Icon HATED This SONG SO MUCH…He STOMPED ON THE DEMO...Became his BIGGEST HIT! | Professor of Rock
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- Today we’re telling the story of Cheap Trick, a band who may have invented the phrase “Big in Japan.” These guys really struggled to get off the ground and were flirting with disaster when they discovered they were revered as rock royalty halfway around the world. Capitalizing on this good fortune, things really blew up when they recorded their live album Cheap Trick at Budokan which wasn’t meant for distribution in the US. But it got so popular, they released it here as an import even though they are an American band! But it ended up saving their career. But then after scoring a handful of hits Cheap Trick once again found themselves on the brink of extinction. Looking to make a big-time comeback, they agreed to record someone else’s song… a surefire hit called The Flame. Only their guitarist hated it. In fact, he hated it so much that he crushed the demo tape underneath his boot. Find out what happened next as we get into the story of rock’s most resilient and entertaining bands… NEXT on the Professor of Rock.
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#classicrock #70srock #vinylstory #cheaptrick
Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. if you remember the antics of Simon and Simon you’ll dig this channel of deep musical nostalgia. Make sure to subscribe below right now. I promise that you are going to love this channel. make sure to go sign up at professor of rock .com we have a live stream coming up this week plus other exclusives.
It’s time for another episode of our series Evolution. On this show we tell the story of a band’s career through 5 defining tracks. These may not be a band’s most popular songs, and they may not even be my personal favorites. But each song will to take you from the beginning to the end of a band’s journey and showcase the evolution of their sound and artistic direction. And in the spotlight today, I’ve got Cheap Trick. And these guys have had some serious crazy twists and turns in their career.
Formed in 1973 in Rockford, Illinois, Cheap Trick started as a hard-working Midwestern band determined to make their mark. Guitarist Rick Nielsen and bassist Tom Petersson had played together in various groups before teaming up with drummer Bun E. Carlos and original vocalist Randy “Xeno” Hogan. The band’s name was inspired by a Slade concert, where Petersson remarked that the British rockers used “every cheap trick in the book” during their performance. By 1974, Hogan was replaced by Robin Zander, a singer with a powerful, melodic voice that would help define the band’s sound. With the lineup complete, Cheap Trick hit the road, grinding through the bar-band circuit and perfecting their energetic live show.
Their dedication paid off when they secured a recording contract with Epic Records, leading to the release of their self-titled debut album on February 3, 1977. A mix of raw, edgy rock and offbeat humor, the LP Cheap Trick introduced the band’s unique style, but it struggled to find an audience in the US. The album failed to chart on the Billboard 200, selling only about 150,000 copies. The band’s first single Oh Candy, was released in April 1977. It too failed to chart. Despite the album’s commercial failings, Cheap Trick pressed on, determined to break through. Throughout 1977, the band toured relentlessly, opening for Queen, Journey, and KISS. And just months after their debut, the band was already back in the studio recording...
Poll: What is your pick for the GREATEST BAND NAME or your Pick For COOLEST BAND LOGO?
The Rolling Stones for both. runnerups for NAME: Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes and Blood, Sweat & Tears
Crash Test Dummies
Dirty Rotten Imbeciles
Dead Kennedy's band logo
Ned's Atomic Dustbin - love the name and their music.
Fudge Tunnel
True Story - 1998 - Cheap Trick performed at a "corporate event" and No One knew who they were . . . The details: Cheap Trick was hired by a major corporation that I worked for, to perform at the Disneyland Hotel (1998), during a company Christmas Party. There were over 1000 employees there for dinner, and after dinner, Cheap Trick performed. Most of the employees were in their early 20s (growing up on 80s music), so they weren't familiar with 70s bands like Cheap Trick . . . so I, being a little older, was like, "OMG, it's Cheap Trick!" ... The setup was like a wedding reception, where the band was on a riser, with a large dance floor in front. But no one was paying attention to them, just sitting at their tables eating. So I grabbed some hot women from the company, and went out to the dance floor, standing about 5 to 10 feet from the band. These women started dancing, then other guys saw the hot women and came out. After about 10 minutes, other people realized, "Wow, this band is really good" and by the end the dance floor was packed ... It makes you wonder all the "gigs" these guys played over the years: casinos, corporate events, state fairs, etc. ... I commend them for playing that corporate gig with the same integrity as if they were in a stadium of fans. It's in those moments you realize who the 'real musicians' are.
