Cheap Tracks: A History Of Cheap Trick, Song By Song

08/04/2026

Fine artwork!

08/04/2026

Song suggestion for the band…

Re-record “Hello There” for use by ALL airlines during boarding.

22/03/2026

An album show we should have gotten…

01/03/2026

My first “paid” CT show. Went solo. I was 17.

- Chris

Today in Cheap Trick history: 28 Feb – (1998) – The band performed “An Evening with Cheap Trick” at the Star Plaza Theater in Merrillville, Indiana. They played a mixed electric/acoustic show, which included five songs from the self-titled 1997 album.

28/02/2026

When the REAL second act began…

Podcast Episode · Cheap Tracks · February 28 · 58m

28/02/2026

Happy Anniversary!!!!

2/25/1997

Design: Jeff Kleinsmith

18/02/2026

Along with his songwriting partner Tom Kelly…

Billy Steinberg wrong some pretty huge hits throughout the 1980s ranging from Madonna’s “Like A Virgin” to “I Touch Myself” by Divinyls.

But in this anniversary year of THE DOCTOR we remember him (and Tom) for contributing “Kiss Me Red”.

We connected with Billy in 2022 and opened the door to be a guest on a future episode. Alas, scheduling that episode never came to fruition.

Cheers to Billy on a great life and body of work.

And you know what?

“Kiss Me Red” is a solid tune. And we’ll be talking about it this year!

13/02/2026

It was 48 years ago when Cheap Trick spent Valentine’s weekend at Sound City Studios working on HEAVEN TONIGHT.

Sandy Skeeter, owner of Sound City, shared these studio logs with us back when we were just getting the podcast started.

She remembers Robin singing “Surrender” on acoustic guitar to her sister, who was working the reception desk, and Rick bringing in Valentine’s Day candy.

That “REO” band that came in following the session sounds familiar.

What Trick song is Cupid listening to tomorrow?

31/01/2026

Not only was Jon Brant a great bassist during his time with the band…

He also managed to throw a Hail Mary pass for a touchdown against Miami in 1984 before finishing off the year with some shows in Oklahoma and Texas with the band.

30/01/2026

It's the year of THE DOCTOR, and we kick off 2026 with a true gem of a tune.

Podcast Episode · Cheap Tracks · 30/01/2026 · 1h 8m

18/01/2026

45 years ago…

What were you doing on a Saturday night?

The band’s only appearance on Saturday Night Live as a musical guest. Host for the night was Karen Black (Park Ridge, IL native). And jazz group the Stanley Clarke Trio was the additional musical guest.

https://youtu.be/jByQuXe3bzM?si=1JGG8or7UprYf8N1z

Baby Loves To Rock - Cheap Trick - Live NYC 1981 - www.cheaptrick.com

03/01/2026

We can tell you everything about this album.