Band HATED Cheesy Ballad They Were FORCED Into…Until Singer SCORCHED the 1st Take!-Professor of Rock

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the greatest ballad of the 80s?

[@christineml1476]

"Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)" by Cinderella

[@BillGraper]

"Total Eclipse Of The Heart" by Bonnie Tyler, according to my all-time favorite songs list. I have it #1 for 1983, and #6 overall.

[@thetitleisours1]

Every Rose has its Thorn. It popularized a catch phrase we still used today

[@TheSlowoldman]

I don't know about greatest but an underrated one is Heaven by Warrant

[@catherine6653]

Never Tear Us Apart- INXS

[@JT_O4]

Cheap Trick was my older sister’s favorite band in the 70s. I met Cheap Trick in the summer 1988, when I was 19. I was flying from Chicago to LA in coach and instantly recognized Rick when he boarded the plane. I was determined to get his autograph. I had a pen on me, but didn’t have any paper. So, after the plane took off I grabbed a barf bag and headed back to Rick. When I handed him the barf bag Rick said, “A barf bag, this so appropriate!” He was so gracious and pointed out where the other band members were sitting. By the time I got to Robin, I had decided that I was going to give the autographed barf bag to my sister for her birthday that month. I told Robin my sister had a huge crush on him (which she did) and had posters of him all over her room (which she did), and that his autograph was was going to be a gift for my sister. He signed it “Happy Birthday, Chris. Go Wild!” Then, he asked me where I was from. He could tell I was in the military and thanked me for my service. He was such a nice guy as was the whole band. Since then, I’ve been able to see Cheap Trick twice and my sister still has her Cheap Trick barf bag!

[@JamminClemmons]

- Great story.... Thanks for sharing. Why did they boot the original drummer?

[@kenwhitener985]

Awesome !

[@JT_O4]

@@JamminClemmons I am not sure. The current drummer is Rick’s son.

[@stevelacker358]

Oh, geez…. I HATED “The Flame” with a purple passion when it came out. I can sit through it now, but it still doesn’t sound like Cheap Trick to me.

[@JT_O4]

@@stevelacker358 I hear ya. Their raw sound live is amazing. Dream Police is my personal favorite. Still tho, The Flame cemented the band as iconic.

[@davidce3rash]

Saw Cheap Trick live twice. First time in their hay day in the 70's, then again in 2005. Loved both shows. Another great band from our time.

[@billmartin1663]

Bizarre Cheap Trick moment: In the late 80's, I was a lawyer officing in the Houston Galleria complex (and a Cheap Trick fan). One morning, four of us lawyers in suits and carrying brief cases, went downstairs and crossed the Galleria to the parking garage. As we came out into the open mall area, we literally bumped into Cheap Trick wearing full spandex / new wave suit concert apparel! Four in suits. Four in rock star clothing. We all eight stopped to awkwardly let the others pass. Just standing there, looking at each other, had a brief moment to let the contrast slap us in the foreheads. It was as much a music video moment as real life can actually produce. I'll never forget it. (How many rock stars have the courtesy to stop and try to give the right-of-way to ordinary citizens? I was impressed by their demeanor. Real guys -- not sold on their own hype.)

[@bicyclist2]

🤔 Would have made for a good music video moment.

[@rockymountboy]

Their two tracks in the Heavy Metal soundtrack are always overlooked and effin ROCK!

[@cmaden78]

Yup that's how I discovered em. But of course I want you was every girls top ten songs😂❤✨🖤🫶

[@shawnclark764]

true. enjoyed all of their work. Saw them again recently. They still have it.

[@dougford5259]

If Robin Zander's voice doesn't give you chills, you might be dead.

[@CherylBattista]

Very underrated 😢 great vocals ❤

[@bretthardin9239]

sounded as good live 2 years ago as ever

[@juliettewood2969]

Oh yeah!!

[@limogerry]

The song sucks.

[@BigBri550]

Yeah I should have listed Robin Zander as one of the most underrated vocalists in the Rock era. That was in another PoR video.

