Catching up on 2025: Turnpike Troubadours, Cheap Trick, Edward Rogers, The Black Keys, The Iveys

Before the arrival of 2026, I wanted to highlight a handful of the year's best albums I hadn't yet celebrated in previous columns. The latest full-length discs from Cheap Trick, Turnpike Troubadours, The Black Keys and Edward Rogers as well as a new anthology featuring The Iveys are among my favorite audio releases of the year.

Artist: Turnpike Troubadours
Title: The Price of Admission (Bossier City Records/Thirty Tigers)

You might like if you enjoy: Shooter Jennings, Trampled by Turtles

Tell me more: I was recently able to catch up with the Turnpike Troubadours' sixth album, The Price of Admission, released in April 2025. An 11-track masterwork where the timeless sounds of neotraditional country, honky-tonk and Americana are fused with songs of incredible lyrical depth, the Shooter Jennings-produced album immerses the listener upon a single listen. Singer-songwriter/guitarist Evan Felker's top-tier voice delivers the wide range of material with real world emotion while the rest of the ensemble delivers nuanced and virtuoso musical accompaniment at every turn. Highlights on the stellar album include the deeply affecting opener "On The Red River" (a powerful song that looks at loss and love for a late father), the countrified "Searching For A Light" that looks at remaining hopeful despite life's bona fide challenges, the uptempo bluegrass-fueled "The Devil Plies His Trade," the exuberant "Ruby Ann" celebrating the magic of new love, and the rousing roots rocker "What Was Advertised." Information: turnpiketroubadours.com.

Artist: Cheap Trick
Title: All Washed Up (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: Cheap Trick, Matthew Sweet, Green Day

Tell me more: Cheap Trick returned in a big way in 2025 through a number of high profile appearances (including at the Kennedy Center Honors on Dec. 7 where the quartet performed in honor of their "lifelong brothers" KISS), as well as via the release of the beloved American rock band's 21st studio album All Washed Up. On the 11-track All Washed Up, singer Robin Zander, guitarist Rick Nielsen, bassist Tom Petersson and drummer Daxx X Nielsen deliver a bunch of killer originals with their signature zeal, blending power pop and alt rock with aplomb. They bust right out of the gate with the driving title track, and follow that up with the winning likes of the fiery "The Riff That Won't Quit," haunting "Bet It All" that looks at the dangers of gambling, the melodic romance-themed "The Best Thing," soaring "Twelve Gates," aptly-titled "Love Gone," bewitching "A Long Way to Worcester" and music hall-styled "Wham Boom Bang," the latter album closer really showcasing Zander's impressive tenor vocals. Information: cheaptrick.com. 

Artist: Edward Rogers
Title: Astor Place (Think Like A Key Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, Bedsit Poets, Rogers and Butler, The Zombies

Tell me more: New York City-based singer-songwriter Edward Rogers is back with Astor Place, his first solo album in five years. Fans of '60s-era classic rock, modern power pop and literate singer-songwriter styles will all find something to love across the Don Fleming-produced 10-track disc. Among the winning parade of originals are the Baroque pop-styled "The Olde Church," melodic "Lies Cries and Alibis," enticing tuneful garage rocker "Romeo," acoustic foray "Diamonds Hidden in the Pearls," poetic "I Walk Behind Your Shadow," and evocative "On the Other Side of the Rainbow." Information: https://www.thinklikeakey.com/format/1758866-astor-place. 

Artist: The Black Keys
Title: No Rain, No Flowers (Warner Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Beck, The Black Keys, Gary Clark Jr.

Tell me more: The Black Keys returned this year with No Rain, No Flowers, an album showcasing the myriad of strengths of the ambitious Akron, Ohio-spawned duo (singer-guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney). The shimmering opener "No Rain, No Flowers," soulful "Make You Mine," melodic indie rocker "A Little Too High," playful romantic romp "Babygirl," melancholy-filled "Down to Nothing," edgy "Man On A Mission," dance floor-ready "Kiss It" and roots ballad "Neon Moon" are among the standouts on the Black Keys' 13th album. Information: theblackkeys.com. 

