Cheap Trick Live at Budokan was released in 1978; their best-selling album. First night: The lead singer (Robin Zander) announced the opening song (I want you to want me) to a very polite Japanese audience, the crowd then sat quietly in their seats for the entirety of the song. The next night, the famous Japanese promoter who brought the band (also the Beatles and Bob Dylan) to Japan, told a still very confused Robin Zander that when he announced the song, he was talking too fast and the reason the fans sat quietly during the performance was that “I want you to want me” was interrupted in Japanese as something like, “I want you to pay attention to me”. So they did. So that’s why in the intro, Robin Zander says it clearly and slowly: “I want YOU…to want ME!!!” (followed by the screaming of 12,000 Japanese kids that nearly drowned out the band)

You guys got it right: I was a teenager when this came out, and it was definitely an awesome song to blast in the car with the windows down! AND "Surrender" should definitely be the next Cheap Trick song for you guys to do!

One of those cases where the live version is infinitely better than the studio. Classic.

"The verses feels like a chorus too." "Hooks everywhere." So true, Andy 🙂 Simple, bare-bone, but amazing lyrics.

The rhythm section is SUPER tight. Bun E Carlos is a criminally underrated drummer, and Tom Peterson? He plays a 12 string bass. I mean... 12.

Yes, I've been waiting for more Cheap Trick especially the live versions of Ain't That a Shame and Surrender. This album had so much air time when it came out.

I’ve seen these guys probably 5 times in the last 10 years and they never stop being great in concert. Love them so much! Seeing them again in July opening for Rod Stewart! Can’t wait!

"Surrender" is an awesome choice. Alex, I think you're gonna love it!

Good job, lads. When you listen to "Surrender", be sure to play the live at Budokan version. It is so much better, so much more energy and sound.

"Cheap Trick ~ Live at Budokan" flows so well start to finish..... great album.

Yesterday's black history stream was EPIC. So is the story behind this album. They weren't getting traction in the states but there was some sales momentum in Japan. Their management booked a tour and the Japanese received them like some microcosm version of The Beatles. Especially the schoolgirls. You can hear them screaming their brains out. They recorded the tour and they tore into their performances on the wave of the unexpected crowd enthusiasm. Who knew they were a jet flight away from everything they fantasized about The record got released in Japan then leaked over to the States and a little momentum later they were Cheap Trick, rock and roll stars.

I was a teen when this came out. It was one of the best pieces of pop rock to come out since the Beatles broke up. Still sounds great all these years later.

Robin Zander is one of the few vocalist , like Glenn Hughes and Paul Rodgers, that still sound great after decades of performance

In the Words of Kid Rock " There is not a band anywhere that doesn't think they are great live. That they can they blow the roof off of any arena. They can make the basement club feel like the Garden...you think you are special and then you go see Cheap Trick"

Guitarist Rick Nielsen is 73 and singer Robin Zander 69 and they STILL rock HARD in concert!! Definitely Surrender next.

I forgot to add, to this day, these 4 guys just bring their instruments out and blow your face off. Even today. No bells, no whistles. Just talent and love for what they do. Also, The House is Rockin’ off Dream Police album is a must.

A&A, Great stream yesterday!! Need a part 2 and 3. This album and Frampton Comes Alive were in everyone's collection!!

Great band. Went into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, then had a show the next night. Gotta love that!!!

"Gonna Raise Hell' is _MY_ personal favorite. Cheap Trick was the first concert I ever went to. Uriah Heep opened for them. They played so loud, my ears rang for 3 days. Everything sounded so distorted b/c of it.

When this album came out we called Cheap Trick "The New Wave Beatles". incredibly popular album which catapulted Cheap Trick to stardom overnight!

Rick Nielson would be a great interview for your show. Been around forever and knows everyone in music

Their song, Ain't That A Shame, has a really great drum solo at the beginning

This song was the 1st exposure to many in the US to Cheap Trick. They were starting to make a name across the mid-west, but before Live at Budokan they were mostly unknown to other parts of the US. The amazing thing to most of us at the time, was how into it the Japanese fans were. We didn't know the band, they knew the band and the lyrics. Being from the mid-west I had seen them in concert and loved the inter-play with those in attendance. The band is truly entertaining to watch.

When I was at home I listened to Yes, Close to the Edge and stuff like that. But when I was at a party I didn't want to hear that. I didn't want "Kashmir." I wanted this! Imagine you're surrounded by your friends, a few beers in you, and this comes on. In the right atmosphere songs like this are so perfect.

