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Cheap Trick

Cheap Trick is an American rock band formed in Rockford, Illinois, in 1973.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Cheap Trick is an American rock band formed in Rockford, Illinois, in 1973. The group is known for blending power pop, hard rock, and melodic hooks, and for songs such as “I Want You to Want Me,” “Surrender,” and “The Flame.” It became especially successful in Japan and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.

History

Cheap Trick formed in 1973 and developed from earlier Rockford-area projects involving Rick Nielsen and Tom Petersson. The band released its debut album in 1977 and achieved major popularity with Cheap Trick at Budokan in 1979.

Musical style

The band’s sound blends power pop melodies with hard rock energy and catchy choruses. Sources describe it as bridging 1960s guitar pop, 1970s hard rock, and the emerging punk era.

Commercial success

Cheap Trick first built a strong following in Japan, then reached broader U.S. success with live versions and later singles. Reported career totals include more than 20 million albums sold and over 5,000 performances.

Recognition

The band has been widely cited as influential on later power pop and rock acts. It was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.

Key facts

  • Formed in Rockford, Illinois, in 1973.
  • Built a style combining 1960s guitar pop, 1970s hard rock, and power pop.
  • Gained early success in Japan before wider mainstream success in the United States.
  • Has sold more than 20 million albums and played more than 5,000 live shows.
  • Was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
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Canadian context

Cheap Trick has toured extensively in North America, including Canada, and remains familiar to Canadian classic rock audiences through radio play, concert touring, and long-standing popularity in the broader North American rock market.

Frequently asked questions

When was Cheap Trick formed?
Cheap Trick was formed in 1973 in Rockford, Illinois.
What kind of music does Cheap Trick play?
Cheap Trick is generally described as a rock band with power pop and hard rock influences.
What is Cheap Trick’s best-known album?
Cheap Trick at Budokan is the band’s best-known breakthrough album.
What are Cheap Trick’s best-known songs?
Their best-known songs include “I Want You to Want Me,” “Surrender,” and “The Flame.”
Has Cheap Trick been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Yes. Cheap Trick was inducted in 2016.
How successful has the band been commercially?
Sources report that Cheap Trick has sold more than 20 million albums and performed live more than 5,000 times.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheap_Trick
    Supports: Formation date, origin, genre, major albums, sales, live performances, Hall of Fame induction, and key career milestones.
  2. Last.fm — https://www.last.fm/music/Cheap+Trick/+wiki
    Supports: Basic band identification, origin, genre, and Hall of Fame induction.
  3. uDiscover Music — https://www.udiscovermusic.com/artist/cheap-trick/
    Supports: Career longevity, live performance total, influence, and 2021 album release.
  4. Chicago Reader — https://www.chicagoreader.com/music/from-rockford-to-you-an-oral-history-of-cheap-tricks-early-years/
    Supports: Early history, release timeline, Budokan breakthrough, and 1988 comeback single.
  5. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/cheap-trick
    Supports: Band origins, name change, musical style, and early development.