Artist: The Iveys
Title: Miniskirts And Rainbows (Y&T Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, The Beatles, the Hollies

Tell me more: Miniskirts And Rainbows is an important new collection that features 19 tracks recorded between 1966 and 1969 by The Iveys, a pioneering power pop band that would later rise to fame as Badfinger courtesy of a series of memorable hit singles (including "No Matter What," "Come and Get It" and "Baby Blue"). Although many of the tracks on Miniskirts And Rainbows are demos and not originally intended for commercial release, the historical importance and palpable spirit of the essential recordings shine across the set. Among the wonderful cuts are "Cleopatra In A Miniskirt" (featuring lead vocals from Tom Evans), the buoyant "I Love You" (sung by Pete Ham), countrified delight "Blodwyn [demo]" (featuring outstanding vocal harmonies from Ham and Ron Griffiths), the Baroque ballad "Angelique [demo]," the psychedelic "Black & White Rainbows [version 2]," poignant Ham-penned "Yesterday Ain't Coming Back [demo]," Beach Boys flavored "Love Means Happiness," nostalgic "All The Fun Of The Fair" and Ham's sentimental "I Miss You [demo]."  Information: badfingerlibrary.com. 

Robert Kinsler

New Music: Greta Van Fleet, Cheap Trick, Ken Sharp, Jon Klages, Jarrod Lawson

Fans of modern and classic rock, power pop, jazz, Americana and blues all have reason to celebrate thanks to a particularly strong field of new releases.

Artist: Greta Van Fleet

Title: The Battle at Garden's Gate (Republic)

You might like if you enjoy: Greta Van Fleet, Led Zeppelin, Bad Company

Tell me more: There is a common oft-repeated perception that rock music is dead. Don't tell that to rising young rock quartet Greta Van Fleet, whose epic full-length sophomore album The Battle at Garden's Gate will be released on Friday, April 16. The Frankenmuth, Michigan-spawned outfit follows up their outstanding 2018 full-length debut Anthem of the Peaceful Army with a 12-track Greg Kurstin-produced album that is decidedly ambitious and filled with songs that simultaneously challenge and entice the listener. The evocative seven-minute "Age of Machine," luxurious "Broken Bells" (which spans from ballad to soaring anthem over its daring run) and absorbing "Heat Above" tap into everything that lovers of classic '70s rock love so much; dynamic performances featuring a mighty lead singer (Josh Kiszka's voice is a wonder), killer solos that masterfully propel each song's arc (lead guitarist Jake Kiszka delivers), and a strong rhythm section (bassist Sam Kiszka and drummer Danny Wagner). Every track is crucial; other exceptional originals include the dazzling "Built By Nations," acoustic-flavored "Tears By Rain" and electrifying "The Barbarians." Information: GretaVanFleet.com. 

Artist: Cheap Trick

Title: In Another World (Universal Music Enterprises)

You might like if you enjoy: Cheap Trick, Matthew Sweet, The Smithereens

Tell me more: Enduring rock outfit Cheap Trick is back with In Another World, the quartet's first new album since 2017's Christmas Christmas holiday celebration. No band has ever fused power pop with hard rock as powerfully as the Rockford, Illinois-spawned Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and that is very much in evidence across their latest LP. Singer Robin Zander's signature vocals are as sharp as ever; just listen to the driving rocker "Boys & Girls & Rock N Roll" (bolstered by Rick Nielsen's fiery guitar work) and even heavier "Light Up The Fire" (which recalls the AC/DC meets Beatles approach of the Smithereens' best material). The parade of tracks is charged from start to finish; the shimmering harmonies-filled opener "The Summer Looks Good On You," tuneful "Quit Waking Me Up," Beatlesque "Passing Through" and inspired take on John Lennon's "Gimme Some Truth" are among my other faves. Originally set to be released in late 2018, In Another World was delayed by the arrival of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Nice to be able to crank this one up now. Information: CheapTrick.com.

