summer Tour Dates Announced

Aerosmith and Cheap Trick have just announced their 2012 summer tour dates, labeling their sizzling pair-up the ‘Global Warming Tour.’ After a successful tour in South America and Japan, Boston’s finest, along with the pride of Rockford, Ill., will return to the USA and kick things off in Minneapolis, Minn. on June 16.

Karen 'Gilly' Laney

Rick Nielsen Visits Steven Tyler at American Idol – Pic of the Week

While backstage at ‘American Idol’ might not be the most likely place to see Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, last night (March 15) that’s exactly where he could be found. 'Idol' judge and Aerosmith mouthpiece Steven Tyler posted the photo above on Twitter of Rick Nielsen posing with Tyler’s fellow judge Randy Jackson and ‘American Idol’ alumni Chris Daughtry with the caption, “Look who stopped by the

Mary Ouellette

Allman Brothers, Cheap Trick Settle Lawsuit With Sony

Members of the Allman Brothers Band, Cheap Trick and other classic rock bands signed to Sony BMG will have reason to smile when they receive their next royalty statements. On Wednesday, a five-year lawsuit against the label was settled to the tune of $7.95 million and a three percent raise in their royalty rates on sales of digital music, Rolling Stone is reporting.

Dave Lifton

Cheap Trick Rocking Into 2012 With Live Webcast Tonight

Cheap Trick fans: get ready to ring in 2012 with total rock action! Tonight -- that's Dec 31, 2011 (aka New Year's Eve) -- GFL-TV and Jannus Live are offering up a live webcast of the band's concert in Tampa Bay, Fla. Transmission begins at 10PM ET.

Dave Swanson

Best Cheap Trick Song – Readers Poll

Cheap Trick guitar hero Rick Nielsen hits the big 65 today (Dec. 22). Known for his flash, flair and style as well as his kick-ass guitar playing, Rick is also responsible for most of the legendary band's songs as well!

Dave Swanson

Cheap Trick to Open Museum + Venue in Chicago

Illinois natives Cheap Trick will be launching a hybrid of instrument museum, restaurant and music venue in Chicago. Even though the band famously hails from Rockford, which is the state's third's largest city, they are situating this thrilling new venture in the Windy City, which attracts tons and tons of tourists.

Amy Sciarretto