The Conversation: Rick Nielsen and Nick Perri

Gibson TV’s Original Series, “The Conversation,” features intimate conversations between two artists from similar genres but from different eras. They discuss everything from songwriting to touring to playing and anything else that’s safe to share on KZbin.
In this episode, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen sits down with Nick Perri to chat about his early musical life as a drummer, his evolution as a songwriter and player, and his love of buying guitars with history, road scars, and smell, yes smell. Long before he was rocking a 5-neck custom guitar, Rick was a committed bargain hunter, mostly out of necessity because he couldn’t afford new guitars. But before you break out the mini violins for Rick, keep in mind he once found a ’55 Les Paul Goldtop in a bookstore that he paid a whopping sixty-five dollars for. That wasn’t the only good fortune visited upon Nielsen and his bandmates over the years. Rick fondly recounts the “opportunity knocks” moment when Cheap Trick was asked to open some shows for Queen; a gig that led to “big deal” status for the band in Japan, and an indirect ticket to superstardom back home in the states after the release of the live album, Cheap Trick at Budokan.
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[@johnpepe180]

Heaven Tonight is my favorite song...Thank You Rick......

[@ourheartscondemnyou]

Same here! So sublime

[@KENCODOOR]

When you hear the opening guitar riff of hello there, your hooked. And then your listening for the next 50 years, not many can do that. He is a bona fide legend!

[@gaguy2160]

i love the way Rick carries himself so humblly. a great talent

[@bretthopkins1629]

When I was in highschool my friend's mom asked me if I wanted to go see reo Speedwagon and I almost said no, until she said cheap trick was opening, this was like 1983-1984. I played guitar and thought reo was too soft, until... WHOLLY S**T. Richrath and nelson in the same night? One of the best double bill that I have ever had the privilege to see!

[@robrichmond6171]

I am 55 ........Saw that exact show while stationed in Charleston, had to be late 85- early 86......my buddy had to beg me to go because I thought REO would be all love songs.......only went to see Cheap Trick.........It was awesome Rock Jam.........I too was shocked 😲

[@robrichmond6171]

I can't believe after 35 years someone's finally not only saw that great show but under identical situations..... lol

[@EPstroker]

Reo was my first concert I went to as a kid in the mid to late 70s. Gary Richrath was a bad ass. I still remember his telephone line type guitar cord he was plugged into. Man could he play!!! Saw cheap trick in the mid 80s too. Rick was equally as good with his guitar.

[@timpatten6328]

Rick is why I play guitar. Rick is why I own Explorers and Les Pauls. Rick is why I like rock. Rick is why I have been to over 100 Trick shows for 40 + years.

[@Boneronfire]

Gibson TV has been putting out some real bangers lately. Thanks for that.

[@gibsonguitar]

Thanks for watching!

[@jamespeterson3460]

First time seeing Cheap Trick live was in the early days. They played at Waverly Beach in Beloit, WI. The Runaways opened for them. Good times watching the hometown boys.

[@tenn4fab4]

Didn't realize how easy it would be to become a big fan of Rick's, what a smart and cool musician and person!

[@philcory5043]

A Great exchange, a genuinely humble giant. Nice one!

[@jessiejasper3029]

Indisputably thee BEST band to ever come outta the U.S.!!! What a great interview! Rick has NEVER written anything crappy (well....Up the Creek, we forgive you!!!) Many of your fans know ALL your songs, Rick, are you kidding!!! I've caught his pics at great gigs, watched him jump and lug around that 50lb 5 necked monster, listened to him snidly answer the same questions over and over with airheaded interviewers (this wasn't one of those) and I never tire of hearing him. He's the ULTIMATE ROCKER!!! Great interview!!!

[@EPstroker]

Hold up on THE best band part......Ronnie vanzants band is right up there too. Yes cheap trick is a great band and in the hall of fame, but so is RVZ and the skynyrd 👦.

[@ziggylayneable]

Rick's guitar playing on the song"From can to can't"is absolutely genius & a lesson in harmony&melody any musician can learn from.the guy is a living legend.....

[@raym9434]

What a great watch. Rick makes me want to take on the world and I am a 51 year old never was LOL. So much fun to listen to the enthusiasm he still has.

[@robnamowicz8073]

If you find the youtube where Bun E is talking to an elementary school class about the music biz, you will hear the same vocal cadence and elocution as Rick. They were obviously cut from the same midwestern cloth, the similarities are striking. By the way, Rick, thanks for cancelling that date at the Poison Apple in Peoria. That became our chance to play in Peoria, and it did!

