Cheap Trick knows what its fans want. And what its fans want these days is to hear the band play songs from its first three–maybe four or five–albums.
Two of the band’s recent releases–“Silver,” a live best-of album to commemorate the band’s 25th anniversary, and the DVD “From Tokyo to You”–are packed with tracks from the late-’70s, including classics like “Cheap Trick,” “In Color” and “Heaven Tonight.” And despite a fine new album (“Special One”) filled with return-to-form rockers, guitarist Rick Nielsen says the band will only pull out a couple of new tracks in concert.
So does the Rockford quartet’s hit parade ever get old? Nielsen says it doesn’t.
How many times would you estimate Cheap Trick has played “Surrender” in the last 25 years?
Oh, about 5,000.
Ever get sick of it?
Nah, because you play to a different audience each night. I remember seeing the girl who did [starts singing “Gloria” by Laura Branigan]. She started with it, did it in the middle and ended with it. That would get sickening–three times in one set. That band Velvet Revolver just added “Surrender” to its live set.
Have you heard it?
I haven’t heard their version of it, though I’d love to. I’ve heard Marilyn Manson do it.
It’s a popular cover song. Whose version do you like best?
Cheap Trick’s.
What possessed you to buy Cracked magazine recently?
I’ve always been a fan of Cracked, Mad and Sick–all that lowbrow humor. Actually, I think it’s all pretty highbrow, to tell you the truth. A lot of the parodies that we do are like the New Yorker, but without all that writing junk. We stick to the cartoons.
Any coincidence that you appeared on the first cover under your ownership?
They could have put other people on the cover, I suppose.
Sounds like the Cracked folks know who signs their checks.
Nah, that’s not how it goes. I’m more of a figurehead. I’m not really running the day-to-day stuff. When they need a bad executive decision, there I am.
They’ve also got your picture up at the brewpub/pizzeria Piece (1927 W. North Ave.), where you’re a part owner. I’m noticing a trend.
Those aren’t up anymore. People were getting sick of looking at them. They couldn’t keep their pizza down.
Cheap Trick’s “At Budokan” is regarded as one of the best live albums. What are your top five?
“At Budokan.” The Who’s “Live at Leeds.” AC/DC “Live.” Cheap Trick’s “Silver,” live from Rockford. And “Music For Hangovers,” Cheap Trick live at the Metro.
Hmmm, there’s a lot of Cheap Trick in there.
Yeah, why not? I can’t think of any others.
