Rather Have the Story: RICK NIELSEN - of Cheap Trick!!

Hello There, ladies and gentlemen!
RHS welcomes you to a superb episode - with the one and only Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick. Rick talks about guitars (of course) and insights into his history, life and outlook, and more guitars.
We learn how many photos are on Rick's phone. We talk sweaters, throw guitar picks and find out how many picks Rick gets every a year! Also - Jeff Beck, Sensational Alex Harvey Band, AC/DC, tribute bands, The Who. And why Rick does what he does. ..
You will learn a lot, and laugh a lot, as we did! Enjoy...
#RatherHaveTheStory #CheapTrick #RickNielsen #vintageguitars #BrianKehew #SparksBrothers #TapeTransfers

[@stephenstone8480]

Rick never gets the credit he deserves for being one of the best guitar players and songwriters of all time...

[@allanramusiewicz996]

WRONG 😑‼️Not Here In BOSTON We Love Him 🎶♥️🎶♥️🎶‼️‼️‼️

[@briankehew579]

Cheap Trick and Sparks almost became one band in the early days!?! Wowwww.

[@olivi3339]

I got one of his guitar picks he use to fling out to the crowd at concerts... We were way up in the balcony. He could really zing those picks.... 45yrs. ago....😅

[@Spookje09]

Love how he flicked his picks and catch them in his mouth. I saw them in the early 80s and he nailed me dead center in my forehead. Wish I could find it after all these years!

[@bartonpercival3216]

Great interview. The very 1st time i saw Cheap Trick was the night Elvis Presley passed away August 16th 1977. They were the opening act for KISS in San Francisco at the Cow Palace. Became a fan for life after that show. Have gone on to see them over 25 times live since that first show with KISS. They always put on a great show whether they are headlinging or the opening act. Deserved the induction into the RRHOF in 2016!!!!! 👍

[@lorisnoeberger678]

My father was born in 1915 was stationed in LA. WW2 Hollywood Canteen frequented huge cowboy fan Grew up next door to Burl Ives Hunt City Illinois. Me Willow Hill Illinois. Jasper County dad and Burl same cemetery. Mounds in Hunt City.Dad was a Cheap Trick fan.

[@lorisnoeberger678]

Magic day for me. My daughter left a mean boyfriend by sending him and all his friends to Korns family values tour concert. I had recently gained some weight. Wore a long skirt it was August hot as heck. I have seen Cheap Trick about 27 times. The last time Cheaptrick ,Poison and Pop Evil. About 4 years ago with my sister. It was her birthday present for me. I still wear the T shirt a lot still looks new. Has not faded. Cheap Trick has been my favorite band since I was 10. My cousin Kelly in Robinson Illinois. Played the first album blew me away. I really miss Bun E. Still my best band. Love almost every genre music.

[@douglascook4374]

CHEAP TRICK...........ONE OF THE GREATEST BANDS OF THE 20th CENTURY !!!!

[@717rocket]

And 21st!

[@dennyluster3089]

Rick Nielsen = Rockford royalty!

[@zephead64]

Rick is an American treasure 😊

[@alvarsdzenis4739]

A truly amazing icon of R&R Thanks for your contributions sir Rick.

[@jonnydrumsyt]

My dad was born in 61 and grew up in the Chicago area (Homewood). He used to sneak into CT's shows as a 16 year old and he always loved them. They were his childhood favorite along with Rush, and of course all the other classic bands. Hence, he made them my childhood bands as well. I'm 23 now, and recognize that if it wasn't for these two bands, I don't know if I ever would have started playing drums or writing music. And if it weren't for those two things, I don't know what I would be, and I wouldn't want it any other way. They mean so much to me, and I can't wait to share their work with a kid of my own one day. Thank you Cheap Trick!!

[@briankehew579]

Great story - what a band to start with!!

[@DavidBurkhart-vj1nj]

YALL D DON'T A MUPRYTFX FUCHO M NM I c

[@MaySecond07]

GREAT first question!!