@@btk1243 I saw Cheap Trick everywhere from a coliseum to a 2K seat concert hall and to a “rib burn off”. The weirdest venue I saw them in was an outdoor gazebo on a dock next to a river. They played with the same incredible energy there as they did in the coliseum.
Awesome story! I go to see them in a similar setting in 2008 - a private party for the Green Racing Team at the Indy 500, maybe 300 people in attendance in TOTAL. We walk in and I see a stage and instruments lying around, thinking this must be some decent band given the amount of money thrown into this party, which was evident from when you pulled into the parking lot. Holy shiite it's Cheap Trick! The whole time they were playing there were no more than about 100 people crowded up to the stage, anyone could get within 5-10 feet of the band, and they absolutely KILLED IT just like it was a sold out 80's arena show. I got one of Rick's guitar picks and had one helluva memorable evening. What an awesome legendary band they are.
@@vistalite In the early 1990's they were playing gigs at Six Flags Over Mid America (Six Flags St. Louis to you young whipper snappers).
You didn't have to buy a ticket for the concert.
You bought a ticket for the park and got to see Cheap Trick for free.
Back then Six Flags tickets were like $22 bucks at the gate, $14 if you bought them at a grocery store.
At the time I couldn't understand how it was cheaper to see Cheap Trick at a theme park than to see them without a theme park.
@@1978garfieldSix Flags tickets still don’t cost much. You can get a Season Pass in late August for $60, use it for the rest of the year and still use it for the next year.
So what I think is the reading between the lines here, taken from your tale, and Adam's video, is the band's work ethic.
Struggling to find success ar first when other bands would have quit, (2 releases in 77) then even after finding commercial success, they still want to keep the income flowing so they play corporate events.
That work ethic is a huge testimony to their characters.
“Your mama’s alright. Your daddy’s alright. They just seem a little weird”. Was quoted in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Great song. Great movie. Great times.
Actually 3 songs were quoted by Damon, including Dream Police and I Want You To Want Me
“ I got my Kiss records out”
Damone “ Got you tickets so close to the stage, you scared the Band!”
I remember this song from the 1979 movie Over the Edge.
@@devonbrooks246Over The Edge! Funny enough I always end up watching that and Fast Times back to back
The Flame is one of the best ballads of the 80's.
Yes it is!
It is so underrated!
Beautiful song. Love CT.
TBH… Zander KILLED the vocal.. like a pop Sebastian Bach.. the vocal flexibility is amazing.
Came at that special time in my life...
Fortunate to see Cheap Trick with Journey and Heart at one concert.
Ditto flew from England to see it
@@user-mv5bu2kk8b Nice!! Not often you get three bands of that caliber at one show
When and where?
Me too! I saw them in Tampa at the Ampitheater. It was Epic!
I think that you hit the trifecta!😊
I'm a pretty big Cheap Trick fan (I was actually born in Rockford and my older brother saw them there BEFORE they blew up). A couple of highlights you missed: They actually performed the theme from That 70s Show, from season 2 on. Also, the album "Another World", which you mentioned debuted at number 1. Finally, in the early 2000s, they had a brief stint in Vegas covering the entire Beatles Sgt Pepper album live. It is the best live version of that album you will ever hear.
Dear Professor, as a fellow Gen Xer I am so proud to witness your awesome success with your great UA-cam channel! Cheap Trick was (arguably?) the greatest new wave American band after The Cars. They epitomized the great new wave punk/power pop sound and songs like “she’s tight” and “dream police” and “surrender” just take me right back to the late 70s/early 80s and the absolute magic of the new wave post punk sound sweeping through the UK and the US…
Bun E Carlos-looked like a high school shop teacher, was actually a great drummer.
So true!
Much underrated imo.
Cheap Trick was my band growing up. Live at Budakan was the first Album I ever bought.
I have heard many say he looks like their accountant yet that man sure could beat those skins really loud & well.
I’ve read that Bun was/is a favorite drummer to record from Tom Werman to George Martin.
Ain't That A Shame is my favorite. The beginning is one of the best in rock history.
Imo
It's an awesome song!
Well this is a weird surprise. Just saw them last night in Coachella CA. 27th time and they never ever disappoint.
"If you ever caught a pick thrown into the crowd by Rick Nielsen, you might like this channel."
LOVe!
Everybody in the first five rows at a Cheap Trick show has caught a pick from Rick Nielson!