Artist: Ken Sharp

Title: Miniatures (Ken Sharp)

You might like if you enjoy: Paul McCartney, Badfinger, Pugwash

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Ken Sharp uses Miniatures to convincingly prove that less can certainly be more. The songs on his new LP are short and sweet to be sure; all clock in at under two minutes. With an impressive 32 tracks on Miniatures, there are tune-filled joys aplenty. The chamber pop confessional "Me and My Big Fat Mouth," McCartneyesque "Susannah Silently Shining" and "Rise," up-tempo folk rocker "Day In Night," jazzy "A Kind of Blue and Smokey Too," nostalgic "Stack O' Records" and shining "My Lullaby" are early nuggets. The wealth of riches continues with the romantic "If I Called You," the confessional "Growing Up So Fast," dreamy "Perfect Sun," biting "Down The Drain," infectious power-pop confection "Somethings Happening" and the poignant "Jeanne I Will Remember." The disc closes with the stellar Baroque-styled title track, enhanced by exquisite toy piano magic. Information: ken-sharp.com.

Artist: Jon Klages

Title: Fabulous Twilight (Danbury Fair Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Raul Midón, Dire Straits, Jon Klages

Tell me more: The leap from rock to a decidedly more diverse soundscape is not an easy one, but but that hasn't deterred indie rock hero Jon Klages (The Individuals, Richard Lloyd Band) whose wonderful Fabulous Twilight is an inviting and polished collection of 11 new originals. Chief among the jazzy gems here are the breezy opener "Best That We Can," lovely "Rosalie," playful "Long-Tailed Cat," and wistful "1133 Ave. of the Americas (For Enoch Light)." Klages also delves into an array of other styles via the cool '60s-flavored instrumental "Too Cool for Spy School," the sparse blues of "Red-Dirt Country," funk-tinged "Kazoos Are People Too" and country tale of musical discovery titled "God Bless the Columbia House Record Club." Klages' smooth vocals and skilled fret work take center stage (just listen to the blazing "Remains"), with keyboardist Neil Larsen, bassist Davey Faragher, drummer Pete Thomas, backing vocalist Arnold McCuller and the Honey Whiskey Trio fortifying the album's impact. A portion of the proceeds of the album will benefit the Wild Honey Foundation's ongoing quest to aid for advancement in autism research. Information: JonKlages.com.

Artist: Jarrod Lawson

Title: Be the Change (Dome Records Ltd)

You might like if you enjoy: Gavin DeGraw, Donny Hathaway

Tell me more: With a rich soulful voice set amidst a rich palette of jazz, R&B, gospel, funk and other styles, Jarrod Lawson's "Be the Change" is a nice invitation to an immersive blend of musical riches. A top-flight singer and keyboardist, Lawson showcases his vocal talents on the grooving funk track "Battlefield," lush ballad "Love Isn't Always Enough," scintillating "Universal Chord," tender ballad "Evalee," smooth jazz swoop "Connected," soulful celebration of song "Soul Symphony" and bewitching "How Long." He is joined by guest vocalist Moonchild on the captivating duet "I'll Be Your Radio." Information: JarrodLawsonMusic.com. 

Robert Kinsler

Cheap Trick guests on 'The Big Interview' on October 9

Always nice to see Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Cheap Trick getting some attention. One of America's all-time great and enduring rock bands...

Cheap Trick discuss how they unexpectedly became famous in Japan in this first-look clip at a new episode of 'The Big Interview,' airing Wednesday, October 9 at 8 p.m. Easter/5 p.m. Pacific 

Watch it here - Here

Cheap Trick original members Robin Zander, Rick Nielsen and Tom Petersson sit down with Dan Rather for an all-new episode of The Big Interview—airing Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 8pE/5pP. During the conversation, the 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees talk about their early success, signature hits and why after 45 years together, they’re still touring and making new music.

