Back in the 60s, rock n roll oddball Rick Nielson began collecting bizarre guitars and studying esoteric British bands like Family and the Move. Touring around the world, he returned to hometown Rockford, Illinois, and wound up in various outfits with avuncular drummer Bun E. Carlos. With lies of success, Nielson fooled bassist-in-crime Tom Petersson into leaving Europe to join. Soon, young folk singer Robin Zander was on board and Cheap Trick was born. The band played anywhere and everywhere, soon opening for the Kinks, Journey and Kiss. Nielson amassed a huge song portfolio before legendary producer Jack (Aerosmith, John Lennon, Zebra) Douglas finally led the quartet into the studio for their self-titled debut in 77. Cheap Trick showcased the Trick throwaway aesthetics of brilliant stupidity (""Hot Love""), wily irreverence (""Daddy Should Have Stayed in High School"") and high-voltage pop genius (""He’s a Whore"", ""Oh Candy""). Merging the lines of metal, punk and Top 40, this golden stage is encapsulated by the brilliant ""Surrender"". Thundering versions of ""I Want You to Want Me"" and the oldie ""Ain’t That a Shame"" were a success. After 10 years, they still played wicked shows at state fairs and barbecues, Cheap Trick seemed to lose heart. However, in 94, Smashing Pumpkin Billy Corgan, installed a new life force. Through it all, Cheap Trick weathers on like always, rockin’ like big dogs night after night.
Recorded in Sydney in 1988