[@ponzo1967]

They didn't want to do The Flame but they did it very well. Robin is a gifted singer and still sounds great today.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Did you recently see them live?

[@pattonmoore]

I think The Flame actually sounds like a Cheap Trick song. Always have. Until today I thought it was just a song they wrote in order to sound more contemporary (late 80s), which was almost the truth.

[@ponzo1967]

@@ProfessorofRock no I was watching him on Live at Daryl's House. He came in and just killed it on vocals, very impressive.

[@vicvega3614]

​@@ProfessorofRockmy friend went Saturday night at PPG paints arena in Pittsburgh, they opened for Rod Stewart and opened with magical mystery tour (beatles cover) first and he said they rocked and also did some older blues covers too. Rod Stewart apparently cut songs and only played 20 songs and disappointed but guess Rod has had some health problems

[@robpaxson4455]

@@ProfessorofRocksaw them 2 years ago, unfortunately Tom was recovering from heart surgery I believe and wasn’t there, but Robin sounded amazing as always

[@MaryLouiseEklund]

I am a wife of a submarine officer USA - he served on a boomer. For those who don't know they submerge with no communications for three months then home for three months as another crew takes the boat (yes submarines are boats) Any way his first deployment was in 1988. I dropped him off dark of early morning - driving home to an apartment in a town I didn't know filled with moving boxes yet to unpack. I was alone, unemployed, knew no one and The Flame which was new came on the radio and I cried to it on that lonely drive... still take me back to that early morning and the pain of being a wife of the silent service.

[@constancewessel3906]

This song and Robin's vocals were meant for each other. Gives me chills every time I hear it. Such a classic!

[@purpletornado1971]

I grew up in Belvidere, Illinois which is just east of Rockford, Cheap Trick's hometown. Dream Police was the first album I purchased with my own money and my first "real" concert was seeing Cheap Trick perform in the then-brand new Rockford MetroCentre arena in February 1981 with Pete Comita on bass. I had various sightings over the years. I was at the table next to Robin and his family (first wife and children Ian and Holland) at dinner at Aunt Mary's Restaurant, was browsing magazines next to Rick at a mall bookstore (I was too scared to say anything to him but we briefly glanced at each other) and in the summer of 1988 I saw Robin in the wave pool at Magic Waters Waterpark and Tom and some other guys standing on the pool deck. Tom was wearing a brand new Phoenix Cardinals jersey. For some reason, I never saw Bun in person. In 2012, I played The Flame at my wife Lorraine's funeral. Cheap Trick is and has been my favorite band for over 40 years.

[@debrarandall6913]

Well, I'm certainly glad they did! That song still gives me chills! I can't imagine any other band recording this song or anyone else singing it!

[@janettebelleville6606]

Goosebumps when he hits that high note…….still does it for me all these years later. 🇦🇺❤️

[@carlkrause5294]

I saw them in concert last year and Robin Zander can still hit those notes well, great concert

[@theeteecee]

The Flame is one of my all time favourite songs, I cried a lot of tears curled on my bed listening to it. I still absolutely LOVE it & make my grandbabies dance with me to it. I miss power ballads!!

[@LarryLancasterEville]

Your little circles giving me Lisa Loeb vibes. I'm o' guitarist n play lots of cheap trick n just about anything I want anything I hear anyway. I'm also a great-grandfather to twin boys😊 named Jace and Connor Lancaster. Wish I could have a girl like you... I bet you're awesome.

[@RaymondBCrisp]

Saw Cheap Trick as a free concert at an amusement park a couple decades ago. It remains one of the best shows I've ever seen.

[@andreabradley5837]

My son was born in 87. When he first started to crawl, it was to "The Flame" he would dance to it while crawling. The lyrics are timeless and so is the music. Thank god for these unrecognized writers! Also I still have my tee from 86 tour! Fun show.

[@charlesheit4880]

Robin Zanders' vocals on this song send chills up and down my spine EVERY time I hear it. Magnifique!!

