Classic Band was HITLESS & $4 Million In DEBT…Then This 1979 Hit SAVED ‘em! | Professor of Rock

Poll; Straight up, who was the greatest LIVE band of the 70s and 80s?

Here is a funny story about Cheap Trick. I was in the US Navy in 1979. I flew home for two weeks leave landed at Birmingham Alabama. Was very late at night, about midnight to 1 o’clock in the morning. Back in those days you could meet arrivals at the gate. My wife and sister were there to meet me. As we walked from the gate thru the concourse I saw the band Cheap Trick. I recognized Rick Neilson. I told my wife and sister who they were to go get their autograph. My wife declined, either she was to shy or didn’t believe me as to who they were. My sister walked over got the bands autographs and chatted with each of them. After she returned I told the two girls, watch this. I walked over to the band, said hey guys aren’t you a famous rock band? Pink Floyd! Rick Neilson told me get the fuck out of here. Some of the guys threw plastic drink cups at me. I started laughing and explained that I knew who they were and was playing a joke on them. They got a big kick out of it. Cheap Trick had just performed in Birmingham and was flying to Mobile Alabama for another concert. And yes, Rick Neilson was wearing his trademark ball cap, believe it or not. That is how I recognized him. As I had walked by I did a double take, thinking no it can’t be. Just missed the concert but got to meet the band personally late at night in a practically deserted airport.

I had a dear friend in high school, her name was Tonya. I actually had much stronger feelings for her, but I never had any confidence so I never said anything. Despite that, we were extremely close, she taught me how to slow dance when I was nervous before my first dance. We'd spend hours talking and laughing, she was awesome. She moved away from Wisconsin to South Carolina the summer between sophomore and junior year...it sucked. We had a going away party for her, and a friend and I DJ'd it with my home stereo. Tonya requested and made us play this song over a doz3n times, as it was her favorite song. A couple years after we got out of high school she was tragically killed in a drunk driving accident. I was a mess, I really loved her. It's been about 30 years since she past, and I still think of her to this day. Funny thing is, this song ONLY comes on the radio when I am having a very bad day, or am seriously depressed. When it comes on I instantly feel better, and I feel as if she is checking in on me and telling me things will be alright. Anyway that's my little story.

I was a huge fan when they came out with "Live at Budokan". They are also very supportive of our military, they performed live at Marine Corps Base, Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan in 1983 and put on a hell of a show. 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, Weapons Co. 👍🇺🇲

You have NO IDEA how animated Rick was in those days. He was all over the stage throwing high leg kicks. He was like a wind-up toy that never stopped, and constantly mugging and hyping up the crowd.

Rick said they were asked by Queen to open two shows in Wisconsin, and because Queen were huge in Japan, there happened to be Japanese press at the Madison and Milwaukee shows. This, and the fact that Rick was asked by the Japanese press to write an article on what it was like to open up for Queen, were instrumental in opening the door to the Japanese market. Glad it did--their "Heaven Tonight" and "Dream Police" albums are two of the best albums of the entire '70s. They are still awesome live in concert and one of the hardest working bands in rock. Rick once said that he always has a suitcase by his bedroom door in Rockford, and that it hasn't been unpacked since Budokan in '78! Have a good one! - Dave

“Ain’t That a Shame” on Budokan one of the greatest covers of all time.

Their live version of Ain't That A Shame at the 1980 American Music Awards is awesome.

I've lost count of how many times I've seen Cheap Trick. Such a great live band.

1979 was one of those years that came out with magic. The seventies said goodbye in real style ❤

Robin Zander's voice sounds as good today as it did back in the day. ❤

The placement of their song, "Reach Out," in the animated film Heavy Metal is fantastic.

I saw (5 rows back from the stage) Zebra, Cheap Trick & ZZ Top in 1983 at the Bridgeport, Mi. high school football field which was right next to the freeway. People were stopping to watch the show, cars were lined both sides of the freeway. Man what a show that was, fond memories of my youth.

I'll never forget the first time my wife heard the studio version of 'I Want You To Want Me'. She looked at me and said "Who in the hell is this ruining that Cheap Trick song?" 😂😂😂

I met Robyn Zander the summer after they were inducted into the Hall of Fame. I told him I would spare him and not sing I want You to Want Me. I’ve never heard a more sincere thank you.

Rick Nielsen live is a sight to see !

Budokan was such a classic album. A milestone of its era.

I was a freshman in HS. My BF at the time was a year younger. He played "Live at Budokon" and I was hooked. I loved "Surrender" and when they came out with "Voices" and "Dream Police" I was a long time fan.

I grew up in Rockford and saw them for the first time in 1975. They played at a small band shell in a park called Sinnissipi on Mother's Day (it was a big crowd for the relatively small outdoor venue). It wasn't until 2 years later that they released their first album. At the time of the show, they had all the energy and charisma that would later propel them all the way to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I have seen them many times throughout their careers. They always put on a great show and have provided me with many great memories!

In 1975 Cheap Trick played for the mixer dance in our high school cafeteria in Madison WI.