In this exclusive first look, Zander, Nielsen and Petersson discuss their surprising early popularity in Japan, before breaking out in the United States.

“We started getting fan mail from Japan,” said Nielsen, “because of the Japanese press talking about us at a Queen show…. Normally they wouldn’t mention the opening act.”

“In Japan, they have these comic books,” Zander continued, “and they’re thick ones and Queen and KISS were always in there. And all of a sudden, we were in there as like their young brothers. So that helped promote us in Japan before ‘[Cheap Trick at] Budokan’ even came out.”

“They kind of like that quirky cartoon character thing going on,” said Petersson, “which Queen has, which KISS certainly has. We were like cartoon characters. None of the other audiences, our record company in the states and stuff, they thought ‘boy this is too weird.’ But the Japanese, they got a kick out of it. That’s how they learned English. They listened to records over and over and learned how to pronounce English words. It’s kind of demented nursery rhymes.”

“Not everyone in rock during that time was in these comic books,” said Zander, “It had a lot to do with the caricatures of ourselves, but the music had to be there too.”

The Big Interview airs every Wednesday at 8pE/5pP, only on AXS TV, as host Dan Rather joins a roster of iconic entertainers for candid conversations, providing a unique glimpse into their personal lives, defining moments and incredible careers.

Don’t miss legendary chart toppers Chicago as Rather sits down with two of the band’s founding members, Robert Lamm and Lee Loughnane, next Wednesday, Oct. 16, for a conversation about the longevity of their career and unforgettable music.

About AXS TV

Launched in 2012 by visionary entrepreneur Mark Cuban in conjunction with AEG, AXS TV has established itself as the premier destination for music and entertainment programming, and is the newest addition to the Anthem Sports & Entertainment portfolio. The network delivers an eclectic programming roster that includes original series, live concerts, music documentaries, live wrestling and mixed martial arts. AXS TV is currently available nationally in the United States and parts of Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. For a list of providers, visit www.axs.tv/subscribe.  For more information, visit www.axs.tv.

Sights and Sounds: Tom Petersson, Radiohead, Chris Stapleton, Lynyrd Skynyrd & Peter Frampton

Although much of the action happening this week is centered in Austin for the annual SXSW shindig, there is plenty of other music-related news to share...

Orange Amps Ambassador Tom Petersson (Cheap Trick) to be inducted into Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame

Photo credit: Robert Knight

Orange Amplification would like to congratulate Ambassador Tom Petersson on being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with the other members of the rock band Cheap Trick. The ceremony will take place on Friday 8th April 2016 at Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York.

Tom Petersson is the founding bassist of the rock group Cheap Trick and the co-creator of the twelve string bass. He had the idea for the twelve string bass in 1973 and when friends started their own guitar company, he managed to persuade them to make him one. Cheap Trick release their first new album in 7 years, ‘Bang Zoom Crazy’, on the April 1, 2016, with Tom’s riffs and tones underpinning their signature sound.

In an interview on the Orange Amps blog, Petersson says he first became aware of Orange after a trip to London with guitarist Rick Nielsen in 1968. At the original Orange retail shop they met founder Cliff Cooper who had just started making his own amplifiers. Tom currently uses an Orange AD50 Custom Shop guitar head running into a PPC4x12 cabinet and an AD200 MK3 head running into an OBC8x10 bass cabinet. Talking about the amps he said ‘I love Orange gear … I play it loud!’

For the full interview with Tom Petersson visit the Orange Amps blog at  http://orangeampsblog.com/?p=976

Radiohead announced highly-anticipated concerts in New York and Los Angeles this summer

Radiohead has announced the band will play a series of shows in addition to the festival dates already announced. There are not many headlining shows, but the groundbreaking quintet is scheduled to perform at Madison Square Garden in New York City on July 26 and 27, and the band will also perform at the Shrine Auditorium on Aug. 4 and 8, 2016. There are also a couple of dates in Mexico City in early October.