[@net2000man]

THIS is why I LOVE this channel! Covering many of my favorite bands and icons, and doing it honestly and reverently. Adam, you are a true gem, and we love your content, Brother. I remember seeing Cheap Trick in the mid 70's at the Westchester Premier Theater, a very small and intimate venue, and as a teenager it was such a thrill catching one of Rick Nielsen's picks (he threw them into the crowd by the scores). He really inspired me to play the guitar, and even though I have never felt the need to step foot on a stage to perform, I am eternally grateful for that gentle push to pursue my artistic side. Cheap Trick is the real deal, and they will ALWYS have a very special place in my heart. Great job, as always, Professor!!!

[@laraschauble]

I absolutely love The Flame!! I'm so glad they gave it a second chance and recorded the song ❤❤❤

[@briantherockandmetaladdict1173]

This band will never get old. I've seen them 3 times at different spots in their career and no matter what they deliver. Cheap trick just plain rocks!!!!!!!!

[@Mickerdoo]

Love this song so much. As an adult it’s so freeing to just openly loudly proclaim your love for 80s love ballads. Fist pumping all day!

[@JeffSeale]

The phenomenal thing about Cheap Trick is that after all these years they are still doing it. Not content to rest on their laurels of the past hits, they still put out brand new material. And their live shows still rock. One of my favorite bands.

[@yaimavol]

There is so much demand on the casino circuit any band that had a hit in that era can still play live and make good money

[@geraldfriend256]

@@yaimavol Biggest touring acts today are GnR Scorpions etc. Shows the true state of popular music today. Even a lot of the kids aren’t down for it.

[@yaimavol]

@@geraldfriend256 I don't know who would pay to see GNR. Axles voice left the building a long time ago

[@geraldfriend256]

@@yaimavol Klaus too. Cept I love Klaus. Axl.???Never been a fan of the guy. Loved seeing fat Axl run up to the stage and being so winded he couldn’t breathe, let alone sing.

[@yaimavol]

@@geraldfriend256 The last Bon Jovi tour was awful. They even tuned all the songs down and Jon still couldn't hit the notes

[@Skirliegirl]

My all time favourite song of the 80s....we'd never heard of Cheap Trick in the UK before then, but it started a love of the band and Robin's voice still makes me tingle all over!❤

[@christyhubbard8074]

Saw them a few years ago in concert and these guys rocked!! So fantastic live. Thanks Professor for shining a light on them.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Rock on!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Awesome! Rock on 🤘

[@brianknapp6215]

​@@ProfessorofRock I'm a little disappointed you didn't mention "Reach Out"- the band's contribution to the _Heavy Metal_ soundtrack (from the "Captain Stern" segment!)

[@GuitaristPAX]

​​@@brianknapp6215Also they had their music featured in a pseudo Sci-Fi animated film called "Rock & Rule" that also featured Iggy Pop and Debbie Harry among others .. it was pretty f'n cool.

[@brianknapp6215]

@@GuitaristPAX Aaah- _Rock & Rule..._ another Canadian animated gem.

[@philipbolin6776]

I don't get why anybody would dislike this song. It's a great song

[@thetitleisours1]

I saw Cheap Trick in concert for many years. Always liked the way he sung "I want you to want me". They had a unique look that stuck out back then

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That song is catchy!

[@christineheminger7762]

The way his voice sounded when singing “I can’t believe you’re gone” always got me-even before it had personal meaning.

[@donwilbanks2226]

I grew up in small town Oklahoma, 35 miles from OKC. When I graduated high school in 1978 I headed for Fresno, CA for the summer with relatives. I was trying to start a career in broadcasting, so I bugged every DJ in Fresno, as I had in OKC, about getting into The Biz. Foreigner was playing Fresno's Selland Arena in June of '78. Cheap Trick was the opening band. I was blown away! I came back home to Shawnee, OK wearing a Cheap Trick T-shirt, which I had to explain to everyone. "Just wait", I said. They blew up and I started a 43 year career in radio in 1979, eventually moving to New Orleans a few years later where I did morning radio and won a couple of awards for commercial production. Oh, and I met my wife of 39 years. Did I mention I met her on the request line my very first night on the air in New Orleans in 1984? Yeah, we're still together.

