Classic Band was HITLESS & $4 Million In DEBT…Then This 1979 Hit SAVED ‘em! | Professor of Rock

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll; Straight up, who was the greatest LIVE band of the 70s and 80s?

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

Zep

[@cylonred8902]

Scorpions World Wide Live was incredible and though I never saw them live - they were a great live band.

[@peterd.9978]

Pink Floyd.

[@rogerdeahl9629]

AC/DC Journey Kansas Lynryd Skynyrd

[@Mykey404]

A hidden gem was the J. Geils band. They were awesome live.

[@s1d9m9f8]

I had a dear friend in high school, her name was Tonya. I actually had much stronger feelings for her, but I never had any confidence so I never said anything. Despite that, we were extremely close, she taught me how to slow dance when I was nervous before my first dance. We'd spend hours talking and laughing, she was awesome. She moved away from Wisconsin to South Carolina the summer between sophomore and junior year...it sucked. We had a going away party for her, and a friend and I DJ'd it with my home stereo. Tonya requested and made us play this song over a doz3n times, as it was her favorite song. A couple years after we got out of high school she was tragically killed in a drunk driving accident. I was a mess, I really loved her. It's been about 30 years since she past, and I still think of her to this day. Funny thing is, this song ONLY comes on the radio when I am having a very bad day, or am seriously depressed. When it comes on I instantly feel better, and I feel as if she is checking in on me and telling me things will be alright. Anyway that's my little story.

[@MaxJustice100]

Thanks for sharing your story.

[@brianmanning-ym8gj]

that's really sweet.

[@misslora3896]

Dude, I don't typically feel touched while reading some strangers comment, but for some reason that just struck really hard. It's so incredibly sad, tragic and beautiful all at the same time, it actually made me cry as I read it... Something that's NEVER happened before. I sincerely appreciate your willingness to be so vulnerable in sharing it. Thank you for making me feel something.

[@s1d9m9f8]

@misslora3896 thank you for your kind words. She really was a special girl. And losing her sucked. But having great memories means when I think about her, I smile. Once again thank you.

[@kayzbluegenes]

😢

[@kristinebarbaree2697]

I love cheap trick ! I even met my husband at a cheap trick concert and we have been married 28 years . I have seen them several times . Love, love , love them

[@virgildailey1970]

Here is a funny story about Cheap Trick. I was in the US Navy in 1979. I flew home for two weeks leave landed at Birmingham Alabama. Was very late at night, about midnight to 1 o’clock in the morning. Back in those days you could meet arrivals at the gate. My wife and sister were there to meet me. As we walked from the gate thru the concourse I saw the band Cheap Trick. I recognized Rick Neilson. I told my wife and sister who they were to go get their autograph. My wife declined, either she was to shy or didn’t believe me as to who they were. My sister walked over got the bands autographs and chatted with each of them. After she returned I told the two girls, watch this. I walked over to the band, said hey guys aren’t you a famous rock band? Pink Floyd! Rick Neilson told me get the fuck out of here. Some of the guys threw plastic drink cups at me. I started laughing and explained that I knew who they were and was playing a joke on them. They got a big kick out of it. Cheap Trick had just performed in Birmingham and was flying to Mobile Alabama for another concert. And yes, Rick Neilson was wearing his trademark ball cap, believe it or not. That is how I recognized him. As I had walked by I did a double take, thinking no it can’t be. Just missed the concert but got to meet the band personally late at night in a practically deserted airport.

[@ripvanrevs]

As soon as I saw the headline, I knew it was going to be Cheap Trick. Fortunately I never got that Indonesian junk that was going around!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Love this! Thanks for serving.

[@joycelavely7696]

I once ran into Kris Kross way late at night at the luggage pickup carrousel. I didn’t know who he was, but my niece who was picking me up did, and was star struck…. So of course, I had to embarrass her. 🤣 I walked up to them and basically said, “Rap? That’s like music right?” “They I started rambling about how normally I don’t have to pick up luggage because I just stuff all of my bras and underwear into a carry on…”. And my niece was hoping the floor would open and swallow her! She said, “I can’t believe you were talking to him about your bras and underwear!”…. I just told her, I’m sure he probably has a strange aunt somewhere too in his family.

[@MrJusskippy]

@virgildailey1970 so you played a cheap trick on Cheap Trick? Nice!