[@monday6524]

I do love Rick! He is a great story teller!

[@stevehughes1510]

This was just great. Rick went for it back in the day, his moves with guitars and sound were ahead of his time. Thanks Nick and Gibson TV......SO GOOD!!

[@guitarradioshow]

One of my biggest influences. His songs are in my bloodstream. I have studied him since 1977. I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher.

[@Itelkner]

Wow, nicely put. I can see why George Martin was so keen on working with him.

[@jewelrymaker141]

Nick must've loved this chat.

[@jeffmachul9562]

❤Hey Rick! Thanks for the memories ❤

[@thestrum71]

Rick explaining calmly, but still very inspiring, how a lot of us became people in a band, songwriters. Listening to him threw me back to when I was 15 and got my aunts classical guitar so I could try it out, no internet, no lessons, just figure it out yourself. Got my first 'melody' out it after 10 minutes, and it felt great. This interview brings back memories....

[@cryptohalloffame]

me too

[@johngregory7329]

That was definitely one of the best interviews of all time. What a great band . I would love to spend a day with Rick and just listen to all of his experiences. Both of you definitely are the best. Please stay safe and well and keep Rocking.Thanks again. Signed John Gregory, / Zepbass from Munster Indiana.

[@JustJim772]

i met Rick. great guy.

[@ChannelEleven59]

I was blessed to get to spend time with Rick shopping for guitars and eating lunch. It wasnt what you would think it would be. Was it great? Absolutely. I found he was more interested in talking about family, etc which was great. Did we talk about guitars and music some? Yes we did but it was much more.

[@bertgetner9397]

Great conversation. Rick is always entertaining to listen to. He has some great stories. Ill never forget Rush / Cheap Trick / U.F.O. at the Palladium in '77. Thanks Gibson!

[@Jaggedknife11]

Holy crap that's an incredible lineup!!!

[@bertgetner9397]

@@Jaggedknife11 Back in the good ole days!

[@77blueWater]

Awesome interview, Cheap Trick such a great underrated band, great songs, great musicianship, and a great live band!

[@toomanywaystofall]

listening to Rick is what keeps and refreshes the enthusiasm and love for guitars, it's something different for every guitar player, but I remember everything about opening the case of my first Les Paul, man, what a moment in time. good conversation, enjoyed it. rock0n...

[@stratmagic6893]

Great interview. The first time of many that I saw Cheap Trick was on their tour for their debut album. It was at The Place in New Jersey and there were 16 people there. They played for about 2 hours doing songs from what would appear on later albums. It was an amazing show and I still have some of Rick's picks from that show. After the show they came to the bar to hang out. Of the 16 people there a few were from the record label. The guys in the band were super nice. Great memories of seeing one of America's greatest bands.

[@dj7973]

Very cool! I love Nick Perri's interview style. Great questions.

[@josephalvarez4131]

Best interview ever with a true genius. Guitar player song writer and how about those melodies he writes. So inspirational!!

[@chefboy6123]

Midwestern Values Rock the Hardest!

[@notpub]

Ricky N is a genius. Pure genius!!!🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡

[@duffmatty63]

Nicely done! And thank you all (team Gibson) for caring enough to bring this content from new artists as well as the historically important (like this episode).

[@jeremyengland3482]

Been waiting for this for a long time

[@cheaptrickforever9639]

Yesssssss FINALLY A REALLY TALENTED MUSICIAN, SONG WRITER, AND ICON!!! C'mon Gibson, put out a checkerboard Explorer (or on Epiphone) so we can ALL afford to celebrate CT's brilliance!!!

[@MichaelRLewis1959]

100% best story. And what a history!! Way ahead of everyone!

[@trevorflint5672]

Nick perri’s a beast in his own right.

[@robertross9074]

The best and perhaps the only reason to visit Rockford, IL. Many have made the trip just to show up at Rick’s house.

[@bartonpercival3216]

Doesn't Rick have a brew pub & restaurant in Rockford?

[@rareform6747]

Yep match book covers always helped my old guitars between the neck and body ..Great interview

[@xrandy11]

The new Cheap Trick album is stellar!

[@peteflynnPAF]

Great interview. Love that Rick Nielsen!

[@babagadoush1]

Great job Nick. Love Rick!

[@lesacarl1816]

dude literally owns the holy grail.....

[@charlesdarwin7253]

Correction: he figuratively owns the "Holy grail"

[@joojoosasa]

@@charlesdarwin7253 Yep. All of this hyperbole nowadays.