[@davidlaw689]

I saw Cheap Trick this past May. Still rocking well into their 70s. Mr. Zander's pipes are as powerful as ever. Love this band!

[@TheSlowoldman]

Robin Zander is an extremely gifted vocalist.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Where'd you see them?

[@stevenfunderburg1623]

I rank Robin right behind Freddie Mercury and right before Cy Curnin on my top 3 male mainstream music vocalists of all time chart.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree.

[@davidlaw689]

@@ProfessorofRock OLG Casino in Niagara Falls ( Canadian side )

[@audibletapehiss3764]

What stands out to me is that a record label was so invested in a band that, even after 5 unsuccessful records in a row, at the tail end of a 15 year career, they pulled out all the stops - songwriters, money, time, and even hand holding. Nowadays if you're not gold, Pony Boy, they ain't gonna help you. They won't even hold the exit door open.

[@nemoretime7466]

I liked the releases off "one on one" album because of the videos on MTV but they probably didn't help the band to sell a lot of records.

[@yaimavol]

And they're probably going to tell you what songs to record.

[@dont_follow5777]

​@@nemoretime7466love that album

[@juliethompson8685]

Cheap Trick was gold.

[@johnnyxmusic]

And you’ll owe them a ton of cash. Incorporate and declare bankruptcy. 😂😂😂

[@johnstewart2877]

My wife and I went to see Kings of Chaos a few years ago, Robin was touring with them, about half way through the concert he walked on stage just him an acoustic guitar, and the spot light, he played The Flame, it was one of the best songs I have ever heard done live, you could some of the other band members on the side stage taking his performance in also.... great memory....

[@cmaden78]

Totally unrelated, my ex husband and I went to see Train at Sun fest in West Palm, and they played Come Together ( Aerosmith) and OMG the entire crown was just standing there with their mouths hanging open!😂 And I have seen Aerosmith live a bunch of times..but man am I happy I was there that day. They kilt it

[@brettliebermanmusic]

I got this on tape when it came out. Being only around 8 at that time, I thought they were a cool new band. 😅 Glad this album opened the door of exploring their earlier catalog. Such an amazing band.

[@janedonovan9815]

I was obsessed with "The Flame" when it came out. I played it over and over again. His vocal just spoke to me as if he was singing just for me. So much emotion in his voice and I don't think anyone else could ever cover it. They may not have written it but they owned it.

[@67marlins]

I think a lot of girls took this great power ballad personally.....and that's a huge compliment to the words and overall song. You have good taste!

[@serendipityshopnyc]

Zander did a fabulous job, no question, but I would still love to hear Steve Perry sing it. Only other living rock vocalist who leaps to mind as possibly being able to do "The Flame" justice.

[@andreabradley5837]

I played it for my infant son and he loved it!

[@davestewart2067]

Believe Steven Tyler would have been capable.

[@robsanz9746]

Well written, Jane. 💚

[@BillGraper]

I still remember the first time I heard "The Flame." We didn't have cable TV until early 1989. I was at my friend John's house (they lived diagonally behind us), and we were watching MTV. This song came on, and we both loved it! We knew it would be huge. My older sister was on her honeymoon, and they heard it for the first time on the radio. They loved it, too. 😎

[@ProfessorofRock]

Hey Bill!

[@Limited_Light]

Finally, someone else that admits not everyone (a large swath of the US) didn't have cable all through the 80s.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It was pretty strong for a comeback hit.

[@georgehuffert1800]

Did you hear any of there previous work or was it your first hearing them

[@BillGraper]

@@georgehuffert1800 I knew their 70's hits "I Want You To Want Me" and "Dream Police."

[@onesix9904]

Robin is one of the few vocalist that sounds as good if not better live than in the studio … They might not have liked the song but they sure did it justice! A classic

[@natehamon8042]

Saw them live recently and they are still playing and singing with strength - far more so than many rock bands who started later and are still touring. Flame was a highlight and had the crowd swooning and singing along to the point where emotions soared freely.