[@grepora]

They were offended that you thought they were Pink Floyd? You should have said they were "Siouxsie and the Banshees". And then ask them which one was Siouxsie.

[@dietpepsivanilla3095]

Cheap Trick is in the top 5 of greatest American rock bands of all time.

[@petervertefeuille9926]

I can’t think of a better catalog of music from any band in the world other than the Beatles

[@brucethomason6354]

I met Robyn Zander the summer after they were inducted into the Hall of Fame. I told him I would spare him and not sing I want You to Want Me. I’ve never heard a more sincere thank you.

[@deanpowers8393]

I'll never forget the first time my wife heard the studio version of 'I Want You To Want Me'. She looked at me and said "Who in the hell is this ruining that Cheap Trick song?" 😂😂😂

[@thomasbartanen8252]

For a while, Rockford Illinois had signs at the City Limits saying "Rockford Home of Cheap Trick".

[@bradwest4821]

It's on Riverside on the east side... it's still there

[@westfieldartworks8188]

In 1975 Cheap Trick played for the mixer dance in our high school cafeteria in Madison WI.

[@StamfordBridge]

“Ain’t That a Shame” on Budokan one of the greatest covers of all time.

[@robertkramer7625]

I agree.

[@jeremyrice3719]

I will check that out. Thanks. I LOVE Fats Domino and Cheap Trick live kills it.

[@StamfordBridge]

@@jeremyrice3719 Listen to the version on the album. I just looked at the live video of it on KZbin and the sound quality isn’t as good.

[@stratman1192]

I grew up in Rockford and saw them for the first time in 1975. They played at a small band shell in a park called Sinnissipi on Mother's Day (it was a big crowd for the relatively small outdoor venue). It wasn't until 2 years later that they released their first album. At the time of the show, they had all the energy and charisma that would later propel them all the way to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I have seen them many times throughout their careers. They always put on a great show and have provided me with many great memories!

[@dgarve]

Rick said they were asked by Queen to open two shows in Wisconsin, and because Queen were huge in Japan, there happened to be Japanese press at the Madison and Milwaukee shows. This, and the fact that Rick was asked by the Japanese press to write an article on what it was like to open up for Queen, were instrumental in opening the door to the Japanese market. Glad it did--their "Heaven Tonight" and "Dream Police" albums are two of the best albums of the entire '70s. They are still awesome live in concert and one of the hardest working bands in rock. Rick once said that he always has a suitcase by his bedroom door in Rockford, and that it hasn't been unpacked since Budokan in '78! Have a good one! - Dave

[@ProfessorofRock]

THanks!

[@jeromethiel4323]

Hehe. I am on the road pretty much all the time. My big roller suitcase is never truly unpacked. I take dirty laundry out and pack clean stuff back in. But the clean stuff that is left over, that stays in. Plus my shaving kit and cable bag is pretty much always in. You can usually tell people that live on the road, they have really nice, but worn luggage. Good, hard wearing luggage is worth the price. I used to go through a suitcase a year, now i'm up to about 3-4 years, by paying about the same price as i would for 4 cheapo bags. Hard to blame bands, they make the real money on tour. The more you tour, the more money you make.

[@SamanthaCox-ow3dp]

I saw them in 1988, they were in a small place but they played like they were in front of thousands. They are fantastic live and I have always loved their music.

[@badgerpa9]

@@jeromethiel4323 When I flew weekly I had a good back pack that I used and I bought big cheap back packs to put over it when flying.

[@dgarve]

I've seen them live 4-5 times and they're always rocking, and always change up the setlist, which is cool, too. @@SamanthaCox-ow3dp

[@TheLastchild101]

Robin Zander's voice sounds as good today as it did back in the day. ❤

[@brucethomason6354]

If you really want to hear how good he can sing, check out their live cover of the Beatles Sgt. Pepper album. I was especially impressed by his version of She’s Leaving Home, showed he has much more range than his Cheap Trick vocals

[@Opiemus]

I was a huge fan when they came out with "Live at Budokan". They are also very supportive of our military, they performed live at Marine Corps Base, Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan in 1983 and put on a hell of a show. 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, Weapons Co. 👍🇺🇲

[@unrulysimian3897]

🦅🌎⚓️

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for your service!

