When it comes to Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductees, few artists seem to be as beloved by fellow inductees as Cheap Trick. A true rock band’s...
When it comes to Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductees, few artists seem to be as beloved by fellow inductees as Cheap Trick. A true rock band’s rock band, the music of Cheap Trick has been covered by dozens of notable artists, including Pearl Jam, Marilyn Manson, Kid Rock, Green Day and the Foo Fighters. Almost 45 years since the group formed in Illinois, Cheap Trick remains one of rock’s hardest working touring acts, having played over 5,000 gigs.
In support of its new Julian Raymond-produced album We’re All Alright, the Rockford quartet is currently on the road with Foreigner and Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience. We’re All Alright tracks like “Long Time Coming” and “Radio Lover” are keeping long-time Cheap Trick fans happy.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Cheap Trick’s main songwriter Rick Nielsen by phone about his guitars, picks, and solos.
I've read that you consider yourself a rhythm guitar player as opposed to a lead player. Why is that? Your solos are very popular…
Very popular with who?
Well, with the critics and the fans, at least.
I think I let the song dictate what I play. So you know saying that is like “wow, but you know the song must not like you.” I let the song dictate what it needs. It usually needs an accompanying part, not an “okay now it's my drum solo, now it's my guitar.” I just try to help the song.
Something that you've always been innovative with is your use of the guitar pick. You were one of the first people to have a customized guitar pick. Where did that idea come from?
Well, as I would use picks, you know they wear out or