[@jwprimetime9795]

I’ve lived by Robin all the years he’s been here-you will never hear a bad story about him. People run into him at stores all the time and he goes above and beyond for fans!

[@scottangel6462]

Just saw them live for the forth of July. This was one I was waiting to hear and they did not disappoint. Robin's vocals live were on point and awesome!!!

[@javiermoretti1825]

I saw them last summer. Robin can still sing, to be sure, but the rest of the band was just going through the motions. And the lack of a keyboardist on a number of songs made them sound hollow.

[@solteroplayer]

This song is the reason I got into Cheap Trick. I was 15 in 88 and had missed their 70's stuff. I started delving into their back catalog. So many good memories of hitting the record store and picking up another Cheap Trick cassette then taking it home and listening to it over and over. If had the pleasure of seeing them in concert, it would probably be about 15 times. Most recently, back in April when they played another great set even as they are into their 70's.

[@thekcsugethe_kc_suge7930]

Mike Damone in Fast Times trying to sell Trick tickets. Playing knee drums. Love that scene.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Me too!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Right!

[@FrankieMyers-q2o]

Totally😂

[@csh43166]

I think "The Flame" is a beautiful song, and so well done by Mr. Zander. ❤️

[@LBart218]

If they hated having to record this song you'd never know it by what an amazing job they did with it. True professionals, and the reason why it became a hit.

[@Heritagejim5339]

Saw CT the first time at a high school in Naperville Il in 76! Been a fan ever since. As for that note I have the same reaction. Feeling power I agree AC/DC does it for me as well. I heard Powerage in 77 and loved them as well😎

[@bakstabbath]

The Flame was my introduction to Cheap Trick. One of the best songs of the 80s for sure. It still gives me goosers when I hear it.

[@markserour9115]

OK now, to claim it was one of the "best" songs of the Eighties is quite a stretch.

[@dad4ever-c90]

I've always loved Cheap Trick's music. I saw them in concert in 1979 and they played for 2 1/2 hours. They are one of the few bands who sounded just as good live as they did in the studio, maybe even BETTER! I still have my copy of the Live at Budokan album. More young people today should give them a listen.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@daveautzen9089]

I was looking through my albums a few weeks ago when I got a turntable, and was shocked to see I owned Live at Budokan! I sold most of my albums decades ago. I must not have been able to part with it.

[@vicvega3614]

my friend went Saturday night at PPG paints arena in Pittsburgh, they opened for Rod Stewart and opened with magical mystery tour (beatles cover) first and he said they rocked and also did some older blues covers too. Rod Stewart apparently cut songs and only played 20 songs and disappointed but guess Rod has had some health problems

[@dantierney3301]

The importance of Live At Budokan cannot be overstated. The sound of all those Japanese kids SCREAMING is such a testament to the band, the moment, to rock 'n' roll itself.

[@marktait2371]

4ever cool you atill have had 4 or 5 trick records but same aold was in a record store several months waa on the store system hadnt heard in years atiill rocks price was like 30 so didnt buy

[@mournblade1066]

Cheap Trick was such a visually enigmatic band: Two dudes with long hair, a guy with a goofy baseball cap, and a stoic-looking dude who always had a cigarette hanging from his mouth. And the music was really fun. The use of their song, "Reach Out," in the 1981 cartoon _Heavy Metal_ was totally inspired.

[@travismiles5885]

I liked how the drummer dressed like a guy who worked in an office building in accounting or something and always had to rush to the gig in his work clothes because his supervisor made him work later and never had time to change into stage clothes.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Good call. They had a look and feel unlike anyone out there! Have you 'em live?

[@mournblade1066]

@@ProfessorofRock No, never saw them live.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It shows you that anyone could have had a hit back then, even those who looked like homeless people.

[@davidwelsh4918]

@@ProfessorofRock They are still awesome live... sound better than their recorded albums... highly recommend seeing them.

[@fangs1972]

Loved “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Ghost Town” from that album.

[@vehicle22]

Rick Nielson and his 5 neck guitar. Gotta love it!