[@jerryfritz374]

Was at Camp Hansen 1976-77 and West Pac. On now get this USS Okinawa

[@jerryfritz374]

Sempre Fi Brother

[@Opiemus]

@@jerryfritz374 SFMF's 👍

[@Boblobblaw88]

You have NO IDEA how animated Rick was in those days. He was all over the stage throwing high leg kicks. He was like a wind-up toy that never stopped, and constantly mugging and hyping up the crowd.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That would have almost scared me!

[@beenaplumber8379]

He changed guitars for each song, often just throwing the previous one offstage or over the backdrop. He came out with like 4 guitars strapped on and played them all in one song, throwing a guitar off when he'd finished with it. Some of his guitars were insane, like the "Rick" double-neck (on the cover of Next Position Please - I know the guitar has a proper name but I can't think of it) and his guitar with 5 necks, and yeah he played all 5 necks. Besides his absolute commitment to showmanship, he was also a bona fide guitar god of his time. The guy could play! He wasn't a show-off though. His amazing skills always served the song. But his talent was often overshadowed by his stage presence, IMO.

[@marktait2371]

yeh was telling other viewer rick was like the energizer bunny and had many cool guitars that he rocked out on

[@Boblobblaw88]

@@beenaplumber8379 yes!

[@bryancochran1382]

Rick is still very animated live. honestly the best live bands I have seen in several years.

[@jameskipp1657]

Cheap Trick is a classic American rock band. They belong in the pantheon of great bands. Solid musicianship to go along with catchy tunes.

[@goldenwheeledbanshee9160]

I seen them play at holiday inn, back in the 70s. 6 months later the hard work payed off.

[@mournblade1066]

The placement of their song, "Reach Out," in the animated film _Heavy Metal_ is fantastic.

[@DC8091]

HELL YA🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@TheSlowoldman]

One of the most overlooked tracks on that soundtrack for sure.

[@peterd.9978]

Thanks for reminding me about Heavy Metal! Totally forgot about it after all these years. Wasn't there a second version that wasn't as good?

[@DC8091]

@@peterd.9978 yeah, Heavy Metal 2000, it has its cool parts

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great memory!

[@scottcyrus2659]

My buddy and me saw Cheap Trick at a little bar in Fort Lauderdale in early 90s . They were doing an intro to a song when a drunk guy climbed up on stage and started yelling in the mic. Drummer gets up goes up to the guy grabs him by the back of the neck and the in the waistband of his pants and tosses them off the stage into the crowd . Crowd Goes Crazy he walks off the stage the rest of the band just stands there plucking strings strings not knowing what to do. After a few minutes he comes back out towel around his neck cigarette hanging from the lip takes a drag off the cigarette wipes his face leans into the mic and and says let's rock walks back to the drums and drops right back into the intro to the song like nothing happened.my buddy got his first guitar pick that night

[@chrisoakley5830]

Their live version of Ain't That A Shame at the 1980 American Music Awards is awesome.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree!

[@danielerickson5175]

One of the best live performances TV has ever hosted. John Lennon was a fan…

[@StamfordBridge]

Budokan was such a classic album. A milestone of its era.

[@davidlaw689]

I've lost count of how many times I've seen Cheap Trick. Such a great live band.

[@TheArchaeologyDepartment]

LOL! You and me both. Best live band ever,

[@ronwilliams1094]

ME TOO!!! If I had to count I’d say over a dozen times. I’ve seen them open for just about every huge 80’s hard rock band as well as driving 200 miles from Youngstown, Ohio to Columbus, Ohio to see them at the Ohio State Fairgrounds at 90 MPH all the way so we didn’t miss a single note!!!

[@bartonpercival3216]

I first saw them in August of 1977 when they were the opening act for KISS. Seen them now around 25 times live since that first time in San Francisco!!!!!! 👍🎸

[@jamesschmidtke3510]

Boy, did I learn a lot from this video! I thought Cheap Trick was a British band and I never knew that they struggled for so long at the start

[@mcgiddin]

I saw (5 rows back from the stage) Zebra, Cheap Trick & ZZ Top in 1983 at the Bridgeport, Mi. high school football field which was right next to the freeway. People were stopping to watch the show, cars were lined both sides of the freeway. Man what a show that was, fond memories of my youth.

[@kings-bay-2902]

1983 was Zebra’s debut album .. one of my favorite bands ever along with Cheap Trick !

