When Cheap Trick formed in the early 70s in Rockford, Illinois, nobody could have guessed they’d become cult heroes on one continent and global rock stars on another.

With Rick Nielsen’s checkerboard guitars and madcap energy, Robin Zander’s powerhouse vocals, Tom Petersson’s invention of the 12-string bass, and Bun E. Carlos’s chain-smoking everyman drumming, they didn’t look like your average rock band. And that’s exactly why people loved them.

Their big break? Japan. By the late ’70s, they were bigger than the Beatles there, leading to the now-legendary At Budokan live album. Songs like “Surrender” and the live version of “I Want You to Want Me” launched them into the global spotlight.

The 80s brought highs (like their #1 hit “The Flame”) and lows (lineup changes and label pressure), but Cheap Trick never lost their oddball charm. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, proving their staying power.

Cheap Trick’s story is one of persistence, eccentricity, and undeniable hooks. Their music still inspires, their guitars still dazzle, and yes — Rick Nielsen is probably still throwing guitar picks into the crowd.

👉 Listen now on The Rock Pod — and crank up At Budokan.

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