Visit the Music Minded site here for more information.

Chris Stapleton adds Spring Tour dates

Photo credit: Becky Fluke

Chris Stapleton will continue his extensive U.S. tour this spring, including newly added dates in New Orleans, Charlotte, and Philadelphia, among many others. Tickets for the new shows are on-sale this Friday, March 18. See below for complete tour details.  

The tour celebrates a breakthrough year for Stapleton following the release of his certified RIAA Platinum debut solo album, Traveller.

Released last May on Mercury Records Nashville, Traveller initially debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Albums chart with more than 27,000 albums sold, making it one of the best-selling first weeks by a debut country artist in 2015. The album also received extensive critical acclaim and has landed him bookings on multiple national TV shows including his recent appearance as musical guest on Saturday Night Live.

Earlier this month, Stapleton took home two awards at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Country Album and Best Country Solo Performance (“Traveller”) and is nominated for seven ACM Awards including Album of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year—the most of any artist this year. Visit Stapleton's Web site here for more information.

CHRIS STAPLETON CONFIRMED TOUR DATES

March 15—Munich, Germany—Technikum (SOLD OUT)

March 16—Berlin, Germany—Columbia Theater (SOLD OUT)

March 18—Hamburg, Germany—Mojo Club (SOLD OUT)

April 2—Las Vegas, NV—ACM Party For A Cause Festival

April 14—Mesa, AZ—Mesa Amphitheatre*

April 15—Las Vegas, NV—The Joint* (SOLD OUT)

April 17—Indio, CA—Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

April 22—Bakersfield, CA—Rabobank Theatre* (SOLD OUT)

April 23—Berkeley, CA—The Greek Theatre* (SOLD OUT)

April 24—Indio, CA—Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

April 26—Santa Barbara, CA—Santa Barbara Bowl* (SOLD OUT)

April 27—Los Angeles, CA ­ The Greek Theatre* (SOLD OUT)

April 30—Indio, CA—Stagecoach Festival

May 1—San Diego, CA—Humphrey’s* (SOLD OUT)

May 4—Albuquerque, NM—Sandia Casino* (SOLD OUT)

May 5 & 6—Denver, CO—Fillmore Auditorium* (SOLD OUT)

May 12—New Orleans, LA—Bold Sphere Music at Champions† 

May 13—Southaven, MS—Bank Plus Amphitheater† 

May 14—Orange Beach, AL—The Amphitheater at the Wharf† 

May 19—Charlotte, NC—Uptown Amphitheater‡ 

May 20—Cary, NC—Booth Amphitheater‡ 

May 21—Daniel Island, SC—Volvo Cars Stadium‡ 

May 27—Simpsonville, SC—Charter Amphitheater† 

May 28—Daytona, FL—Country 500

May 29—Atlanta, GA—Turner Field as part of the Atlanta Braves Summer Concert Series

June 9-12—Manchester, TN—Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival

June 17—Philadelphia, PA—Penn’s Landing Festival Pier# 

June 18—Columbia, MD—Merriweather Post Pavilion#

July 15 & 16—Boston, MA—Gillette Stadium**

August 5—Tampa, FL—MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre††

August 6—West Palm Beach, FL—Perfect Vodka Amphitheatre††

August 12—Houston, TX—Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion (SOLD OUT) ††

August 13—Austin, TX—Austin360 Amphitheater (SOLD OUT) ††

August 19—Cuyahoga Falls, OH—Blossom Music Center††

August 20—Clarkston, MI—DTE Energy Music Theatre (SOLD OUT) ††

August 26—Noblesville, IN—Klipsch Music Center††

August 27—Cincinnati, OH—Riverbend Music Center††

September 2—Allentown, PA—Great Allentown Fair

September 3—Thornville, OH—92.3 WCOL Country Jam

October 22—Arlington, TX—AT&T Stadium**

*with special guest Anderson East

†with special guest Aubrie Sellers

‡with special guest Sam Lewis

#co-headlining with Jason Isbell

**appearing with Luke Bryan

††co-headlining with Hank Williams

Lynyrd Skynyrd and Peter Frampton announce Spring Tour “… the epitome of Southern rock and arguably the quintessential American rock band.”—AXS says of Lynyrd Skynyrd “Frampton plays and sings as well as ever and, to his credit, his continually looking forward…only solidifies his status as one of rock ‘n’ roll’s lifelong major players.”—Rolling Stone