[@mcgiddin]

​@@kings-bay-2902Zebra's debut album was and still is a great album. Rumor has it that Zebra is working on new material.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Zebra is so undervalued!

[@richardhoff1626]

Thank you Japan for helping make Cheap Trick big. So many great songs that deserved the airplay that they finally got. Still crank up Surrender every time I hear it.

[@davidconn3222]

Rick Nielsen live is a sight to see !

[@ProfessorofRock]

Right? the Tasmanian Devil!

[@williamh4172]

So entertaining. Funny, quirky guy! He had me in stitches during the One tour.

[@marktait2371]

yeh he is the energizer bunny and those guitars

[@tauron1]

still my favorite version of "ain't that a shame", with Bun's opening drum track,.

[@jiggsborah7041]

1979 was one of those years that came out with magic. The seventies said goodbye in real style ❤

[@chrisoakley5830]

1979 was really great, it's my favorite year in music.

[@jiggsborah7041]

@@chrisoakley5830... I lived in a small African country called Swaziland back then. Someone passing through played Steeley Dan "Aja". I had to get it. I went through a number of agencies to import it and it eventually cost me the equivalent of about 10 records but it was worth every penny I paid for it. The year was 79 and the next year was my final year in high school.

[@-.Steven]

Yes Indeed!

[@edwinrodeo]

I was 19 , couldn’t agree more 🎼✅

[@landiahillfarm6590]

Cheap Trick's performance a few years back at their acceptance into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was a true testament of how they DESERVED to be there. They ROCKED OUT and the audience totally got it, I was so happy for them.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

I heard the live version before the studio version and couldn't believe the difference, this live version was the only way to hear it with the energy of Kiss's live version of Rock and Roll all night! The funny thing is I always heard Japanese fans were quiet but definitely not true on this record. One of the best live albums ever! Great episode professor

[@ProfessorofRock]

So true. I don't care for the original at all.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Yup. I 100% prefer the live version. The studio version is nothing compared to it.

[@Out_of_My_Head]

You got that 🎶

[@davesrvchannel4717]

SLADE!! So cool you mentioned Slade. Just last night I was wishing you’d do a story on them.

[@themightysquid]

I remember an interview with Cheap Trick, and Robin Zander said “we’re everybody’s 4th favorite band”. That was enough, and I still listen to them today.

[@chrino21]

Hilarious! That quote just moved them up my list a few notches. To 4th!

[@neilschnurr5186]

In Color, Heaven Tonight, and Dream Police are some of the most under rated albums of all time. All, just fantastic.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Agreed!

[@petervertefeuille9926]

The debut album is the perfect rock album brilliant

[@LollieVox]

I fell in love in 1979 in Hawaii to the Live at Budokan album. Lost my virginity to Need your love. Lost touch with my first love when we moved back to the states in 1980 Where I saw them live in Idaho, with my dad, they were opening for Meatloaf. Rick Nielsen was the star of the whole show- he was running around the stage & flipping his guitar around to show a pic of the fab 4 on the back of his guitar- Tasmanian devil is a good way to put it! Then 37 years later I reconnected with my first love & we saw them in Red Rocks in Denver with Foreigner on their 40 year anniversary tour. This album evokes so many wonderful memories for me! ❤ Thanks for making this video!!!

[@bbtb785]

Everything that I like and respect about music is embodied in this album.

[@fivestring65ify]

These guys are yet another band from the upper Midwest that defined classic rock. They are original. One of those great bands that's instantly recognized.

[@soulscanner66]

Yup. REO Speedwagon, Styx, Pretenders, John Mellencamp, Bob Seeger, had a similar hard, melodic, guitar-oriented sound. Lots of bar bands weren't from there, but toured a lot in the midwest to break out: Kiss, Journey, Foreigner, Rush. It wasn't called a "scene", but a band could earn a living here with a lot of hard work and touring.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

One of Illinois’ very finest.

[@malk67]

Rick is one of the most down to Earth people you'd ever want to meet. Bun, Tom & Robin are also pretty laid back, no "Rock Star" egos, just humble folks when I met them. I've seen them a number of times during the last century and they have Never disappointed and I hope to see them again soon since they're touring with HEART. Alice Cooper even described them as "America's House Party Band".

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I would die to meet Rick.

[@stevepaduganan4516]

I saw them open for KISS at the LA Forum in '77... They did a really great performance.

