by Best Classic Bands Staff
A new biography, American Standard – Cheap trick from the bars to Budokan and Beyond, is scheduled to be published by Backbeat Books on September 3, 2024. The book can be pre-ordered in the US Here and in Great Britain Here (where it will be released on November 3), includes a foreword by Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready. The author, Ross Warner, has previously written for Deadbase: The Complete Guide to Grateful Dead Song Lists and the Grateful Dead Tape Compendium, Volumes II and III (along with numerous musical features and reviews for Slide Magazine).
The book covers the rise of the band, with particular attention to the often mythological In the Budokan History. Forever immortalized by her shout-out in the cult teen film classic I think I’m standing in the forest, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Green Day and Pearl Jam (hence McCready’s involvement) have been cited as Cheap Trick’s main influences.
Warner interviewed many of those who were with the band on stage and in the studio, with plenty of archive material from the authors of the 1970s rock scene from Rolling Stone, Creem, Crawdaddy, Hosenpresse, Circus, Sounds, The New Musical Express And Hitparader, Band members and management from this time were also interviewed.
From the publisher’s announcement: “They have sold more than 20 million albums, have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and are one of Homer Simpson’s favorite bands – but even today, fifty years after their formation, Cheap trick remains a club band with cult status for many. At least that’s how they started, with a carnival-like stage show with four completely dissimilar characters: guitarist Rick Nielsen, with bow tie, sweater and baseball cap, stood next to the blond dream guy Robin Zander, while the mysterious bassist Tom Peterson with chestnut brown hair held the bass, together with drummer Bun E. Carlos, who was never seen without a cigarette or tie.
Related: Behind the rise of Cheap Trick
“American Standard: Cheap Tricks from the Bars to the Budokan and Beyond tells the unlikely story of the band’s journey to greatness, from their beginnings in Rockford, Illinois, to their hugely successful live album In the Budokan to the many ups and downs that followed. This is a rollicking tale of artistic genius, rock excess, hilarious misbehavior, chance encounters with the biggest names in music, and international fame that gave new meaning to the phrase “big in Japan.” American Standard offers an intimate look at a truly original band – whether you consider them rock icons or criminally underrated.”
Regard Cheap Trick play “Surrender” at Budokan
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