Right!!..I caught some of those. One show,1983 or so, in Ft.Worth, Bun E threw a drum stick. It tumbled end over end straight to me. But, I was dancing around with a cute girl flirting with me. I was gullible enough to let her hold it. You know what happened as soon as the show ended. Yep!!...She ditched me & ran away with my drum stick..hahah..Dumb girl. 30 minutes later, the guys came back out from back stage, I met & talked to Robin a bit. That's a more important memory than the drum stick or whatever else..hahah
Was close enough to catch several at my first Cheap Trick concert. All the others afterward, I was too far away.
I was in HS during the late 70s. The 1st thing that pops into my head when I hear Cheap Trick is I Want You To Want Me. Then....Surrender. Suddenly the others start seeping into my brain.
You always hit the nail on the head my friend....😊
As a child of the 70s, I can tell you that while, sure "Rolling on the couch".prolly meant "Gettin Frisky"; "... rolling numbers..." was a pot reference. The word "number" referred to a joint, If a friend asked if you wanted to smoke, or, do, a number, you knew they weren't talking about doing calculus. lol
Cool.
We lit up every time Bob Seger’s “feel like a number” came on.
Lots of people did. Especially at bush parties.
@@300mphmartyr I'm gonna assume that bush parties don't refer to that special '70s thing which is finally making a long overdue comeback.
I felt the same way about "The Flame" by Cheap Trick as I did "Amanda" by Boston... It was nice to see these groups come up with a power ballad and get back on the airwaves once again...
Third Stage was a great album. Reminds me of 10th grade. "Amanda" was great, showed that Brad Delp still had it. "Holly Ann" was a good one too.
It was like they reinvented themselves!
"We're Ready" is my own favorite Boston song.
Owned Budokan Album on Vinyl, Cassette, and CD 😮
Awesome!
I didn't have it on cassette, but I owned it on 8-track, vinyl and CD!!
I have 2 vinyl copies and 2 of the CD.
The song "surrender" is as much a part of me, as "dark side of the moon". It's a gen x anthem. I first heard it in the movie "over the edge",(a gen x film). I can't say in words what the lyrics, "surrender, surrender, but don't give yourself away" mean to me, it's just a feeling of resonance. Everytime it comes on the radio. The volume goes up, and that crazy 14 year old I used to be. Takes control of my 58 year old body. And I'm so glad to see him.
We late boomers ('59) were big CT fans as well.
Growing up 45 minutes from Rockford, Cheap Trick has always been a favorite of mine, along with fellow Illinois bands Head East and REO. Got to see their hometown concert on the Lap of Luxury tour at the big orange box, it was one hell of a show. 🤘
Head East. There are still people out here convinced they were actually Styx playing under a different name.
I love their hits, like "I Want You To Want Me" and "Surrender".... but "The Flame" is clearly their best song. The first time I heard it (at a friend's house on MTV) I knew it would be huge. My older sister was on her honeymoon, and she said she & her husband really loved the song, too. They discovered it on their honeymoon, when they traveled all over California. How could you hate a song that blows up the airwaves & sells a ton of albums? ✌️😎
Thanks Bill!
No. I Want You To Want Me will always be their best.
I'd say it's Zanders best song, just ahead of "If You Want My Love".
You probably think we built this city is a better song than White rabbit because it hit number one.
Stay knee deep in the hoopla, my dude.
It’s such an underrated gem and I’m so glad it hit #1.
Surrender was so good that the phrase "we're all alright, all alright" is part of That 70s Show theme written and performed by Cheap Trick.
Did he mention the theme song for That 70s Show? Because if he did I missed it. That was a funny show and I thought it was very appropriate Cheap Trick, a real 70s band played it. The band had a great sense of humor and they were the opening act for so many great bands. I don’t remember how many times I saw them, and if you didn’t catch a guitar pick you weren’t trying very hard. He tossed out dozens of them during their shows.
@FloridaSnowman I was waiting for him to mention it but he didn't which I was surprised by that. I saw them about 15 or so years ago and I believe I got a pick from them and I was in the stands and not on the floor.
@ several “funny looking” guitars, and a bucket full of guitar picks… right?
Cheap Trick did the That 70s Show Theme?! I never even knew!
@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 if you look at the ending credits, you'll notice it
I remember when that album came out and was all over the radio.....Budokan become a household name, and live albums become more regular after that.