[@MrLaloman18]

He's 75 yrs old same age as my mom, fk time flies soo fast like a mtfk! We are loosing many of our 80's amazing people really fast these few years and a fkn' hate it! I'm generation X and I will forever be playing this music till my last breath loud in my amazing car's sound system everyday I drive forcing people on the sidewalks and passing by how great this music is and will be after 40yrs and so on! This is what keeps you young and stress free!

[@javila6341]

Great interview podcast!! Saw Cheap Trick live a month ago here in Tucson AZ...love them since i was 5 yrs young with their Dream Police album.. They are Truly Iconic!!

[@colinjames2469]

what a great and humble guy he is.

[@jimcollier7869]

I saw Cheap Trick in 1980 when I was 13. Been playing Rock and Roll ever since. Had a big poster of Rick on my wall. I love em still!

[@jeffreyray8833]

Nobody hates Rick.

[@taxi134-y1q]

Great interview.Allowed RN to vent.Such an interesting musician and man.Thankyou.

[@geargeekpdx3566]

RIck Nielson was the coolest motherfucker on the planet when i was 14 year old. When Kiss takes you out on tour you know that they were special and didn't disappoint. Rick combined punk with Americana with guitar god. Without Cheap Trick my adolescence would have been boring. THANK YOU RICK NIELSON I LOVE YOU

[@rebeccaturner7780]

Love Cheap Trick, seen them in the late 1970s

[@gottadomor7438]

Most excellent. Former Chicagoland guy. Shamed say never saw CT in concert but always loved their stuff. RN is a walking talking rock&roll musuem.

[@tonyfera]

Excellent. thanks.

[@chriswright2250]

Great interview.

[@kabbey30]

Rick for president

[@lorisnoeberger678]

My son caught 2 Rick Neilson picks in Muncie Indiana. He gave them to me and I keep one in my Rockford CD and one in my Dream police CD.

[@bigredmachine1]

Humbly say that 8 have worked ten years in the music industry. Seen almost a hundred interviews oof different bands and this is one of the best!

[@briankehew579]

Wow!! Thanks.

[@FuriousMess]

Rick Neilsen is so cool, still

[@noneyerbidness]

Can tell you how important this man and his band are to me. Thanks for this.

[@briankehew579]

Nice - same for many of us. He's a brilliant man, in music and other ways *like snappy dressing.

[@davidmontgomery7916]

Hmmmmmm . Thank you so much for Rick Nelson for just playing the songs the way you do. You and I are nobody special but I sincerely enjoy your music.

[@paulknapp6765]

An incredible blend: Rick: Creative mastermind rock-and-roll student/artist. Robin: Incredibly talented singer(vocalist) - please note the difference. And Mr. Bun E. Carlos: the heartbeat, cigarette-smoking soul. Plus Tom was pretty, and his girlfriend was dumb.

[@frmrchristian8488]

Fun Fact: A portion of that "TV snow" is actually remnants left over from the Big Bang (expansion of spacetime). A small percentage of that snow is literally the microwave background radiation. Pretty amazing!

[@briankehew579]

I wish we still had it!

[@kenthovindscpa9466]

My favorite band of all time

[@robertmills6772]

Wonderfully done! A great interview disguised as a casual conversation!

[@TheZipeedoo]

I love this. I caught one of Rick's Cheap Trick picks at a concert way back around 1978 or 1980 or so. Still have it to this day.

[@chptrk75]

I have many from different years!

[@briankehew579]

My first Rick pick is from then...

[@RevolterMJD1981]

Regarding his grandkids.....that's got to be one of COOLEST grandads to have, Id never wanna stop hearing the stories.......

[@warshipsatin8764]

its cool how bargain prices is one of the recurring themes of his gear acquisition. he bought a lot of stuff that was priced lower but still sounded great, and now its worth a fortune

[@2sc458]

That was awesome about mentioning of Sparks. My other favorite band.

[@briankehew579]

Imagine those songwriters together?!

[@sitbone3]

This is fantastic !

[@allanjcarpenter]

Really great interview. As a major CT fan, I’ve always been fascinated by Rick’s mind as a songwriter, and where those left-field lyrics come from. I feel like I have several new clues after listening to this podcast. It’s great to see Rick so comfortable and forthcoming.

