At Budokan (Live) Cheap Trick

• 1 Hello There 02:27
• 2 Come on, Come On 03:18
• 3 Lookout 03:01
• 4 Big Eyes 03:56
• 5 Need Your Love 08:46
• 6 Ain't That a Shame 05:17
• 7 I Want You to Want Me 03:44
• 8 Surrender 04:24
• 9 Goodnight 03:09
• 10 Clock Strikes Ten 04:01
• Total Runtime 42:03

Info for At Budokan (Live)

Strangely enough, Cheap Trick's big breakthrough, 1979's „At Budokan“, was almost never released stateside. The band had become superstars in Japan on the strength of their first three studio albums, and when they toured the country in '78, several of their shows were taped for a Japan-only live release. When the resulting album began racking up impressive sales in the U.S. as an expensive import, Epic wisely released it domestically, where it peaked at #4 on the Billboard charts and spawned the top ten hit single "I Want You To Want Me."

One of the reasons for the album's success is that it resembles the raw, direct approach of their self-titled debut, rather than their other two more produced releases. Add the energy of a concert setting, and you have one of the greatest live rock albums ever. If you were to own only a single Cheap Trick release, „At Budokan“ would be the one.

„While their records were entertaining and full of skillful pop, it wasn't until At Budokan that Cheap Trick's vision truly gelled. Many of these songs, like "I Want You to Want Me" and "Big Eyes," were pleasant in their original form, but seemed more like sketches compared to the roaring versions on this album. With their ear-shatteringly loud guitars and sweet melodies, Cheap Trick unwittingly paved the way for much of the hard rock of the next decade, as well as a surprising amount of alternative rock of the 1990s, and it was At Budokan that captured the band in all of its power.“ (Stephen Thomas Erlewine, AMG)

"...Now, in correct sequence, with digitally remastered (and apparently amplified) audience shrieks, one of rock's crucial live documents just got a little livelier." (Entertainment Weekly)

Robin Zander, lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Rick Nielsen, lead guitar, backing vocals
Tom Petersson, bass, backing vocals
Bun E. Carlos, drums, percussion

Recorded April 28 & 30, 1978 at Nippon Budokan, Tokyo
Engineered by Tomoo Suzuki
Produce by Cheap Trick

Digitally remastered

CHEAP TRICK
may be one of the most covered bands of all time. Since the 70s they’ve been blending elements of pop, punk and even metal in a way that is instantly catchy and recognizable. With timeless classics such as “I Want You to Want Me,” “Surrender,” and “The Flame,” CHEAP TRICK are a musical institution. Anyone familiar with Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report will note that CHEAP TRICK wrote and performed the theme song.

With more than 5,000 performances, 20 million records sold, 29 movie soundtracks and 40 gold and platinum recording awards, the band was honored in October 2007 by the Chicago Chapter of NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences) for their contributions to the music industry. CHEAP TRICK were featured in the John Varvatos Spring 2008 ad campaign.

The band has most recently performed their Dream Police album in its entirety along with an orchestra in select cities across the US. This innovative show also includes many other songs from the band’s extensive catalog, garnering them critical acclaim after performances in venues such as the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.

Their most current release, The Latest, (released on CD, vinyl and 8-track) has garnered glowing reviews worldwide and continues Cheap Trick’s reign as power-pop progenitors as they continue their legacy of over 35 years in the music industry.

This album contains no booklet.