Along with The Cars, Cheap Trick helped usher in a punchy, eclectic vibe that pioneered rock into the 80s' new wave movement...
They DON'T get enough credit!
Couldn't agree more! Took traditional rockers (me included) to the edge of the New Wave waters.........and we all dove in!
@@ProfessorofRockyeah, I wonder if they helped influence Billy Joel's ideas for his Glass Houses album?
@@TheSlowoldmanWell said!
They’re the Cars’ more underrated cousin.
"Tonight It's You" is one of the catchiest songs I know. It should have been bigger.
Amen
Cheap Trick was the band that gave all of us nerds hope that someday we'd be cool too!
And we are!
Great comment!
Maybe you always were.
Similarly, Donny Iris ' Ah! Leah!.... giving nerds false hope since 1980 😂😂😂
@@jayrovers Not sure if you've seen Professor's story about that song when he was a kid at the pool but it's great.
"This next one....is the first song....on our new album. It just came out this week and the song is called...SURRENDER".
Live At Budokan is everything.
Love it!
Fun fact, Robin was told to speak slowly when talking to the audience, so that they could understand what he was saying, even though they were Japanese
@@robpaxson4455 All these years I just assumed he was out of breath. Thanks for filling me in.
That's phenomenal!!!@@robpaxson4455
@@dustybrandof course!
Boy those early Cheap Trick songs are SO much better on Live At Budokan than on the studio recordings. I can’t listen to the studio versions, personally. They just make me want to hear the live ones. The Flame is just like I Want To Know What Love Is, for Foreigner. Undeniably they are hits but are not true to each band’s nature.
Right? I later bought the older albums, but just went back to Live for the best takes.
@@RolandDenzel Dudes, you gotta hear the remake of the In Color album that they did with Steve Albini in 1997!
All the tracks are here on UA-cam, and you will definitely throw away the original studio tracks once you hear it!
Yes, a major difference. The mark of a good band is sounding better live than the studio.
It is fantastic to see you covering Cheap Trick. The other day you asked about songs that didn't get the air play they deserved and one I almost mentioned was "Voices" by Cheap Trick. The first non-Ktel album I ever got was "In Color", back in 1979. I was sorely disappointed when the version of "I Want You To Want Me" was not the version I was hearing on the radio. Luckily I started my first account with Columbia House later that same year and got Budokan.
Thanks Hallacar!
Budokan is a legendary album!
Love Cheap Trick. I love the track Auf Wiedersehen simply because of Bun E’s drumming. Glad it got on the later editions of Budokan
YES!
I was on a wait list for the import version (limited copies) of Live at Budokan but when the record store called, it was too rich for my blood. Imagine how stoked I was when it was released at the regular price. Favorite track by them was their version of "Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace". Robin's passionate screams on that one just does it for me. They were on another soundtrack for "Roadie" with a song I try to live my life by - "Everything Works if You Let It".
The movie "Over The Edge" and its Cheap Trick laden soundtrack are the absolute perfect image of the late 70's vibe. I was 11 in '79 and my name is Claude. If you've seen the movie you get it.
I loved and remember that movie!
Matt Dillon was a great delinquent in that one. Also a couple of the kids looked like 14 year old versions of robin zander.
Amazing how many bands hate a song they did only to see it become a monster hit!
Simple Minds and Don't You Forget About Me also comes to mind...
So true!
Quiet Riot and Cum On Feel The Noise.
It’s so crazy!
I saw them for the first time three yrs ago. They absolutely ROCKED!! And when The Flame started, the crowd ERUPTED! So glad you highlighted these guys
Cheap Trick!!
It's wild that they had to be hidden in tunnels to enter hotels and concert halls. And one of the coolest names in rock history.......... Bun E. Carlos!!
Thanks Professor.
I hope you are "Big In Japan" too. 🎉
Thanks Roger!
I love Bun E. Carlos! He always looks like the band's drummer bailed out at the last minute, so they picked a sales manager from a local department store who could play drums a little, then he absolutely nails it. An absolute sleeper powerhouse.
I wonder how many of his close friends and family nicknamed him Bunny?
@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Would make an excellent movie. One night they are playing to no one in Milwaukee and a few days later they are being chased by Japanese women. What a rock and roll under dog story. The Midwest collides with the far east... What a brilliant way to have a break through for a band
That live version had so much energy!