[@thetitleisours1]

I saw Cheap Trick with Heart and Journey years ago. They were cool, and still remember their Budokan concert. That album still holds up. Rick did have his trusted baseball cap on

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Did you see Budokan in person?

[@thetitleisours1]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I wish! I just saw them at a local event with Heart and Journey. I was fun though

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@thetitleisours1 Where at?

[@jakeoncall]

Back in the 70s I wrote lead sheets for a living. Screen Gems was one of my clients and they were Cheap Trick's music publishers. They asked me to do the lead sheets for Heaven Tonight and I have to admit the lyrics to "Surrender" were the weirdest I'd ever heard. Dream Police is my favorite song of theirs. I have a friend who plays lead guitar for an all girl cover band called "Cheap Chick".

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I love that cover band idea!

[@beenaplumber8379]

What an awesome job you had! Were your lead sheets the ones they submitted for copyright registration? That's a very specific business. You gotta be part musician and part lawyer. I love the lyrics for Surrender! Yeah, weird as hell, but consistent in their weirdness, and taken as a whole the lyrics actually pack a punch with their message. Listen to Mama. She's been around the block a few times. Mama says "Do as I say, not as I do, though you're also gonna do as I do anyway. Surrender to your passions. Just be careful." Their lyrics are way more eloquent than my interpretation.

[@jimmyBside]

They had me with the Kiss records line…Man, what a time to grow up. 🍻

[@jimmyBside]

@jakeoncall Had to ask Siri “what are lead sheets’..😂 Wow that’s an amazing. I’m finding the weird stuff seems to age well. Interesting to listen to, for sure. Been on an RS Emotional Rescue kick. That’s a wacky song…But, so fun. I always think of Damone doing the Surender sales pitch, in Fast Times, when I hear that song…🍻

[@-.Steven]

Haha! Love it! I'd also love to see Cheap Chick.

[@brucifer0]

I saw them in Providence RI on the tour supporting the Live At Budokan record they were on fire that tour.

[@thedynamicsolo4232]

I was a freshman in HS. My BF at the time was a year younger. He played "Live at Budokon" and I was hooked. I loved "Surrender" and when they came out with "Voices" and "Dream Police" I was a long time fan.

[@ProfessorofRock]

So cool. Such a great records!

[@TheSlowoldman]

I didn't like Dream Police when it came out but it's grown on me so much as to be one of my favorite songs from them today.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Great songs!

[@stephenreid5441]

Awesome lesson, Professor .

[@PiratePrincessYuki]

We moved from Japan back to Hawaii in 98… Cheep Trick is still a loved band in Japan.

[@aaronlarson2330]

Grew up in and still live around Rockford, can confirm Rick Nielsen is the nicest celeb you could meet.

[@Narpets2112]

I think that of all my favorite bands from high school, Cheap Trick is the only one still slogging it out with no loss in quality.

[@HighlanderNorth1]

I just watched a technical video yesterday that used a computer audio program to prove that Don Henley is lip syncing to prerecorded vocal tracks in Eagles live shows in 2023 and 2024.

[@jonroda6627]

@@HighlanderNorth1 Yep, Wings of Pegasus is another great youtube channel. Who would have thought Henley would not just be using a backing track but full out lip syncing.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Who were some of the others?

[@HighlanderNorth1]

@@jonroda6627 You saw that too huh?

[@misslora3896]

Don Henley is one of those who didn't remain humble in the least, doesn't appreciate or even like his fans and treats people like garbage as a result. He's an entitled, self absorbed, elitist jerk. I'm not the least bit surprised that he's lip syncing his way through his shows. And I don't doubt that he expects people to appreciate being graced by his mere presence on stage, despite paying good money expecting to actually hear him perform live.

[@bryancochran1382]

One of the best live bands even now!

[@kingofallwhites]

Well maybe back then. They’re ok now

[@ProfessorofRock]

No question.

[@bryancochran1382]

@@kingofallwhites I saw them last year and they were still as good as ever.

[@bartbluemusic]

Always loved this band! In fact, they are selling tickets for them here in Boise - they'll be here in concert later in the year. I just might have to go! Been a long time since I've seen them. When "The Flame" came out, that just solidified me as a fan. Enjoyed the video!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Where do you live in Boise? I have cousins there!