[@ProfessorofRock]

So cool! Have you ever seen them live?

[@vehicle22]

@@ProfessorofRock No, haven't had the pleasure. But I really enjoy songs with great guitar work, and players like Steve Vai with his three-neck "beast" and Nielson's 5-neck custom fascinate me--especially when you are so talented one of them can be fret-less. Amazing.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Yup.

[@Jreb1865]

Ric playing that iconic 5 neck guitar is the highlight of every concert...

[@dpid98]

"The Flame" was a nominee for our high school graduation class song. I remember feeling so excited to see it on the list. And yes, I did vote for this song, not because it had anything to do with graduating from high school, but because it was the best song on the list.😎

[@brianelmore1696]

One of the most underrated bands ever. Great musicians, great vocals, great songs!!!!!

[@bobmcmahon9528]

Thanks for covering my favorite band! Whether you like 'the Flame' or not, Robin kills it on the vocals (and continues to do so live). The song did expose new fans to their great music. Cheers!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He’s an excellent singer.

[@johnny5g.154]

Saw/heard them perform it live in Australia when they opened for Def Leppard in ‘08. So good!!! I too remember girls choice slow skating to this at our local roller rink. Made me want time to stand still. Rock on late 80’s power ballads✊🏼🤘🏼

[@friguy4444]

WOW!! Finally he covered the boys!!! Yay!!! Thank you prof for getting to the guys after all. Zander totally makes the song IMHO and I think it's very similar in its content to "I Walk the Line" even though the two songs are nothing alike any other way. But both are speaking to the deep long haul of a love that goes on for years if not forever. Very emotional. Personally it's one of the least liked by me out of their hit list. Lol. But I'm a huge CT fan!!! 😊😊❤❤❤🎉❤

[@natetoews2421]

Just saw cheap trick and rod steward last week in Calgary and it was so much fun I was blown away they still sound as good as they did in the 70s it was amazing

[@MyName-pl7zn]

I had wondered when that song came out how it was so far removed from the Cheap Trick I knew. Now I know. Don't Be Cruel sounded just like the Cheap Trick I expected. Well it's definitely not a bad thing when you are able to bring more people to your live shows. The Flame is perfectly performed and sang by them definitely a classic 80s powerballet. Great episode professor!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Good point!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They did a really good take on that Elvis classic.

[@ivyhope660]

Robin Zander made the vocals his own. Could never be bettered.

[@stephenhanft1226]

I remember Cheap Trick's initial success during the late 70's. Love their music. I bought their album Live At Budokan. I consider it one of the best live rock albums ever recorded. My 3 favorite Cheap Trick songs from that time-frame are "I Want You To Want Me", "Surrender" and "Dream Police". As the 1980's started, I expected them to have continued success. I was very surprised when they didn't. They made a terrific comeback in 1988. Without question, the 1980's were the decade of the power ballad. Every rock band were recording them. They wound up capitalizing by recording "The Flame" which went to #1 on the pop charts. While it was a different sound from their initial success 10 years prior, I enjoyed the song. Many of my favorite songs from the 80's are power ballads.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Live at Budokan is right up there with Frampton Comes Alive.

[@jerichoasprec4455]

The 1980's is a treasure trove of power ballads. You can get away with being cheesy but classy at the same time👌🙂

[@pinger5000]

I love Cheap Trick, They were always hard working and great in concert. How did songs like "voices" not do better"." Way of the world" was awesome. Zander has a great voice and all the bandmates had such personality! I still have Live at Budakon!

[@mr.g1758]

I've always loved "Borderline."

[@MJmysummerlove]

“The Flame” is definitely among the best ballads of the decade and beyond. Actually, the 80s had the best ballads, overall.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Especially for power ballads.

[@mikepalmer1971]

Just too damn many of them. Lol.

[@geraldfriend256]

Still 70s for me.