[@ratherhavethestory-therhsp6780]

Thanks - he's a great talker. And there's much more I wanted to ask him... There will be more.

[@717rocket]

Big fan of Rick and Cheap Trick. Rick always seems so down to earth.

[@briankehew579]

Pulling for Rick to come back - it will happen and then we can cover the REAL dirt! Evidently if you hit the LIKE button above, it makes it much much more likely to happen!

[@CLEARCIRCLEMEDIA]

Really great interview ..Interesting I sure hope Rick writes a book. So authentic

[@user-hu4gr1bo5g]

Rick - You are the best friend I've never met. 🏁

[@blairhelsing630]

Great chat! I have a Rick pick from '78, my first CT show, in San Luis Obispo. Many excited Japanese summer students were in the crowd. As loud as the band was, I think the crowd out-decibel'd them. Every show I've seen has been so great. The originality of the band and of Rick's approach to all the stuff the band does has always been inspiring. Rick would appreciate another gem in my memory box, which is a candle from Bev Bevan's 30th birthday cake. I was at the party in LA that UA threw for Bev after an ELO show.

[@jaredwhite571]

Brian-I appreciate how you’ve conducted this interview-so enjoyable and informative!

[@briankehew579]

Rick is "easy"!

[@Jamestele1]

Rick Nielsen is a great musician, with an amazing pop sensibility, similar to Elliot Eastman (The Cars) or the early Van Halen, but still unique in his specific style. From 1978 to 1982, the only new guitarist in his league was Eddie Van Halen. Nielsen's visually bright art and image mirrored his humor and high-energy. Probably he has always played so damn great because whilst other musicians were getting their hair done, colored, bald-spots covered, etc., Rick Nielsen was playing his guitar!

[@karengarrison3666]

Absolutely right! 💯❤

[@zeketrick]

Awesome YOU got the real thing no zoom stuff! 2 friends kicking it! Thanks 😊Z

[@ratherhavethestory-therhsp6780]

Yep! Thanks much...

[@imforfun1]

Super excellent

[@tomcatt9875]

Seen the Porcaro interview ,thought it was really good ,now i will be watching all of them . great !!

[@farrington7971]

Brian you are the man”

[@AlexColberg]

Hands down the best Cheap Trick-related interview I have ever seen. Life is s worth living in part because every once in a while you come upon gems like this. Thank you!

[@garyhelsinger]

I went to that show at the Whisky when Rick broke the neck/"leg" off the "Uncle Dick" guitar, and my friend John Kirkpartrick who went with me got the it when he tossed it out into the audience!

[@williamholloway2564]

When they roll into Cleveland on July 19th this year, this band will have a red carpet welcome. Wow, The Flying Saucer motel. My Dad who I dearly miss worked for a trucking company and I went with him on a long haul once to Illinois and stayed there, what a recall memory for me.

[@karengarrison3666]

I love this genius naned Rick Nielsen! He is, and always will be, a one-of-a-kind, an original who set the bar for any upcoming guitarist who could ever think to give his audience an over-the-top, exhilarating performance beyond playing guitar only!. I love you Rick Nielsen! ❤

[@jodylinscott7707]

BRIANNNNNN I Thoroughly enjoyed this ! ! May you do many more..............!!

[@ratherhavethestory-therhsp6780]

I want YOU to join in next time you're in town!

[@christophervolas7523]

cool i think rick is very underated

[@imninjasmom]

Love this!!!!!! As a CT fan since Budokan, it's great whenI learn new things about the band. I learned a few new things from this interview. And it's proof that Rick's got an amazing memory for details! Thank you for posting this awesome interview.

[@krisscanlon4051]

Cheap Trick and Sparks! Wow 👌

[@briankehew579]

Imagine...

[@MarkSchiele]

Great Interview! Rick is the man.

[@Therougarou-tp2ht]

I remember back 1998 i believe it was not sure but cheap trick play at ostrich festival in downtown Chandler Arizona anyways I'm not guitar expert but seeing Rick playing with his custom double guitar, as a 12 Year old me it just blew my mind away

[@beamboy1]

More please!! Most enjoyable interview.