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members Lynyrd Skynyrd and Grammy® Award-winning guitarist Peter Frampton have been touring together since the 70’s and are about to head out on another run of dates this spring. The tour kicks off in Albany, NY on June 3, taking the classic rock legends across the country through Philadelphia, Detroit and Los Angeles. VIP experience and merchandise packages will be available for both Lynyrd Skynyrd and Peter Frampton at the box office. Options include meet & greet and exclusive merchandise available only to VIP purchasers along with a premium reserved ticket.

With a catalog of over 60 albums and sales beyond 30 million worldwide, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd remains a cultural icon that appeals to multiple generations. Lynyrd Skynyrd continues to build on the legacy that began over 40 years ago in Jacksonville, Florida. Their last album, Last of a Dyin’ Breed, debuted at #14 on the Billboard Top 200, making it their highest charting album since 1977. Led by core members Gary Rossington (guitar), Johnny Van Zant (vocals) and Rickey Medlocke (guitar), along with longtime drummer Michael Cartellone, the band also includes Mark "Sparky" Matejka (guitar), Johnny Colt (bass), Peter Keys (keyboards), Dale Krantz Rossington (Honkettes backing vocals) and Carol Chase (Honkettes backing vocals).

Peter Frampton remains one of the most celebrated artists and guitarists in rock history. At 16, he was lead singer and guitarist for British band the Herd. At 18, he co-founded one of the first super groups, seminal rock act Humble Pie. His session work includes collaborations with such legendary artists as George Harrison, Harry Nilsson, David Bowie, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ringo Starr, John Entwistle and many others. Frampton was recently inducted in the Musicians Hall of Fame, played an integral part in the 50th anniversary celebration of the Beatles’ arrival in the U.S. by performing on CBS’ “The Night That Changed America: A GRAMMY Salute to The Beatles.” His fifth solo album, the electrifying Frampton Comes Alive! is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and remains one of the top-selling live records of all time. In addition, he continues to tour non-stop including Frampton’s Guitar Circus and Peter Frampton Raw, An Acoustic Tour. Frampton’s latest album Acoustic Classics is available now, featuring stripped-down versions of his classic hits including “Baby, I Love Your Way,” “Lines On My Face,” “Do You Feel Like I Do,” “Show Me The Way” and more.

LIVE DATES

June 3—Albany, NY—Times Union Center

June 4—Holmdel, NJ—PNC Bank Arts Center

June 5—Wantagh, NY—Nikon at Jones Beach Theater

June 8—Lancaster, PA—Clipper Magazine Stadium

June 10—Philadelphia, PA—Mann Center for the Performing Arts

June 11—Gilford, NH—Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion

June 28—Clarkston, MI—DTE Energy Music Theatre

August 4—The Woodlands, TX—Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

August 9—Englewood, CO—Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre

August 18—Los Angeles, CA—The Greek Theatre

August 19—Las Vegas, NV—The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan

August 21—Murphys, CA—Ironstone Vineyards Amphitheater

*Additional tour dates to be announced.

Cheap Trick to release new album April 1; first track "No Direction Home" out now

Rick Nielsen, left, with this writer at the 2016 NAMM
Show in Anaheim last week.