Started high school in 1977. Started listening to Cheap Trick. Been a fan since ‘77. Thanks for talking about a great band. The original lyrics to the song are a lot more risqué when he talks about his mom in the WACs. You’ll find that version on the Epic Years Vol 1 compilation.
Saw them on Super Bowl Sunday in 1978, Rick Nielsen threw handfuls of guitar picks and I found one in my camera case the next day. They were the warmup band for Kansas.
I was one of the 150,000 that bought their first album, didn't know anything about them but really liked the logo. Been a fan ever since. First concert I ever saw was Cheap Trick (with the Romantics opening up) at Madison Square Garden. Still have the guitar pick that Rick Nielson threw into the crowd during the encore. Since then, seen them whenever I could whether they were the headliner or opening up for others in their down years ... in arenas and small venues. Every time I hear one of their songs, it brings me back to my pre-teen and teenage years. Great band ... Rock and Roll HOF ... well deserved.
Do they have to sign up ahead of time
I was blessed to have seen them live. They put on a killer show and were super tight musically, while obviously having fun doing it.
Hey you are the man! Thanks for all the hard work! ❤
Thanks!
When I lived in Tucson, AZ, I saw Cheap Trick at a small Night Club >> and was able to be less than 20 ft from the Stage. It was an INCREDIBLE Show!
Man, those are great moments.
You mention the Top Gun soundtrack, but one of my favorite Cheap Trick emotional rockers is “You must be dreaming” on the Heavy Metal soundtrack.
Love that song!
AS A LOCAL CHICAGO MAN MY ENTIRE LIFE I KNOW CHEAP TRICK VERY WELL....I WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL WHEN I BOUGHT MY FIRST CHEAP TRICK ALBUM....JUST RELEASED HEAVEN TONIGHT
First rock concert I ever attended. My brothers were huge Cheap Trick fans and took me when they performed at a small venue near Quincy, IL the summer of 1988. Still my favorite rock band of all time. Their albums that didn't do as well are so underrated, some real hidden gems.
Happy Saturday Professor & fellow Music Junkies! Cheap Trick has to be one of the hardest working bands; they're always out on tour during the summer, hitting all the festivals. A very underappreciated band IMO. Thanks Prof! ✌🏻🤘🏻
I think The Flame is one of the best love songs. 💘
I love your shirt Professor! Cheap Trick is from my neck of the woods, Chicago area! I absolutely love their music! Thanks for featuring them! ❤
I love his tees too. Keeping memories alive!
Do you get out and see Bun around town?
Awesome!
@@mikebuck1897 Thanks!
I saw them at the QFM96 Budweiser Wing Zing at Lifestyle Communities Pavilion (Columbus OH) on July 13, 2013. I was up front. Still have my Rick Neilson guitar picks (One red. One orange). Great show.
I think Robin Zander is overlooked as one of the greatest rock voices in HISTORY. He is one of the few people who can scream/sing AND sing melodically. His falsetto is also masterful - which is remarkable because it’s hard to scream/sing and move over into a good falsetto sound. And he sang a ton of songs “pretty” if you will! Go listen to “Stop This Game” again - OMG!
Speaking of over looked songs like Mighty Wings, also go remind yourself of Reach Out on the Heavy Metal soundtrack (and I Must be Dreamin’!) and Spring Break from the same movie! There are so many gems on all their albums that weren’t singles as well!
This band was Soooo underrated! Love them!
I heard “I want you to want me” blasting in a car with the windows down while working my butt off taking down a building in Watervliet NY about a quarter of a mile north of the arsenal there on the main thoroughfare in the heart of the town in summer 1979, and it INSTANTLY cemented that sound and band (the live version of course!) into my brain forever! I got the album a week later, my second rock album after “The cars”!! That song STILL gives me the sane feeling and vibe I felt then as an early teenager. Same exact feeling in fact! I have played it on drums ever since I got my kit in 1981! This band just gives me a special feeling, and it will as long as I live! One of the best rock bands EVER! 👍🏻😋
A Man of Culture
Tom’s 12 string bass is so important to their sound, it just wasn’t the same without him
Agreed!
The bassist who replaced the late Dusty Hill in ZZ Top plays a 12 string bass as well.
@@dustybrandI think his has like 17 strings, it’s huge!
@ I think it is 17 strings indeed.
My uncle knows someone who is promoting an upcoming ZZ Top show where he lives and he is going to see them for the second time. The first time was in 1973 when he was 18.
