The Vail Valley Foundation recently issued the following press release about “Cheap Trick,” coming to the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek next month:
Cheap Trick is currently gearing up for their 50th anniversary and will bring their beloved rock ‘n’ roll institution to the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek, Colorado on Friday, September 6th at 7 p.m.
Cheap Trick remain an indisputable classic of rock’n’roll, loved everywhere for their instantly recognisable, immensely influential combination of mischievous wit and maximum melodies, powerful pop hooks and razor-sharp riffs.
Formed nearly half a century ago by Robin Zander (vocals, rhythm guitar), Rick Nielsen (lead guitar), Tom Petersson (bass guitar) and Bun E. Carlos (drums), the Rockford, Illinois band has become a staple of American music, with over 40 international gold and platinum awards, countless industry prizes and accolades, appearances on over 20 film soundtracks and record sales now well over $20 million. Five decades later, Cheap Trick is still the same at its core – four great guys, three great chords and an unparalleled canon of melodies that will last for the ages, from “California Man” and “Dream Police” to “Surrender,” “I Want You To Want Me” and the worldwide No. 1 hit single “The Flame.”
When the band first came together in 1974, they played countless high-energy live shows around the Midwest and recorded a rousing demo, which helped them get signed to Epic Records. They released their eponymous debut album in February 1977.
Cheap Trick gained popularity in Japan through their singles “Clock Strikes Ten” and the chart hit “I Want You to Want Me.” This support led to them playing several concerts at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo in 1978, where they were greeted by 12,000 screaming fans.
After returning home, they released their third album, featuring the song “Surrender.” It was the band’s first Hot 100 chart success and remains one of rock’n’roll’s greatest statements of rebellious exuberance. It was originally intended as their first live album for Japanese fans. Cheap trick in the Budokan An estimated 30,000 import copies were sold in the United States before the album was released domestically in February 1979.
In 2016, Cheap Trick were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in their first nomination. Over the course of their outstanding career, Cheap Trick have played more than 5,000 shows and are tireless in lighting up arenas around the world. With their 21st studio album and a typically epic tour to celebrate their 50th anniversary.th With their anniversary just around the corner, Cheap Trick remain not just legends but a vital and living fact of life.
“They are classic power pop rockers with a punk spirit known for one of the greatest live shows on tour! We are honored to welcome these legendary members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to our mountain stage for the first time,” said VPAC Artistic Director Owen Hutchinson.
Cheap Trick (Sept. 6) joins the venue’s summer season, which includes George Thorogood and the Destroyers (Sept. 28), Rodrigo Y Gabriela (Sept. 10), Eli Young Band (Sept. 21) and others. For more information on VPAC’s schedule and to purchase tickets, visit vilarpac.org or call 970-845-8497.