Last week I had the honor of meeting Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen at Winter NAMM in Anaheim, CA, and it's great to see that he and the rest of Cheap Trick are coming back with another album in early spring. Fans of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-bound quartet can hear the first song from 'Bang Zoom Crazy...Hello' too. Below is the official media release related to Cheap Trick that landed in my inbox during NAMM, and I wanted to play "catch up" and post it here today. Robert Kinsler

Cheap Trick to release lead track "No Direction Home"

Bang Zoom Crazy...Hello

Set for Worldwide Release on April 1, 2016

2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame "Rock Hall Three For All" U.S. Tour

Kicks Off July 14 with Heart & Joan Jett 

Legendary power-pop collective Cheap Trick set a new course with "No Direction Home," from their upcoming album Bang Zoom Crazy...Hello, due out April 1, their first on Big Machine Records. Pulsating riffs intertwine with the anthemic chorus in this first taste of new music in over five years from the iconic four-piece from Rockford, IL. Fans can pre-order the album beginning March 4 and listen to the first track here.

Bang Zoom Crazy...Hello follows the recent announcement about the band's forthcoming induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. The long-awaited news celebrates the pioneering sound that has lead to sales in excess of 20 MILLION and more than 40 international GOLD and PLATINUM certifications for their multi-award winning back catalogue. Cheap Trick's music has also been featured on more than 20 major feature film soundtracks.

Now into their fourth decade of recording, Bang Zoom Crazy...Hello marks Cheap Trick's 17^th studio album and was produced by GRAMMY award-winning producer Julian Raymond. Firmly cemented as one of the most important bands in music history, the quartet will continue their reign as the top progenitors of power-pop through 2016 and beyond with the release of Bang Zoom Crazy...Hello.

Cheap Trick are an indisputable American institution, beloved around the globe since 1974 for their instantly identifiable, hugely influential, brand of pop rock 'n' roll. The band - Robin Zander (vocals, rhythm guitar), Rick Nielsen (lead guitar), Tom Petersson (bass guitar), and Daxx Nielsen (drums) - are truly one-of-a-kind pioneers with an unparalleled streak of certifiably classic tunes such as "Surrender," "I Want You To Want Me" and "Dream Police."

Famous for having played over 5,000 shows in their career, Cheap Trick will hit the road again this summer in support of Bang Zoom Crazy...Hello and to celebrate their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. The band will kick off the "Rock Hall Three For All" tour of the US alongside Heart and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, beginning July 14 at the DTE Energy Music Theatre, Michigan. The 30-date tour will culminate at Florida's Perfect Vodka Amphitheatre on September 23. Full Cheap Trick tour dates can be found at cheaptrick.com/tour-dates.

Cheap Trick celebrates enduring legacy at GRAMMY Museum

From left, Daxx Nielsen, Tom Petersson, Robin Zander and Rick Nielsen.

One of rock's most enduring bands took their continuing journey to the GRAMMY Museum at L.A. Live on Thursday night, Sept. 12, 2013. Cheap Trick appeared in the intimate Clive Davis Theater, sharing stories and insights into the band's 40-year history via an in-depth question and answer session with the GRAMMY Foundation's Scott Goldman before cranking up their equipment to perform a stirring six-song set comprised of early and recent rockers that had the sold-out crowd of 200 on its feet in appreciation of the chance to be a part of something very special.

Singer-rhythm guitarist Robin Zander, lead guitarist Rick Nielsen, bassist Tom Petersson and drummer Bun E. Carlos formed the band in Rockford, Illinois in 1973. Daxx Nielsen, the son of Rick Nielsen, has served as the band's full-time touring drummer since 2010. As part of the quartet's 40th anniversary celebration the GRAMMY Museum opened a special exhibit focusing on Cheap Trick the same day that will remain on display for musuem visitors through June 2014. The exhibit includes the display of many of Nielsen's most prized guitars including the 1952 Feder Telecaster used when he performed at Budokan in 1978. In addition, visitors to the museum can see original lyrics of several of the band's big hits and Cheap Trick costumes, posters and rare albums.



Cheap Trick performed a six-song set at the event.

The program led off with Goldman asking Rick Nielsen if he recalled the first time the band played together.