[@bartbluemusic]

@@ProfessorofRock - I live in Nampa, just down the freeway from Boise.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Awesome! Hope you are able to see them.

[@jennypursche4488]

I'm from Australia I love that song, I sing it with friends often cheers Jenny

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's so singable!

[@waynevanstanley3795]

When they played in Milwaukee in the 70s, I actually helped load gear just so I could catch a word or two with the band. The only two I got to speak to. It was merely formalities and a "where do you go next?" Question, but Robin and Bunny were cordial and kind.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool! Thanks!

[@JamesAllen-xk8bc]

Couldn't have happened to a cooler group of dudes!

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure!

[@shescraftea9107]

I love the explanation of the spoken intro to the live version. I wonder if anyone who was at the show is watching this video.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No kidding!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I am trying to find people.

[@ann-mariemeyers9978]

I had no idea CheapTrick had trouble making it in the US. I am from Wisconsin where they were always hot in the 70s. Thanks for this episode.

[@cammygram1]

Old memories and good times from Cheap Trick!

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure!

[@ripvanrevs]

@@ProfessorofRock Fortunately I never got some Indonesian junk That's going 'round

[@petervertefeuille9926]

Thanks Professor for sharing my favorite band on now my favorite KZbin site!!👍🇺🇸

[@Jacqueline_R]

Love that!! " I want you, to want me" spoken slowly for Japanese audience ❤

[@genboomxer]

I had a friend who was a huge Cheap Trick fan. She had me listen to one of their albums and I thought they were OK but a too "pop" and flat for my taste. Then the Budokan album hit the airwaves and it changed my mind. Later I saw them live at the California World Music Festival in '79 and they blew the stadium away. Rick Nelsen was chewing up the stage and shredding, and the band was locked in. 25 years later they were playing at a small club nearby and, to my surprise, my 15 y/o asked if I would take her to see them. It was SRO and we were 8 feet away from Rick the whole show. The air was thick with rock-roll and guitar picks. They were just as good, if not better after all the years since I first saw them. My daughter still talks about that show.

[@ProfessorofRock]

So cool! Thanks for sharing!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Awesome.

[@allthings2allmen]

I think it's cool that the mellow 20's version of this song is the introduction, makes it fun to experience it's metamorphosis into a pin your ears back rockin' live jam! Seems pretty common at least with artists I listen to to release alternates. Live performances are always game for some crazy nuance, not to say that everything in studio is always pre-planned and sculpted. Depends on the artist and how much freedom they have in producing and engineering. Creatively the sky's the limit! I love this song both ways!

[@daveautzen9089]

One of my most fave bands! I saw them a few times in the 80s…what great times I had as a young man.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool. What specific years?

[@daveautzen9089]

@@ProfessorofRock looking at their history of concerts in Peoria IL, 1982 and 1985

[@-mattwood]

ALMOST A MILLION SUBS!!! Go Adam!

[@rogertemple7193]

Cheap Trick was and still is my favorite band right up there with REO Speedwagon and 38. Special thanks for your show. 🎵🎶🎼🎤🎸🎸🥁🎼🎶🎵

[@ProfessorofRock]

Rock on!

[@dpjfilmmaker]

A Generation-defining live track. When I hear this I am instantly transported back to 1979 no matter where I am. An iconic song on an iconic live album.

[@BigTimeRushFan2112]

I saw em play live over 2 different decades, and they always sounded great!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Cool! What decades?

[@BigTimeRushFan2112]

@@ProfessorofRock 80's and 90's.

[@cheaptricked]

Well they were……and still are my favorite band.😎🍺

[@NortheastGun]

I remember Rick Nielsen with his flamingo guitar and black pants with pink stripes, it looked like a flamingo dancing around on stage. Very underrated guitarist, often overlooked when talking about the greats but is in fact one of the greatest!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He was so eccentric!

[@NortheastGun]

Oh yeah, and his 5 neck guitar!

[@MrWillt100]

You sir are a fountain and a mountain of musical knowledge and I love watching your videos, I can't believe you don't have more followers but suppose it will pick up. Anyways just keep the vids coming.

[@robertporter6527]

YES ❤️❤️👍

[@markheberlein1224]

Greatest live record of all time. 🏁

[@DWilliam1]

Cheap Trick at Budokan Live was a seminal album of my youth. Saw the band multiple times after that. Never disappointed

[@biotavo1289]

The flame and Voices... Amazing songs!