[@mariogirard9664]

I really like this guy. An authentic person with answers you can't imagine in advance. You can see that he is passionate about his stuff.

[@gailm9908]

1st. Your writing is not crappy. 2nd. You guys are still my favorite band!!!

[@PGeorge61]

Saw Cheap Trick 3 times. My favorite was in the summer of '79 at the Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan. They opened for KISS, and although I was a big fan of KISS, Cheap Trick was taking over the world, and KISS was dying. Huge show for me! I spent a lot of the show watching Rick, but as a bass player, was zoned in on Tom and that 8 string he would play. Just a phenomenal band!!

[@cheaptrickforever9639]

I love listening to Robin and watching Rick nerd it up.....every live gig I ever saw they were absolute TOPS!!!

[@patrickwhite3362]

I was at the same show it was outstanding

[@bartonpercival3216]

Um, the bass player (Tom Petersson) plays a 12 string bass. And CT opening for KISS was in 1977

[@PGeorge61]

@@bartonpercival3216 I usually don't comment in something like this, but, I have a feeling you're calling me a liar. I was there, and you are right on the 12 string. My error. However, just google "Kiss tour 1979 opening acts."

[@bartonpercival3216]

@@PGeorge61 I wasn't calling you a liar, and I apologize and stand corrected. I first saw Cheap Trick open for KISS in 1977 at the SF Cow Palace, and thought that was the only year that CT toured with KISS. I was incorrect. Again please accept my sincerest apologies 👍

[@ryanpetrak]

i smiled, i giggled a bit, i learned a lot. great vid

[@cc_1983]

Silvertide - what a band! Nick - One of the best bands of the early 00’s

[@cheaptrickforever9639]

And of the 70s and 80s and 90s......In Color and Rockford are my top faves!!!

[@onetruthmediacompany]

#GibsonTv This was really cool to see two artists of a similar genre from two different generations. Could call it... GENERATIONS of a GENRE

[@austinwalter3530]

Please do a collection episode….

[@nathanielvargas3863]

This is great. Can we get an update as to when there will be a new episode of “The Collection”?

[@ourheartscondemnyou]

We love Rick!!

[@kenlee6126]

Would love to geek out over some old cases with the guy! He can rock with the best of them!!!

[@Madurbu]

Rick Nielson is absolutely fantastic.........great write and player.....completely lack of ego

[@oztoky]

Great intervie,

[@vcr210]

Rick is... simply the best. And a great influence and good natured human being. God Bless Sir Rick.

[@FrehleyBurst9-1878]

Rick owns 8-1008 and 8-4549 but also owned at one time 8-2118 which has a split v headstock. This dude had 3 1958 Gibson Korina Explorers in his collection! That's about 5.5 MILLION DOLLARS for just 3 guitars!

[@carlboswell986]

The Ventures! My favorite group when I was about 10 years old. I still like them a lot too.

[@JDKingStratslinger]

Absolutely great!

[@edrowley1]

Great interview, really enjoyed listening to Rick. Saw Cheap Trick the first time in '78 in Johnstown PA, they rocked the house. Thanks Rick, Nick and Gibson! Please keep this stuff coming.

[@allanjcarpenter]

This interview is so well done, because Rick is, first and foremost, a songwriter. I’m a huge Trick fan, and it’s hard to figure out exactly how his mind as a composer works. He’s a bit of a mystery. But nobody loves guitars more than Rick, and he sure has made some legendary sounds with his countless axes, including those well-loved Les Pauls!

[@robrichmond6171]

He said it......" math major, I don't need an instrument "..........He thinks in patterns and formulas.....IMHO

[@allanjcarpenter]

I was thinking more about lyrics, but yes.

[@jimwguitar3002]

My 2019 LP special has so much mojo I can't put it down! So, I understand what Rick means about a guitar that has something "special" .

[@keithstan15]

So glad I was at this show at the Basement East that night

[@zacksguitarhacks6390]

So many musicians focus on technical ability or shredding. Im a metal guitarist myself but songwriting always comes first. Your nothing without the song.

[@zacksguitarhacks6390]

Also i cant wait to move to nashville next month to get into the music scene. Gonna visit the gibson HQ and all the other music landmarks there. Cannot wait to be there!

[@massapower]

EXACTLY !!!

[@Soxruleyanksdrool]

Your absolutely right.

[@stevelewis6415]

WBCN Boston mention! 38:18.

[@see7music261]

Cant beat a humble Rock legends. Sad those days are long gone.