"I played with Tom in high school," said Nielsen, whose witty responses drew laughter often. "We rehearsed in my parents' garage so we've always been a garage band."

Zander noted that they had another critical tactic in the early days. "We always changed the name of our band so we would get hired back," he mused. "It worked."

That is where Petersson picked up the story on how the name Cheap Trick was ultimately the moniker that stuck. The bassist noted that while he and Rick were attending a Slade concert one of them remarked of the British glam band: "They're using every cheap trick in the book." The other responded that Cheap Trick would be a great name for a band.

Zander than noted that a few years later when several major record labels were courting the young band, all wanted them to change their name. Fortunately fate had another plan; when Cheap Trick released its official debut album on Epic Records in early 1977 both the band and the name of the album remained.

Over the course of a wide-ranging 45-minute discussion, even long-time fans were treated to some fascinating tidbits of history about the power pop champs.

• The group's first big break in the states came in 1977 when Queen singer Freddie Mercury heard Cheap Trick's not-yet-released debut album and invited the unknown band to open for Queen at two shows in Wisconsin.
• The group wasn't sure if there was much of a future in the early days. "We thought after the first year we'd quit," Zander said.
• "Our first record was out and not successful," Petersson recalled. "Rick and I were in Canada walking past a strip cub and heard one of our songs playing. We went in there (because we were) so shocked somebody was playing our song."
• Because Cheap Trick's first three albums failed to initially make a commercial dent in the U.S. the band was shocked when they went on their first trip to Japan in April 1978 and were greeted by 5,000 screaming kids at the airport in Tokyo. Highlights from the two successful concerts staged at Nippon Budokan were released as the live album "Cheap Trick at Budokan" and ultimately led to their global success. Zander picked up the story here: "Another thing about Budokan we had a set amount of time to play. The Japanese are very efficient. They studied our set list and said we were short and needed another song. We'll put on "I Want You To Want Me.' The live version of that song was the group's biggest-selling single to date and directly led to their subsequent widespread success.
• When asked about the thrill of working with Beatles producer George Martin, Rick Nielsen said Sir Martin was "The most knowledgeable musician I've ever worked with."

Cheap Trick thrilled the intimate crowd at the GRAMMY Museum.



Indeed Cheap Trick has sold more than 20 million albums, performed approximately 5,000 concerts and earned 40 gold and platinum albums since the mid 1970s. But anyone who has seen Cheap Trick understands it is the deep connection the band has with its fans that will likely be Cheap Trick's most enduring legacy: "It means everything," Zander said of the fans' support, which elicited cheers in the theater.

"We make music for ourselves first, but at the same time if nobody's listening it's depressing," Rick Nielsen added.

Daxx Nielsen, who has performed full-time with his dad's band since 2010 was also asked to add his thoughts on Cheap Trick. "Playing with these guys every night is awesome."

GRAMMY Museum were wise to hand out ear plugs as attendees arrived at the museum earlier that evening. They came in handy when the interview ended and Cheap Trick performed a powerful 25-minute set for the enthusiastic crowd. Kicking things off with the electrifying punk-styled "ELO Kiddies" off their first album, the outfit went on to tear through their rollicking version of Fats Domino's "Ain't That a Shame" featuring Nielsen's smoking slide guitar work. "Dream Police" benefited from the mix of its melodic chorus, sweet harmonies and a chilling psychedelic break at the end of the song.

Always a band to mix things up, Cheap Trick then played "Sick Man of Europe," a post-punk rocker off their 2009 disc "The Latest" before returning to classics with "I Want You To Want Me" and a festive "Surrender" where just about everyone was singing along or pumping their fists into the air. Like all of the GRAMMY Museum's special programs, the event was recorded on high def video and will be available to view by visitors to the museum, located at 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite A245, Los Angeles, CA 90015.

About the only good question not addressed at the GRAMMY Museum is why Cheap Trick isn't in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.