[@donnaroberts281]

Cheap Trick has had the strangest career. I’d see them in a small venue, then they’d play a large outdoor arena the next year, then a state fair, back to a big arena, then a small venue. They’ve always been a great live band.

[@friguy4444]

Well Professor YOU ROCK!! THANK YOU!! Finally The Trick are getting their story told!! They have been a powerful force in my world of real Rock N Roll since I was a preteen! I was 12 and the Live at Budokan Record came out in Canada where I live. That was it as far as I was concerned! Then came "The Dream Police" album and was in in Rock N Roll perfection Heaven as far as I was concerned! Robins vocals with his ability to sing the birds out of the trees one minute and then Put Hell back into a bottle the next and Ricks guitar were the embodiment of great music and the writing on that whole album is BEYOND!! When they did the 2011 Dream Police Full Album live with orchestra I was blown away again! THEY ARE AMERICAN ROCK N ROLL of the 1970's and 80's IMHO!

[@tommybass40]

I remember when Live at Budokan hit the radio and streets back in the day. It was like out of nowhere. Surrender and I Want You To Want Me were MASSIVE hits, every young rock fan like us back then immediately jumped on the Cheap Trick bandwagon. Those two hits were all over the radio but one kid in our neighborhood got the album so we piled into his house for listening parties. Teachers at school, mom and dad, the local priest and nuns, senior citizens and babies alike, EVERYONE knew Cheap Trick when Budokan hit it big, EVERYONE….it was magic.

[@flavellinator]

One of the few songs where I like the live version better than the studio version

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Yup. The studio version is blah, the live one is great.

[@IsmJism]

Same w/R&R All Nite - KISS

[@bobdavis4848]

I know what you mean. Maybe also the first few Peter Frampton hit singles?

[@jefflamb5218]

Same with the Kinks “Lola”

[@flavellinator]

@@bobdavis4848 Forgot about him... Good call!

[@brian770]

i saw them for the first time 2 years ago at the hard rock in Biloxi MS, they diddnt just come out and play, they stormed the stage and i felt like i needed therapy afterwards the may be getting on in years now, but they were the best, they were introduced by a woman as the best fkn rock n roll band on earth, and then they proved it !!!!

[@jparker289]

Those 6 words, "I want you, to want me", changed rock history!

[@scotabot7826]

And Bun E's drum part!!! Rock history right there!!

[@Sunifriliac]

That shot of the corner of the turntable looks like it could be in the movie "private parts"

[@justinskullhead]

It immediately makes me start bobbing my head and dancing...not to mention singing along... loudly 😂

[@Sunifriliac]

As the world turns so are

[@TNKeith]

Seen Cheap Trick in concert around 20 years ago. Great show and one of those bands that you become more a fan of as the show goes on. Couple times i caught myself thinking " I didnt know they sang that song" Great show and performance.

[@jeffhyde7934]

I love Cheap Trick! I grew up like 5 miles from Rockford!!!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

What is it like over there?

[@kevinwilliams5224]

First band I snuck out to see live! Seen 7, maybe 8 times in concert. Going in December 2024 to see them again.

[@DashCrashCam]

Such a great song... and cool story too! I love it when live songs become hits. Other ones like Benny and the jets and live is life are cool too. Great story, think I found a new favorite channel.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching!

[@darylwatson]

I saw them open for Kansas in Fort Worth in '77. I was only 14. The Texas crowd pretty much booed them off. Once Budokan was out, even the toughest Texans were in the crowd wanting one of Rick's flying picks.

[@richardkuehn115]

My favorite 20 minutes of my day! Keep on keepin on ❤️✌️🤓

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@huntjl88]

Guessed it from the title. Loved me some Cheap Trick back in the 80s. Still do.

[@tracycase4520]

Still rockin! Best band out of Rockford, Ill.

[@quantumleaper]

Rick also owns a part of a better restaurant in town, Stockholm Inn.

[@tjg555]

Cheap Trick was my first live show as a 13-year old in 1981. I've always felt lucky that my first show is a band I still love to this day.

[@waynevia6976]

Cheap trick is one of my favorite rock bands. Robin zander is a great singer. Rick is a great guitar player.