Also check out 'Reach Out' from the Heavy Metal movie soundtrack.. excellent stuff.. it kicks!
Love that song, really heavy. That soundtrack is the best 16 songs you will find anywhere 👍🏻
They also did 'I must be Dreamin' from the soundtrack as well
Saw them last summer for the 10th time and they never disappoint, such a great band
Saw them 11 times with the debut album song Elo Kiddies ,one of my favorite songs by them.
Cool you’re talking about “Mighty Wings” I discovered that song through a Harold Faltermeyer (Of “Axel F” fame) compilation of either film soundtracks he’s either scored, written or played on. Or tracks he’s co-written and produced, and “Mighty Wings” was on there, great song! I agree, it should’ve been a hit, Mark Spiro whom co-written the song, sadly passed around a year ago. He was an AOR singer that had a few records out and written songs for Anne Murray, Laura Brannigan, Pia Zadora, Engelbert Humperdinck, David Hasselhoff, Paul Anka, REO Speedwagon, Bad English, John Waite, David Cassidy’s comeback record from 1990, among many more. I had no idea Spiro passed until a couple of months later cause I didn’t hear anything about it, R.I.P.
I recently found out Harold Faltermeyer co-wrote "Hot Stuff" for Donna Summer. I was listening to the Hot Stuff / Bad Girls album medley on UA-cam & I saw his name on the record. It's weird how we get exposed to some artists earlier than we realize.
@@BillGraper True! But a correction here, He didn't co-write "Bad Girls" he co-wrote "Hot Stuff" and "Bad Girls" went to #1 actually
@MrCee71 I just fixed it. I was hoping to get to it before you noticed. 😅👍
@MrCee71 I was saying "Bad Girls" was the #2 song of 1979, only behind "My Sharona." "Hot Stuff" also finished in the top 10 for the year. 1979 was probably the biggest year for disco, and a rock song beat them all that year. Go figure!
@@BillGraper Oh, I get you, and on you correcting yourself before I noticed it, ha ha, that's funny
Cheap Trick at Budokan was one of my very first cassettes back in junior high. It made me a Cheap Trick fan for life.
I loved "All Shook Up" (produced by The Beatles George Martin). Very underrated.
In '88, I listened to Lap of Luxury almost continuously that summer. Other than "Don't be Cruel" and "The Flame" (the hits), the rest of the album is more typical Cheap Trick fare and to me is very underrated. "Let Go", "Never Had a lot to Lose", and "Ghost Town" are the standouts
Surrender & I Want You To Want Me (along with Ain't That A Shame) were all released in 1979 and continued to get lots of airplay through 1980 and into 81 as I coming into my teen years. I loved those songs then, and long with their catalog of hits since then, I still love them today. I dig the one little nugget at the beginning of this video, that Cheap Trick released their debut record on my 10th bday. I may have to pick it up and give it a listen!!!
same i bought the reissue last year of their debut record discount bin at a retailer reissue 23 i think
I have great memories of getting my first cassette of Live at Budokon I couldn't wait to play it from beginning to end. Cheap Trick play a big part of my music years.
Budokan is the best!
@@ProfessorofRock only thing that made it better was seeing them live.
@@mpete1000 I saw them at the QFM96 Budweiser Wing Zing at Lifestyle Communities Pavilion (Columbus OH) on July 13, 2013. Still have my orange Rick Neilson guitar pick and red guitar pick. Great show.
“I want you to want me!” From Live at Budokan is still ringing in my head.
"Gonna Raise Hell" is their baddest rocker.
Agreed!
Oh yes, mine too. My parents didn't think so.
Sam Kinison covered it.
Budokan is why I play guitar. Feeling the floor shake in concert when they played “Gonna Raise Hell“ is why I play bass! Cheap Trick is still one of my favorite bands!
Love Cheap Trick since 78-79. Now 59. Still love em. My brother had "Live at Budokan" on cassette, & I constantly was blasting it. Great job, Professor!!
Very Cool!
Cheap Trick are one of the best 70's rock bands. "The Flame" is certainly different from their other hits, yet is very recognisable.
‘The Flame’ is one of my all time faves of any song ever.