[@matthewsouthworth3848]

This is lovely, Brian! Very excited to find out about your show, and what a satisfying thing to watch. Who's lovelier than Rick Nielsen? Looking forward to more and more and more.

[@robmckrobmck5567]

Lovelier? Obviously, Robin Zander

[@hellomyfriend67]

Fantastic interview!!!!

[@ministerofdarkness]

Great interview! Cheap Trick were the soundtrack kings!! My favorite was" UP THE CREEK"! PLAY LOUD

[@briankehew579]

Mine is still Heaven Tonight, but the Live at the Forum 1980 is pretty much the greatest live album they ever did!

[@dvdfrnzwbr]

He scared me at 8 years old in '78 staying up late to watch Don Kirshner's Rock Concert. I'm 52 now and think that he's the coolest thing.

[@briankehew579]

That was quite a show!

[@IIIElijah]

Great video

[@lorisnoeberger678]

I saw Cheap Trick in Anderson In after work my mom was supposed to come too. She liked the Paramount. We just found out she was terminally ill. I got invited to party. At the boat club with Cheap Trick. I watched them load their gear behind the Paramount. But I didn't. Mom was sick and coming to get me. I didn't have a cell phone because my daughter had mine. So I couldn't call. All I could do is wait for mom. I waded through. Picket lines at Navy Peir One on one. A blizzard in Fortwayne to get to the Colleseum. To listen to my friend Rita whine about how long the guitar solos were all shook up.

[@Kouta2243]

Awesome. Loved every bit of it :)

[@marcussteinhauer4652]

1974 ish...These guys played at the Ace of Clubs. It's a dark memory. They were so good. I mean, really good. I want to go back and do that again. Flip a pick.

[@eartraffic]

Rick is a great guy. Met and spoke with him many times since 77. Just have not seen him since Bun E left the band. Maybe this summer in Ottawa, i'll pass a note backstage or something. :) (Rick if you're reading this... DAVID PEEL not ELEPHANTS MEORY :) )

[@jeffmcdonald9004]

Fantastic!

[@TheTeessideTravellerUK]

Love this !

[@tedlaurvik3765]

Love the reel to reel in the background. My roommates had one like that. We used to do editing of music and fun stuff on that R2R. I saw CT in Fresno in the 1970s.

[@HollywoodRecordingStudio]

This is the best interview I’ve seen with Rick. I never knew about the Motley Crue connection!

[@briankehew579]

His biggest record! Unfortunately...

[@markholroyde9412]

Fantastic, 10/10, UK

[@GregRenoff]

Congrats on the launch Brian!

[@JoeFootball55]

Awesome 👍

[@nx01craig]

Top notch and entertaining discussion! Thank you!

[@scottsnow6965]

Rick Nielsen is to guitars what Elton John is to sunglasses.

[@lorisnoeberger678]

He supported my fan girl.

[@davidsharp3110]

Another awesome interview Brian. Thanks!

[@Harry-kw1fy]

I love this guy...

[@mattstickle2725]

70 year old man with freaking bracelets. Yi yi yi.. every time he moves his freaking arm, jingle jangle. How sweet is that? Just silly

[@briankehew579]

Billy Gibbons too, would be great to talk to him...

[@STV-H4H]

I called the after hours television show THE BUG FIGHTS. Sometimes the looking into the fading dot when the screen tube slowly blacks out. Sitting up really close and trying to see into the void.

[@briankehew579]

The fading dot!!!

[@karengarrison3666]

​@@briankehew579 Yes! 😅

[@mrpbody44]

Sound City amps and cabinets ruled. I did the same as they were 1/2 price of Marshalls so I got them for my whole band. After playing a cover of Interstellar Overdrive during sound check at a club the bartender came up and said here is $500 if you guys will not play tonight. Those amps were loud.

[@briankehew579]

Close to Hiwatts!!

[@donfarrell]

Survey question: What is Cheap Trick's greatest song, and why is their greatest song "On Top of the World" from the third album?