[@curtday5463]

Rick's Mother and Father owned a music store in downtown Rockford, his mother was the sweetest women on the planet. I was in Neilson Music a ton of times growing up. I lived 20 miles from the big city of Rockford LoL. They are one of my favorite band if not my favorite band, I love Bruce,Journey, BOSTON etc. I guess the hometown boys have it as we call them.

[@karlshuler1011]

Cheap Trick are still one of the best live bands I have ever seen. And I have seen hundreds of shows because of where I worked. Robin still has his voice and Rick is an incredible guitar player.

[@robsteingruber9488]

This song is such a strong memory from the early 80's and being at the skate rink with this song blaring. Nothing else like it. It truly moves your soul.

[@johngordy8071]

The original "I Want You" sounds like ELO's "Mister Blue Sky." The LIVE version RAWKS!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@jdaniels1313]

Hmm, can't imagine a similarity with ELO's "Mr. Blue Sky", which I love, and has an amazing energy and uplift to it. I'll try listening to the studio version, just for kicks, to see if I get that out of it too.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Yup!

[@tobysarsi6864]

Remembered when this song first hit the airwaves in summer of 1979 when I went to Hershey Park, as part of my middle school field trip. Everyone in the park had a black t shirt with “Cheap Trick” in white letters on the front.

[@elicoats]

One of my friends went to see them when we were in high school in the early 80s. He couldn't have been prouder or more excited when he came to school the next day holding up one of Rick Nielsen's picks.

[@jakeaurod]

I barely missed getting one he zipped into the audience at the Stephenson County Fair in the 90s.

[@sallyvandevoorde9575]

I’ve got several. Also an original bow tie, correspondence and assorted memorabilia from the 70’s.

[@davidpurrott3736]

In Color, Heaven Tonight, and Dream Police albums have no fillers or bad songs. When asked by my son how to describe Cheap Trick I first said Power Pop but that seems to degrade what they are. Pure Rock and Roll with first class guitar licks with melodic lyrical overtones. As a metal head back in the day Cheap Trick has settled into my heart as one of my favorite bands of all time.

[@petervertefeuille9926]

Well said They’re so diversified

[@mbgrafix]

Stryper's live video from the 80s was also recorded in Japan. It's funny hearing Michael Sweet talk slowly, carefully ununciating his words to try and be sure he was understood by the Japanese audience. I have it on VHS.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Cool! Thanks for sharing my friend!

[@mbgrafix]

@ProfessorofRock You bet Adam! Great storytelling about Cheap Trick.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He at least tried. 🤷‍♀️

[@mbgrafix]

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Don't get me wrong...I am not diminishing him for his efforts. But if you've seen it, then you'll understand what I mean about the strange and amusing juxtaposition of Stryper banging out metal music...then between songs, Michael goes from his incredible singing voice to the awkwardly slow, staccato cadence of his speaking to the Japanese audience.

[@GooeyGluey]

I live in Japan and in recent years I've been collecting and listening to used vinyl. When I found 'Cheap Trick at Budokan' I snatched it up. It was in perfect shape and when I put it on, I was ten years old again. My older siblings always played music in the house and this one was nearly worn-out back then. Playing it as an adult, I can appreciate it even better. One of the best of all time.

[@margaretbonanno654]

Cheap Trick was a big part of growing up for me…..oh the 70’s…😊

[@Timinator2K10]

Robin Zander was a high school classmate of a friends of mine and she said that even after they hit it big, they came back to play at their class reunion. Classy!

[@jacksprat418-ju5qo]

My hometown heroes! My favorite Rick Nielsen story is a simple one. I managed a store in a mall in the 80's. Here comes Rick, bent over to one side and holding the hand of one of his toddlers and baby stepping past the store.

[@lanceMollenhauer-mf1xz]

Saw them in Brisbane Queensland Australia had a drink with them at white chairs nightclub fantastic blokes.

[@larryborakove4404]

Also love their #1 Billboard hit The Flame 10 years after I Want You to Want Me was a top 10 record.

[@WireHedd]

Saw them for Dream Police and the show was absolutely fantastic. I always wished I could play a guitar like Rick Neilson.

[@jondagen201]

I saw cheap trick at the brat's stop a small bar in southern Wisconsin back in 87, they were no longer a able to sell out big venues, but anyway they played their old hits and then they said we want to play you a song from our upcoming album. That song was the flame. About 5 months later they were back on MTV and one again playing huge venues.