[@chebrneck]

Love Rick. This kid is kind of a fish out water.

[@suzanmcgaw888]

Rick is intelligent, funny/ witty, Super talented, kind , etc and has great outfits ! ❤️

[@ghairmichaud5765]

LEGEND!!!

[@cheaptrickforever9639]

I love Cheap Trick!!! ROCK ON, RICK, OH YOU SEXY THANG!!!

[@buzzcrushtrendkill]

love to hear the in depth of Rick and the background of him and writing process. But he really should be talking about Hamer.

[@gatormcklusky5850]

No way!!....Way!! lmao...

[@joojoosasa]

Okay, this is great and all, but tell me that you guys also did a "The Collection" video with Mr Nielsen 🤞

[@gibsonguitar]

Working on it

[@joojoosasa]

@@gibsonguitar 👍

[@malcolmadams2105]

This is great!”

[@TweedSuit]

This guy is the shit. He plays all the most expensive guitars in his collection - doesn't just hide them away. Bought his first Les Paul in 1965 from a second hand book store, not knowing what it was and years before it became a collectable guitar.

[@ElcanaldeReyesManuel]

Gran aporte

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

got my eb5 wine red just need to get the action lowered sounds amazing naturally no amp. have a good day

[@jordialba29]

i love it

[@brianmack5559]

Cheap Trick meets Silvertide=Heaven

[@danielpropper253]

Rick’s name is upside down on his shirt! LOL.

[@graemero5532]

Excellent interview. Gibson your content is almost as great as your guitars.

[@leftylawless9898]

My favorite cheap trick song REACH OUT ..not the hits

[@cheaptrickforever9639]

SAME though "Surrender" is a superb anthem!!! My favorites are "Everybody Knows," "Borderline," "The Sun Never Sets," "Lookout," "Mandocello," "Heart on the Line"....gosh I could gush forever.....I tried to make a playlist of my top 50 CT songs but couldn't bring it below 78 songs, lol!!!

[@imannonymous7707]

This guy wrote the code for cool And he did it his way

[@gatormcklusky5850]

You've got Rick N, there ready to talk and you call it quits, roll tape let it run Gezzzzzzzzzz major mistake. Rick = major league stories / knowledge roll the tape.

[@nbmike65]

RIP to the last surviving member of the original Ventures Don Wilson! 😢

[@user-dv8pe2sh1y]

🎸🎶🎶🤟🤟🤟🙌🙌🙌👍👍👍

[@trecnga6645]

favorite color is checkerboard ?

[@rareform6747]

I sent letters too Mike Battle Echoplex maker . He Called me Wow ...

[@gregwilson2721]

was becks guitar that was broken a burst? what happened to it?

[@elokiddies7545]

06:40 omg

[@anomolydebaucle5320]

Is this a interviewer talking about himself experiences or is it about Rick Nielson?

[@nathanielvargas3863]

$4,000 in 1976 it’s about $19,000 in 2021. That’s not a bad deal for a Korina Explorer lol

[@DanielSilva-ep9hf]

Gibson please when is the Dave mustaine collection coming out i gotta save up and know how much I’ll need please please

[@chrispile3878]

Rick Nielsen rules. Who is the hippy retread?

[@FriskyOG]

nicks dads gonna be pissed when he finds out he raided his old clothes from the back of the closet

[@bretthopkins1629]

New I spelled it wrong, Nielson

[@soundpainter2590]

Nick Perry... ( What Band ) ?? I Guarantee most who have clicked on, Don't know.

[@abrahamyanes2405]

Dude Make a les paul axcess with 24 frets and the fishman greg koch p90s Blend modern and traditional

[@paulclanton8171]

Is that place on fire?

[@jamiemcparland]

Cheap Trick is amazing. It sucks that they are always the brides maid and never the bride.

[@bartonpercival3216]

Oh they definitely were the bride in 1979 when Live at Budokan came out. They headlined every major stadium and Large arena in the States as well as other major venues around the world. They were rarely a radio friendly band, but have a large extensive list of great songs and music

[@metalvenom3462]

Jennifer Garner rules

[@rikmac8726]

nick who?

[@GarryWan666]

This is the 11th comment, can i get a like from Gibson please? Kind regards Garry

[@gibsonguitar]

Thanks for watching Garry!

[@GarryWan666]

Omg I got a heart from Gibson!

[@dralithi]

Is it a weird form of pandering for the interviewer to wear that? 😅

[@PhoenixGuitars]

Rick is awesome. The interviewer is a bit off putting. Bad match.