POR, I think you asked about this concert. Joe Jackson - The Marquee Theater - October 18 , 1990.Stepping Out - solo, Right & Wrong w/ bass only., Drowning*, Goin’ Downtown*, Got The Time, Obvious Song*, It’s Different For Girls - duet, Stranger Than Fiction*, Another World, Fools In Love, When You’re Not Around*, Hit Single*, Blaze Of Glory, Encore1 Don’t Get Around Much Anymore, I’m The Man. Encore2 A Slow Song. *From upcoming album Laughter & Lust 1991. I just found my notes of the playlist.
Thanks!
What an amazing collection of songs.
This cracks me up. I was in Japan in 1978 and a lot of teen girls there talked about Cheap Trick, and I'd never heard of them.
Absolutely love Cheap Trick! So underrated!
Agreed!
As one of those '14 year olds of 1978', I can report that you absolutely nailed the zeitgeist surrounding "Surrender" and, just months later, "Live at Budokan".
Got to see Cheap Trick in the early 90s at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee. It was absolutely amazing small stage, huge crowd. Near the end of the concert, Rick Nielsen ripped off his shirt, rolled it around and threw it out into the crowd. We got it and this girl next to us was devastated and was crying. We felt bad so we handed it to her was a great moment in concert that I’ll remember.🎉
I love Cheap Trick. ❤ I remember my friend getting told to change her awesome Cheap Trick concert baseball/sleeved tshirt when she wore it to gym class! Needless to say, that gym teacher got boo'd & finally just said, "Keep it on, then. I dont care what you wear!" 😆 (Gym uniforms were on their out, thank goodness, at the time!) But I can still see her Cheap Trick baseball tee with the white shirt & 3/4 long black sleeves. ❤❤
To hear these tunes at 70yrs old is like being in a time machine. HUGE SMILE ON MY FACE😁✌️
6:57 to be accurate, they were "rolling on the couch; rolling numbers, rock and rolling..." and rolling numbers is old school slang for spinning a joint. 😉
When I saw Cheap Trick live for the first time 35 years ago Robin, as he sang those lines, made a motion with both hands like he was rolling one up. I too had always thought that the subject of the song had the misfortune of seeinghis parents getting busy on the couch. Seems like the kind of thing most people would need counseling for having seen.
I loved Cheap Tricks music right away. “The Flame” I have played over & over so many times I couldn’t even guess how many times total. One of my favorite songs of all time.
I have been known to keep The Flame on repeat...for more than a hour at a time...
Such a fun band!! Got to see them when I was a kid!! Incredible! “Surrender” makes me laugh every time!!🤘🔥
That's a perfect description of Cheap Trick... Fun! 👍
Surrender. I love those lyrics.
I was a punker for a while growing up, and Surrender was one of the catalysts for that. Epic song.
Punker via "Surrender?" Hmmm.
Puke
@@ZeroESG.goopootoob yeah right makes me wanna puke
Punky Brewster?
@David-i1g1r HA ha ha ha--no.
Surrender was one of the best songs released in 1978.
I didn't get to hear it until the movie "Over the Edge" came out a year later. That song is my strongest memory of the movie.
@ I don’t think I heard it until the mid to late 90’s.
For sure.
Happy Saturday Professor and friends! It's no "Cheap Trick" when the Professor teaches us deep musical nostalgia.
Thanks Robert!
I'M LISTENING TO DREAM POLICE RIGHT NOW.
Awesome! Talk Sunday?
@ProfessorofRock I hope so Brother. I have been having some strange experiences where I am at.
Agreed on The Flame. One of my top 3 Cheap Trick tracks
Cheap Trick is one of the top 5 american bands of all time. 'Dream Police' is the first cassette I ever bough and wore the tape out from playing it so much.
I like them quite a bit but top 5 American band of all time? Uh, no….
@@1BobsYourUncle IMO of course. I am concerned you might need mental health with who your top 5 American rock bands might be.
At Budakan was my first Album at 13. Dream police my first single. They cost a lot of allowance money, but gave me a lifetime love of power pop.
Dream Police has been my ringtone for years.
Back in the Saddle Again Naturally
Good morning, constipated!
@@bobdavis4848 happeh Saturday saddlin’, master of beats and mores Bobbobs!
@bobdavis4848 Hey Bobby D👋 I hope that this weekend will be something to never forget 🙏
@ Thank you, good boy, I hope you find a place that welcomes big beagle barks for this weekend!
@ Best luck on that, constipated! "Never Forget" is the last song on Fleetwood Mac "Tusk" album. Rest In Peace to Christine McVie.