Love this song! First date? Not so sure: "I'll shine up my old brown shoes I'll put on a brand new shirt I'll get home early from work If you say that you love me" Maybe, maybe not. To me, it vibed as a young couple still diggin' each other.

Bun E. Carlos can make the simplest kit have such a presence. Love the audience sounds following the chorus. Thanks Fellas. Cheers!

Class hard rocking band, I love their music and this song brings back a lot of memories. Those drums in the front always have me moving, just can't sit still, the energy is so high and the guitar just bites at me then carries me away. Vocals are so definitely their own, great voice. A+ at least for me.

It's 1979. Albums actively played in my room include "Live at Budokan", "Foghat Live", "Double Live Gonzo", "Frampton Comes Alive", "Kiss Alive", and "All the World's a Stage". The live album format was phenomenal and a great way to combat the plague of disco music at the time.

These guys are a PARTY. And even when they're being serious ("Heaven Tonight") they have a gift for a killer hook and are super tight. I grew up stealing my sister's "Dream Police" record so that's my fave (and a great song too), but Budokan is just such a moment in time. Oh, and Surrender is GREAT and a perfect second choice, but I truly do love "Top of the World", maybe even more than Surrender. Check it out!

"Voices" and "If You Want My Love" are my two favorites.

Side note: This album (like KISS ALIVE) was a "Hail Mary" by the band and their record company. Cheap Trick was having trouble getting traction and the record company was going to move on because their albums weren't selling. The one place Cheap Trick was popular was Japan and so they decided to record their live album there. Worked out pretty well for Cheap Trick and the rest is history!

Glad Robin is clean now, such an amazing voice

One of best live groups ever!!! Saw them with HEART and we left aftercthem...they blew the roof off!!!😎🔥😎🔥😎🔥😎🔥

"Surrender" would indeed be a great choice. I just think you guys will need some of the lyrics explained -- like who the WACs were and why they were in the Philippines -- to appreciate them.

I recorded the albums “Heaven Tonight” and “In Color” onto a cassette, one on each side, and I don’t think I took it out of my car’s stereo for 6 months during my college years!

One of the seminal bands of the Power Pop genre. Brilliant. Big yes on Surrender as well. One of my personal faves is “Way of the World” off of the Dream Police album. They perfectly straddled the lines between Beatle-esque pop and Kiss/AC/DC hard rock. Huge band for a lot of people but never hit mega-star status like they should have in a fair world. They still tour to this day and would mop the stage with most bands 1/3 rd of their age haha!

Cheap Trick - one of the best live bands of all time. Saw them 6 or 7 times from the 70s thru the 2000s and they never disappointed! 🤘 Absolutely agree that SURRENDER should be your next CT listen 🎶

Great job really enjoyed, even though I've seen you do the live one I am so glad you hit up the version we heard on the radio all the time.

It's time for Andy & Alex reactions! Woot hoo! 😺

THANK YOU, A+A for getting to this group and getting this song put up. Thanks for going the extra mile and relistening to what is a better version. This band is power pop at its finest and Alex nailed it with his comments about a 16-year-old. The Beatles influence on these guys shines through. The makeup of the band- personification wise- is brilliant in that you get 2 heartthrobs and 2 iconic members. Yes to Surrender next but from this LP- LIVE. In fact, not a bad tune on this work. Strongly urge Need Your Love to get lost in the sauce and Big Eyes for the rocking experience from Budokan. Dream Police and Voices from the Dream Police LP are must listens as well. Thanks again!!

I love Cheap Trick. I saw them a few years ago and Robin Zander's voice still kicks ass! You should do the entire Budokon album!

I love this from start to finish it's so infectious. When the audience joins in it becomes part of the song.

My girlfriend got me this album for my 14th birthday in 1979. One of the best presents I've every received.

Listen to the Japanese audience in the background, absolutely bonkers! The youth were absorbing anything from the outside they could get their hands on, and having an American band play live right before them? They went insane, you can hear it, makes the song that much better IMO.

When this came out, I was about 14. Cheap Trick played a show where I lived, and I wanted to go so badly. My parents wouldn't let me, and I was furious, lol. For whatever reason, I had still never seen them. I finally saw them last August, my first concert since covid started. It was so much fun! I felt like my 14 year old self again. 😆

Budokan was one of THE albums. EVERYONE had it. It was constantly on the radio for years and years.

This song started my 43 years long love affair with Cheap Trick. I've seen them more times than I can count and will continue to do so as long as I can. They've never disappointed me.