[@briankehew579]

Very likely SO but there is lots of serious competition, from He's A Whore, Auf Wiedesehen, Surrender, Mandocello, and UP THE CREEK (hahaha)

[@KOSMICKEN09]

Auf Wiedersehen and takin me back are My favorites on that album

[@iwantthe80sback59]

“The Flame” (not sure which album it was on). But my all time fave from any band.

[@jlaspesa9991]

“Mandocello”

[@chriss2452]

Dream Police

[@champ1061]

Blows my mind that Dr Feelgood outsold Double Fantasy and Budokan.

[@ratherhavethestory-therhsp6780]

MTV man, it sold millions. Budokan and Lennon had no videos!

[@champ1061]

@@ratherhavethestory-therhsp6780 oh yeah makes total sense. I just totally forgot about that record I guess!

[@CommuneRecords]

Thoroughly enjoyed that!! (Could have talked more about songwriting. Maybe next time.) What is the music used on the outro?

[@intercommerce]

Never did get to see this band, wish I had at least once...

[@ratherhavethestory-therhsp6780]

Still doing it well. No one is as young as they were, BUT they still have a great show and great songs!

[@karengarrison3666]

Me too, I hope I might still have a chance!,🥺❤

[@chrismedek1324]

Id like to ask Rick why "Cheap Trick pulled out of Rock N Roll High School" .The Ramones ended up doing the film...became more of a cult classic..Looking back now would you have changed your mind?

[@jerrywestaway9316]

All of my guitars have checkerboard straps except for my acoustic :-)

[@stanislouse4168]

INTERESTING BACKSTORIES

[@jacquesgerbercosteau8358]

Two issues. Gabby Hayes or was it Haze ? I remember Quaker puffed wheat “ being shot from guns” and the B&W TV would show a canon aimed at the screen,and it would be shooting the puffed wheat out of the barrel. I would duck every time so I didn’t get hit. Two. You’re not going to believe this but there is a book over Ricks right shoulder. It’s the slipcase for a book called “ Recording The Beatles “ now known as RTB. I can’t remember the hacks that wrote it, but these guys did an incredible job. The most detailed technically of anything ever put to print in respect to Abbey Road when the Beatles were recording , mostly studio two. The details are remarkable. You should try to get one of or both the authors of this book on your show. I’m waiting for a revised edition that one of the guys is always claiming “ It’s coming out soon “ Highly doubtful, which is a pity …

[@carloslozada470]

Great stuff man

[@rcjward]

Great interview. I seriously want to know why Bun E is not in the band anymore.

[@briankehew579]

He's a GREAT drummer, but that falling-out was not fun or good news. Sad but they had a great run with him...

[@karengarrison3666]

It had to do with Bun's failing health issues ~ his back! He said he could only play for a maximum of 45 minutes due to it. Robin wanted the band to play longer with more annual gigs. They couldn't sort through this, so Bun departed the band; but he still retains his ¼ share in the Cheap Trick Corporation

[@hollyvanvoast7140]

lol I've had the same experience with Bob Gruen. Even he makes mistakes.

[@robotgoose225]

Guys a straight up creative genius, tbf... who happens to be a badass guitarist. Fascinating to listen to, especially his perspective on England... haha ' everything was very 'imperial' back then... did PI get a mention....🤔 I rate his stance on guitars too... used, beat up old things lol... before I knew it I was up to my balls in the things... bought one for every year I played, so by the time I was 25 I had over 20... which was more than one a year .... but that's not the point, I was playing 'catch-up'... basically i bought every second hand guitar or bass I saw, for a time...had to curb it, my house was starting to look a bit like Jeff Lynn's lol. Not on the same level as Rick, but I bought some rare ones. Did he say that they did acid and listened to The Beatles n Jethro Tull....🤔 fucking legend 😄🌈😎❤

[@alphakub]

Cheap Chick is the freakin' best! 27:40 mark.

[@robmckrobmck5567]

A bunch of great songs but 'She's tight' by several lengths over 'Surrender' both lapping the field.

[@nerdhalen]

Awesome Brian! Subscribed!