My family and I went to the Indianapolis Children's museum about 15 yrs ago and saw a lawn mower that had the black and white check all over it. Sure enough it belonged to one of the band members. I have loved their music and their sense of humor that usually shows up in their videos. ❤
I saw Cheap Trick at the Stanley Theater in Utica NY in December 1978. It was general admission so we got there about 3 hours early to get great seats... I got 1st row. When we got there there was about 5 people already there. One kid was dressed up the way Rick dresses. Cardigan sweater buttoned up, cap, things buttoned on the sweater. He actually looked a bit like Rick must've looked when he was 14. While we stood there, Robin and Bun E. came out the door. Robin goes up to the guy dressed like Rick and said: Hey Rick, great to see you. You're lookin' great and shook his hand. I asked for their autographs and they were happy to give them. Then they walked to the McDonalds down the street. Great concert. Great memory. I got 7 guitar picks of Rick's when he threw a handful into the crowd. I'm still as big a fan of Cheap Trick as I was when I was 17.
Cheap Trick, live at Budokan, was the most exciting thing I ever saw on our tiny TV in 79. My 9 year old self wanted to experience the music the way they did at that concert. Once I could buy my own music, Cheap Trick was on my playlist ever after ❤
How in the world do you put out so much material?? Every one of your videos seems like it must take a ridiculous amount of time to research, set up, interview if you do, and get the tags perfect. Kudos!❤
And they're all worth watching. I don't think I even have the time to watch them not that I'm that hugely Boosie :-).
One of the things I always liked about Cheap Trick was how different they were. Bun E looking like a history teacher and Rick has to be one of the most eclectic characters ever in rock history.
So true!
Two cool guys and two nerds
I hope he kept that crushed demo and framed it for posterity. That'd be awesome.
In Portland, Oregon we had an appliance icon named Tom Peterson. His famous local commercial was him in his buzz cut knocking on your tv screen late at night yelling for you to come buy a washer/dryer set, etc. Every time Cheap Trick came to town (I’ve seen them 3 times in concert), Tom Peterson would tap on his mic yelling “Wake up!” which would send the audience into crazy applauds. They were so much fun to see in concert!
Adam, what a great show last night! Huey Lewis is an amazing man! I was so happy to be able to attend!
One thing I think a lot of people fail to mention about The Flame is just how absolutely spacially huge the intro acoustic guitar sounds. What a job the producer did. I've seen them live a few times (they are always killer) and it never sounds that enormous.
Growing up in southwest Missouri I always loved cheap trick. From the first time I heard them like them so much that in 89 while living in Florida they put on a free MTV concert in Daytona Beach. I called in sick that day. Planned on it for since the announcement of the concert. Loved Cheap Trick
I saw them back in the 80s during their resurgence... they were a ton of fun. Great concert.
Thank you Professor! Have a great weekend everyone! ✌🏼😊
I remember seeing them on Don Kirshner’s rock concert when I was in high school. If I remember correctly they played Surrender and I want you to want me. Glad I’ve gotten to see a lot of great bands over the years.
My mother was in a in patient care center in Destin, Florida. I walked over to the grocery store and heard a CT song being played at an outdoor venue. When I came out I heard another and walked over to catch the band. To my surprise it was Cheep Trick playing at a singer/songwriter festival. Caught the last fifteen minutes of my only live experience.
Back in late eighties I was a regular at this place called Gussie Lamours near the airport here in Hawaii which was a bar/venue for local bands and other major acts such as War, Foghat, Molly Hatchet, Pat Travers, etc. One night the owner of the place came up to me saying “Hey, Clayton. You wouldn’t believe what happened to me today. I was able to book Cheap Trick here. They’re my favorite band and they will be playing here during the summer. I can’t wait!” Apparently that didn’t happen all because of that song that Rick Nielsen hated. They did however played The Blaisdell Arena here in Hawaii December 88 rather than playing at a club thanks to that song.
Forgot to leave a comment, love CT's "The Flame" plus they had many great songs that to me are as relevant today as they were when they came out. 🤠
Letters to Cleo rocked that song! One of my favorite covers!
When my daughter was young she used to sing "shes's nice". Well yes baby, she is nice. No need to correct her at the time.
Great one today, Professor! I've been a hard-core fan of CT for more than 40 years, so it's nice to see them featured today. They have so many great songs that never got airplay including 'Say Goodbye' from the underrated self titled release from 1997. Cheers!