So much fuzzy guitar tone! ❤️‍🔥🎸 This never gets old! For an absolute banger check out “Clock Strikes Ten.” Like this one it has to be the “At Budokan” version.

"Surrender" next, Dudes, and make it the live at Budokan version. It's a lyrically hysterical and musically brilliant blast.

Jesus, how many times did I see these guys between 1974 and 1979? From little clubs and bars, to opening for bands such as Queen and Robin Trower, to headliners at arenas, we saw them a billion and one times, and always had a great time. Their hometown of Rockford, IL is less than a two hour drive from my little Wisconsin town, and they played everywhere in that area between. We've partied with all the guys (in their eaely years), and they still remember some of us when we see them on occasion, still. This album and song were their big break. Everyone had the album, the radio played the song non-fuckin'-stop. And they're one of my guitarist's favorite bands, so he drags us to see them as much as he can. LOL! Just a good time party band from the midwest. Power pop at its finest.

1988, 18 years old when I saw them perform at a beach party. Everyone in swimsuits, girls on the guys shoulders just celebrating being young. This song sounded even better that day as you can imagine.

Got to see them while being waited on at a table in front of the stage. It was like seeing them in my living room. Great vocals surrounded by 3 guys having a great time on their instruments.

So glad y'all dug the power pop. Gives me hope we'll get some Big Star eventually.

I love hearing the crowd echoing Zander's rhymes of "crying" and "dying". Don't know if they knew the words they were singing back but I love how into the song that they were.

I'm from that era, graduated high school in 79 and was lucky enough to see Cheap Trick back then too...............They all do their job very well.

Hometown boys Rockford Illinois. I grew up with this band. I was there when Robin and Zeno were vying for lead singer. Great times and memories.

I was at this concert. They were the best band I've seen! So much energy, wow!

Cheap trick. Such an amazing fuckin band with soooo many songs to dive into. Plllzzzz keep going with these guys

When recording the live album they didn't want to play this song. They thought it was way too "poppy" I believe it was their manager that talked them into it. It then became their biggest hit!

Cheap Trick came along when I was 12 years old and fuled my style and love for music. My dad listened to anything from Pink Floyd, doobie bros., CCR, eagles to Motown and funk, disco. Mom was a Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, carpenters. Anne Murray, Helen Reddy etc. Cheap Trick to me was kind of a mixture of New wave, punk and rock. Their music was special to me. My favorite song of theirs was and still is “ The Flame “ Robin Zander’s acoustic guitar work and Voice is phenomenal in that song.

I love it when the audience does the echo on the words "dyin and "crying". The delay was not used or not employed for some reason as on the studio version, but the Japanese audience would have none of that. They turned it into a crowd participation tune. Absolutely brilliant...

the budokan album is live cheap trick at their best. it was so popular when it was released in the states that it delayed the release of the dream police studio album.

A GREAT show yesterday. The first time for many to hear & see Cheap Trick was their appearance on, 'The Midnight Special' hosted that Friday by Ted Nugent 1978. It's a BANGER performance. A must hear tune is, "REACH OUT" from the 'HEAVY METAL' movie soundtrack - 1979.

Bought this album in 1979 while on a trip to California with my family. I was about 12 or so. Bonus: I also picked up Cars: Candy-O on the same trip.

A friend had the Cheap Trick albums in college. I did like a lot of their songs. Dream Police, Surrender, & Gonna Raise Hell are hits, plus some deep cuts Downed, Clock Strikes Ten, and Southern Girls are cool songs too.

It's great that they don't stop the song to interject their immediate impressions like so many other reactors do but listen to the whole thing, allowing themselves to have the full experience and THEN comment.

Saw them twice in the 80s. Amazing and super fun live show. Sometimes in rock you just want to party. 🤩

this is one of my fave songs and the live version is the only way to experience it. saw them in the 90s as an opener for Stone Temple Pilots. very fun.

Another kick ass song! I was 9 yrs old, my older brought this album home, his first vinyl purchase. This album played on repeat

I never got to see Cheap Trick in Concert but my youngest son saw them along with Heart in the same concert in Indianapolis...I was so jealous....sucks I never got to see them...im 61 and would still go to one of their concerts.

one of those songs that got played and played on the radio. its so short and fun it didnt get old.

First concert for me - 1977 Cheap Trick opened for Kiss at the Fabulous Forum (shows credited on Kiss Alive II)

First concert I took two of my nephews to when they were in 3rd and 4th grade was Cheap Trick on the Dream Police tour, The Romantics were the opening act.

