Cheap Trick is coming to Minnesota for two shows, May 12 at Grand Casino and then with Aerosmith on June 16 at Target Center. Can’t wait that long? Check them out in JACK’s Artist Spotlight this week!

Cheap Trick is a U.S. rock/powerpop band from Rockford, Illinois, that gained popularity in the late 1970s. The band members are Rick Nielsen (guitarist and main songwriter), Bun E. Carlos(born Brad Carlson) (drums),Robin Zander(vocals and guitars), and Tom Petterson (bass guitar). Though they have had only brief flirtations with mainstream success, Cheap Trick has held a substantial following through regular touring and a hard-edged yet blissful pop sound that combines the tunefulness of The Beatles with the speed and energy of punk rock. The band’s biggest hits over the years include “I Want You To Want Me,” “Surrender”, “Dream Police”, “Don’t Be Cruel” (a cover of Elvis Presley’s hit), and “The Flame”. Their most recent release, The Latest, has gained critical acclaim. They also wrote and performed the theme song for “The Colbert Report”.

Nielsen and Petersson originally formed the group as “Fuse” in 1967, with Carlos joining the group several years later; however, when Zander joined as vocalist in 1972, the group was renamed Cheap Trick. Zander is considered one of the best rock vocalists. Tom Petersson was known for playing custom made 8, 12, and even a 18 string custom bass made by Modulus for Tom in 1981.

Rick Nielsen also has a penchant for unusual instruments. He owns and plays a five-necked solidbody electric guitar (it can be seen in the video for the song “She’s Tight”, among others).