[@DaveInNH]

This one is like a time machine for me. In August, 1988, I was stationed in West Germany. I'd been in country for about 4 months, so everything was still pretty new to me. One day, a buddy and I drove up to Frankfurt on a day off, and we ended up at the PX at Rhein Main AFB. The Flame had been getting a lot of play on AFN Radio, and I ended up buying the album. On the drive back to Wurzburg, The Flame came on the radio in the car and I remember pulling out the CD I'd just bought to check out the songs on the album. It was later in the afternoon, and there was something about that song playing and the lighting and scenery that stuck with me. Every time I hear that song now, I'm transported back to Frankfurt, Germany in late August, 1988. Kind of a bummer that Cheap Trick didn't like the song, but it will always be on my top 100 list.

[@normanbyrne9868]

One of my favorite bands back in high school to listen to. I bought Lap of Luxury the day it hit stores and listened to it non stop for weeks. And as for the high note at the end of The Flame.. still gives me chills and makes me appreciate Robin's voice that much more. They still rock in concert and put on a great show. Thanks for covering such an important band in my life.

[@67marlins]

Thank you for posting.....I recall this song from Summer 1988, truly a great power ballad !

[@draculasdaughter36]

I always loved Power Ballads because they made non-rockers look and show some appreciation too my favourite bands. This is definitely one of the all time best! 👏 👏 👏

[@andrewlayne4494]

Cant hear this without going back to a space in time. Wouldnt have wanted anyone else to do it. Absolutely amazing.

[@TheRadioAteMyTV]

The Flame is a timeless song that they perform to perfection. Whatever their issues were with it, they clearly didn't bring them into the recording studio with them. What a monster piece of beautiful work that tune is.

[@thetruthchannel349]

They didnt like it because they didnt write it

[@Embur12]

Always loved their covers, Aint that a shame, Dont be cruel, and Magical mystery tour.They always had a unique sound that they would graft into these tracks.

[@kmaterne]

Came out the year i graduated. Cant tell you how many slow dances, i danced to that song.

[@ScooterOnHisWay2024]

Nobody does this stuff better than The Professor of Rock! Thanks for all you do!

[@dranet47]

Robin is definitely one of the most underrated rock vocalists, and he really did shine in this song. I loved it when it came out - my husband hated it. lol Oh well.

[@Geezer-yf8hv]

Truly under rated! Zander rarely comes up in greatest singer lists. Really deserved more recognition for his singing!

[@Markie7731]

Seeing them perform this song live is still my favorite and most emotional performance of any band ever.

[@quinnkay4409]

I’ve been a Cheap Trick fan since I heard Budokan n the late 70’s. Their first album was under appreciated for how good it really is. It’s still my absolute favourite!

[@MetalMama-Mimi523]

'The Flame' isn't what we ever expected from Cheap Trick, but it was everything we needed but didn't know we needed so thanks for coming around and recording it. Also, 'Dream Police' is one of my favorites. Such a cool song.

[@traceyrice]

I totally agree that I don't think anyone else could have done a better job on "The Flame". Robin Zander and Cheap Trick will always be among my top three favorite bands: Little River Band, Boston & Cheap Trick. My top three solo singers deserve a mention too: Dan Fogelberg, Steve Wariner & Rick Springfield. 💜

[@musclecarmitch908]

Awesome episode Professor! One of my all time favorite bands! Thanks for keeping the music alive!👍

[@markjolyn94]

Cheap Trick was an amazing band from the outset. Rick Nielsen has reminded me of one of the Bowery Boys

[@johnscott8673]

Your best video yet, Cheap Trick is in the Rock in Roll Hall of Fame for a reason.

[@MAG-li5jo]

The Flame is the best thing Robin Zander ever did by far. NO ONE could have done what he did on that song. One of the best vocal performances by anyone ever.

[@revwillyg6450]

The Flame was fluff that appealed to the masses. Yes, it was commercially successful, but so is Cardi B 🤷‍♂️. Nothing touches Surrender or Dream Police for me

[@RobertL_0563]

Truly The Flame is a phenomenal hit and resurrected Cheap Trick's career. 100% agree no one but Robin Zander could've given the vocals the rawness the song deserves.

