A new biography, American Standard: Cheap tricks from the bars to the Budokan and beyondis due out September 3, 2024 from Backbeat Books. The book, which is available for pre-order in the US here and in the UK here (where it comes out November 3), includes a foreword by Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready.
The author, Ross Warner, previously wrote 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 biography covers the initial rise of Cheap Trick and places a special emphasis on the often mythological story of At Budokan, forever immortalized by its mention in the cult classic teen I think I’m standing in the forestNirvana, Foo Fighters, Green Day and Pearl Jam (hence McCready’s involvement) cited Cheap Trick as a major influence.
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. That’s how they started, anyway, with a carnival-like stage show with four completely dissimilar characters: guitarist Rick Nielsen, in bow tie, sweater and baseball cap, stood next to blond dream guy Robin Zander, while the mysterious, chestnut-haired bassist Tom Peterson held the bass with drummer Bun E. Carlos, who was never seen without a cigarette or tie.”
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“American Standard: Cheap tricks from the bars to the Budokan and beyond tells the unlikely story of the band’s road to greatness, from their origins in Rockford, Illinois, to their hugely successful live album At Budokan, to the many, 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.” Based on extensive research and interviews, American Standard offers an intimate look at a truly original band.”
Will you watch Cheap Trick’s new biography?