First off, THIS is the correct version. Second, EVERY time we EVER played this on radio, we always started with the intro: "I want YOU...to want ME..." That's what folks "grew up with" when this came out.

Bun E. Carlos! One of the coolest drummers ever

Excellent analysis and comparison. You guys are A+. Showin everyone how reactions are done.

I think you two are just adorable & remind me of my son & his friends that I’ve known since they were in second grade together . They all come over to dinner when my son visits from out of town & we usually crank up the tunes & listen to old school music. I grew up in the late 80’s and along with my favorite 90’s music( Nurvania, Green Day, Pearl Jam) I loved older stuff because of my aunt ( Yes, Pink Floyd, Nazareth, Black Sabbath) anyway, it’s fun to see younger people explore older music. They don’t make it the same way . Cheers to you both❤.

i got this live in Austin from last fall. They are ROCK STARS. every bit as good today as in 1980

They are a staple at Summerfest for the last 30 years in Milwaukee and yes they sound that great live. Got to love the crazy double-neck guitar collection that Rick Nielsen brings out for almost every song.

Glad you hit the correct live version!

Saw them live 8 times! Always good! Always!

Back in the 80s when I was in college at (then) Memphis State, Cheap Trick played outdoors in the Quad... free show! It was great!

I’m so happy you guys really got this one. I’ve seen Cheap Trick a couple of times back in the day at festivals where they came on and just changed the whole energy of the event. They brought a simple positive energy which got the crowd rocking . To me they are a simple straight forward party band.

Got to see Cheap Trick at a free concert series show at the local Six Flags about 20 years ago. My company had their summer picnic there that day. Best damned free concert I've ever seen, and one of the best I've seen period!

Cheap Trick was relatively unknown until Live at Budokan broke them nationwide. The energy on that album is infectious and the songs had such great hooks! It was a really fun album. The later Cheap Trick releases also have some great offerings, with many of them revealing a Beatles remake Magical Mystery Tour, and If You Want My Love, You Got It, which has Beatles inspired elements. Cheap Trick is a great band that is still performing today. You should definitely check them out live!

Saw Cheap Trick in Atlanta, opened for ACDC at the old symphony hall. Truly great music!

I saw them twice, while going to college in Columbus OH, and it was awesome. The first time they were with the Romantics, second time was New England and UFO. They definitely put on a show.

My hometown boys, Cheap Trick, from Rockford, IL. Robin was my Cousin's babysitter when he was around 13-14! He's always been kind to me when I met him and the other band members!

Cheap Trick is still rocking the stage 50 years later. You need to listen to more for sure. Rick Nelson said that, 'On top of the world' is there best song, probably because he rips the solos, Califonia Man, youre all talk and gonna raise hell with that 12 string bass, They have a ton of good songs.

Bun E. Carlos was a very underrated drummer ... This song doesn't fully showcase his talents, but some of the songs on Live at Budokan do .. Surrender, Ain't That A Shame! .. ..

These guys still rock and Robin Zander’s voice is still great. Also, he is one of the most humble and nicest guys in Rock.

My first concert ever at 15 years old in 1978 at the Providence Civic Center in Providenve, RI. So badass!

The thousands of screaming Japanese girls deserve major credit on this album. They make it sound extra fun. Possibly the best mixed live album ever. Sounds immacculate.

For whatever reason, this song, more than any other, gives me that ache of warm nostalgia in my chest. I'm instantly back on my banana seat bike cruising the neighborhood.

I've always loved how the Japanese girls in the crowd know exactly where to do the back up singing parts. They should get a performance credit on the record.

At this time in their careers they were as huge in Japan as the Beatles were in the US in 1964. They were relatively oscure here in the US with mainly a cult following. But once this Live album was released and this came out as a single they were set on a course to become a major concert band, which led them to be inducted into the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame.

Great reaction. I saw cheap Trick back in the 70's. One of the most entertaining shows I've ever attended.

Guys, This is exactly what I was listening to in the late 70s. Rolling with the fellas and heading to the clubs on a Friday night in Dallas Texas.

I went to same high school as Cheap Tri ck. They were 4yrs ahead of me. Teachers would tell some funny stories about them. Rick Neilson still doing alot for the community. Fun to watch keep up gr8 reactions

Brings back memories to my college dorm party days, way too much beer and ETOH consumed. Cheap Trick, The Cars, Southern Rock, and the Kinks, and the house was rocking.