[@michaelrochester48]

They did have one album in the early 80s that was heavily shown on MTV, then had the small sized hit She’s Tight! That song is one of my favorites

[@mournblade1066]

"She's Tight" is actually the song that introduced me to Cheap Trick.

[@fivestring65ify]

That's one of my favorites

[@DDKaraokeOutlaw]

The album One On One (1982).

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I agree. Great song.

[@richiebricker]

This was a great Guitar song as well with an very cool emotional guitar solo

[@gregdannels1699]

I so remember when the flame was released, had the album. It may have been number one for 2 weeks on the charts, but was number one for a lot longer where I lived. What a great song!

[@suzan5533]

Cheap Trick was my first concert when I was 13 years old; they played with Nick Gilder at the swing auditorium in San Bernardino, California. I had a blast and it cemented my love for them band to this day. I still go see them when they play venues in my area, and believe it or not, they still play. The flame was a great song but to me it was not one of my favorites. Too many songs I fell in love with for me to name. Thanks for featuring this I enjoyed it!

[@TheEricthefruitbat]

The Budokan has been very good to a lot of American acts. Dream Police is one of the greatest songs ever.

[@troubledspirit3328]

One off my bucket list. Thank you Cheap Trick. Amazing band. Thank you Sir for this reaction

[@MarkDeakin1966]

A song that Robin Zander sang with Ann Wilson of Heart ( co written by Richard Marx) was Surrender to Me released the same year as the Flame. A similar rock ballad. Worth a listen if you haven"t heard it (I've still got the CD single!)

[@craigpierce7996]

Being power rock dominated from the seventies, I did not take a big shine to most of the music of the eighties. But now being older, I appreciate it much more! Please keep bringing these littl' master-blasters from the past!

[@Leenunes007]

Can you imagine Roy Orbison singing "The Flame?"

[@ponzo1967]

Very interesting 😎

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Ooooohhhh…

[@theressnegrin-yw6jb]

Now I can't stop imagining it!😂

[@WolfRun59]

Passionate vocal by Robin was amazing. So glad it got released.

[@rticle15]

To put salt in the wound, the Top Gun album had another big hit with Loverboy's Heaven in Your Eyes. Cheap Trick was and is a fantastic band. I like their other million hits more than The Flame but I was always happy to see how much success they had with it.

[@WeazelJaguar]

Still playing today, great to see live, I love them!

[@christineml1476]

I'd guess singing someone else's songs feels like a proverbial slap in the musical face, but Robin could sing the McDonald's menu and make it a hit. He's got one of the best voices in rock.

[@ponzo1967]

I agree 💯

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's very true. He's amazing.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Haha, I agree with that!

[@helenk6197]

I always love it when you add some personal story like "the fist! Professor of Rock rocks!

[@HNXMedia]

Mighty Wings is the best song on the Top Gun soundtrack (which I still have on cassette). There, I said it. Come at me!

[@michaelmappin4425]

Without a doubt.

[@DavidSmith-ne1zp]

Robin’s vocals are perfect on this song (and I’m not a ballad guy lol!). He completely NAILED IT!

[@michaelrochester48]

The interesting thing about Buddakan is they had a hit with an oldie song “ain’t that a shame”, on the album. Then lap of luxury had a second big top 10 hit with an Oldie song “don’t be cruel.”

[@ProfessorofRock]

They loved the classics!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

No kidding. Those songs are so beloved. Did they cover the Beatles’ Yesterday?

[@crystalz-h1d]

What a gorgeous song.. ❤

[@aaronrogers1971]

Maybe POR would start a new show: Are They Still Rocking? - shining a light on bands from 30+ years ago and what they're doing now. Just a thought. 😁

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Psst, with interviews.

[@TheFatalT]

I was lucky enough to see Cheap Trick back in 88, opening for Robert Plant. Absolutely unforgettable.

[@RandyFricke]

Another nice post Adam. Cheap Trick got me through a few rough periods for me in the '80s. Unlike many fair weather fans I loved all those albums. The Doctor, One On One, Next Position Please. Busted. All CT Classics in my book.