CHEAP TRICK.
EQC I-5
Showroom
7 p.m.
March 28
Cheap Trick may be one of the most covered bands of all time. Since the ‘70s they’ve been blending elements of pop, punk and even metal in a way that is instantly catchy and recognizable.
The band was formed in Rockford, Ill., in 1975 by guitarist Rick Nielsen and bass player Tom Petersson. They recruited drummer Bun E. Carlos and singer Robin Zander to round out the lineup.
Their self-titled debut album, released in 1977, didn’t sell well in the United States but was quite popular in Japan. The band built their reputation on the road, opening for many major acts like Queen, KISS and Santana. Rick Nielsen provided much of their visual image with his many odd-shaped guitars, including a double-neck axe built to look like him.
Cheap Trick has in many ways become a musical institution with classic pop hits “I Want You to Want Me,” “Surrender,” and the late ‘80s lighter-waving favorite, “The Flame,” and more than 5,000 performances, 20 million records sold, 29 movie soundtracks and 40 gold and platinum recording awards.
Cheap Trick created a substantial fan base through its own brand of power pop music with a hard-edged yet melodic pop sound that combines the tunefulness of The Beatles with the speed and energy of punk rock. In Japan, Cheap Trick has often been referred to as the “American Beatles.”
In 2009, the band continues to tour with its original lineup, and their 2009 release of their 16th album, “The Latest,” has garnered glowing reviews worldwide and continues Cheap Trick’s reign as power-pop progenitors as they celebrate their 35th anniversary together.
Cheap Trick will be bringing their world-renowned pop sound to the Emerald Queen Casino’s I-5 Showroom at 7 p.m. March 28. Tickets range from $40-$70 and can be purchased online at http://www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Emerald Queen Casino Box office at (888) 831-7655.
