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Cheap Trick

Cheap Trick is an American rock band that formed in Rockford, Illinois in 1973. The band's original lineup consisted of vocalist Robin Zander, guitarist Rick Nielsen, bassist Tom Petersson, and drummer Bun E. Carlos. They gained popularity in the late 1970s with a string of hit singles and albums, and are best known for their signature song "Surrender."

One of the defining characteristics of Cheap Trick's sound is their use of power-pop hooks, combined with hard rock and heavy metal influences. They are also known for their energetic live shows, which often involve elaborate stage antics and pyrotechnics.

Cheap Trick's self-titled debut album was released in 1977, and was followed by a string of successful albums, including "In Color" (1977), "Heaven Tonight" (1978), and "Dream Police" (1979). Their most successful album, "Live at Budokan," was recorded during a tour of Japan in 1978, and features live versions of many of their biggest hits.

Over the years, Cheap Trick has continued to release new albums and tour extensively, with the classic lineup remaining largely intact until Petersson left the band in 1980, and then returning in 1988. The band has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and their music continues to influence generations of rock musicians.

From Rockford, Illinois.  Thanks to Jim Zubiena and Robert S. Campbell and for providing personnel information for various versions of The Grim Reapers and Fuse. -GSH


The Phaetons (1961 - ? )
  • Rick Nielsen - guitar - b. December 22, 1946, Rockford, Illinois.

The Boyz ( ? - ? )
  • Rick Nielsen - guitar

The Grim Reapers I (1965)
  • Rick Nielsen - lead guitar
  • Ken Bagus - rhythm guitar
  • Bill Walsh - bass - d. ???
  • Bill Morris - drums - d. ???
  • Gary Schuder - vocals - d. ???

The Grim Reapers II (1965 - 1967)
  • Rick Nielsen - guitar
  • Bill Walsh - bass
  • Gary Schuder - vocals
  • Jim Zubiena - drums
  • Joe Sundberg - vocals

The Grim Reapers III (1967)
  • Rick Nielsen - guitar
  • Bill Walsh - bass
  • Gary Schuder - vocals
  • Jim Zubiena - drums
  • Joe Sundberg - vocals
  • Ross Anderson - keyboards/sax
Jim Zubiena later becomes an actor and appears in a supporting role as a hit man on the TV show "Miami Vice".

Fuse I (1967 - 1970)
  • Rick Nielsen - guitar/keyboards
  • Craig Myers - lead guitar - formerly with Toast & Jam.
  • Tom Petersson - bass - b. May 9, 1950, Rockford, Illinois - formerly with Toast & Jam.
  • Joe Sundberg - vocals
  • Chester "Chip" Greenman - drums - formerly with Toast & Jam.
Album:
  1. "Fuse" (1969)
Single: "Hound Dog" b/w "Cruisin' for Burgers" (1968)

Fuse II (1970 - June 1971)
  • Rick Nielsen - guitar/keyboards
  • Craig Myers - lead guitar
  • Tom Petersson - bass
  • Robert "Stewkey" Antoni - keyboards/vocals - b. November 17, 1947, Newport, Rhode Island - formerly with Elizabeth and The Nazz.
  • Thom Mooney - drums - b. September 24, 1948, Cinnaminson, New Jersey - formerly with Woody's Truck Stop and The Nazz.

Sick Man of Europe (1971 - 1972)
  • Rick Nielsen - guitar
  • Tom Petersson - bass
  • Bun E. Carlos - drums - b. Brad Carlson, June 12, 1951, Rockford, Illinois.
  • Robert "Stewkey" Antoni - keyboards/vocals
Group disbands.

Cheap Trick I (1974 - 1980)
  • Rick Nielsen - guitar
  • Tom Petersson - bass
  • Bun E. Carlos - drums
  • Robin Zander - vocals - b. January 23, 1953, Loves Park, Illinois.
Albums:
  1. "Cheap Trick" (1977)
  2. "In Color" (1977)
  3. "Heaven Tonight" (1978) - Single: "Surrender"
  4. "Cheap Trick / In Color / Heaven Tonight" (3-CD box set) (1996)
  5. "Live at Budokan" (1979) - Single: "I Want You to Want Me"
  6. "Dream Police" (1979)
  7. "All Shook Up" (1980)
  8. "Cheap Trick at Budokan: The Complete Concert" (2-CDs) (1998)

Cheap Trick II (1980 - 1981)
  • Rick Nielsen - guitar
  • Bun E. Carlos - drums
  • Robin Zander - vocals
  • Pete Comita - bass - b. Italy.

Cheap Trick III (1981 - 1986)
  • Rick Nielsen - guitar
  • Bun E. Carlos - drums
  • Robin Zander - vocals
  • Jon Brant - bass - b. February 20, 1954.
Albums:
  1. "One on One" (1982)
  2. "Next Position Please" (1983)
  3. "Standing on the Edge" (1985)
  4. "The Doctor" (1986)

Cheap Trick IV (1986 - ? )
  • Rick Nielsen - guitar
  • Bun E. Carlos - drums
  • Robin Zander - vocals
  • Tom Petersson - bass
Albums:
  1. "Lap of Luxury" (1988) - Singles: "The Flame", "Don't Be Cruel", "Ghost Town"
  2. "Busted" (1990) - Single: "Can't Stop Fallin' Into Love"
  3. "Woke Up with a Monster" (1994)
  4. "Budokan II" (live) (1994)
  5. "Cheap Trick" (1997)
  6. "Music for Hangovers" (live) (1999)
  7. "Silver" (live) (2-CDs) (2001)
  8. "Special One" (2003)

Compilations:
  1. "Greatest Hits" (1991)
  2. "Sex, America, Cheap Trick" (4-CD box set) (1996)
  3. "Authorized Greatest Hits" (2000)
  4. "The Essential Cheap Trick" (2-CDs) (2004)

Robin Zander solo:
  1. "Robin Zander" (1993)

Links:
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Last Revised:  November 12, 2006
© 1999, 2006 by Gary S. Hartman.  All rights reserved.
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