By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
April 11, 2003
Cheap Trick has been rocking for over a quarter-century, more or less with the original lineup. None of the band members–guitarist Rick Nielsen, singer-rhythm guitarist Robin Zander, bassist Tom Petersson and drummer Bun E. Carlos–has changed much over the years: two are hot; two, well, are not. And, Zander’s vocals have only gotten stronger.
The ubiquitous Nielsen–a co-owner of the Wicker Park eatery Piece–took time to chat about boy bands, living in Rockford and Billy Corgan.
I want you … to want me: Robin doesn’t talk like that in real life. We never knew that album would come out in the U.S. He was told to talk slow so the [Japanese] audience could understand him.
Robin’s unreal voice: We all made a pact with the devil … but then we broke off with our ex-manager. [Laughs] We gave him 25 years’ notice.
Budokan: It’s been very good for us. We made each other famous.
Favorite cable show: Ken Mottet has this show (“The Otherside”) and every year he picks “Live at Budokan” as one of his Top 10 favorite live albums. We like him.
Most humbling experience: We played at the Royal Albert Hall [in London] a few weeks ago. What an honor for four guys from Rockford.
Favorite guitarist: Jeff Beck. There’s none better.
Number of guitars: I have around 300 right now. I’ve owned about 2,000 over the years.
Most fun concert: I just saw Zwan in Milwaukee. The [Rolling] Stones at the United Center was a great show, too.
Your opinion on Ryan Adams: He opened up for the Stones. I was the only one who clapped for him. The only time the crowd clapped was when he left the stage. He has gotten so much praise he’s starting to believe it.
Last concert you attended: Les Paul in New York City.
Concert you wish you had attended: Status Quo at the House of Blues.
Concert no one would believe you attended: I saw Nick Carter at the House of Blues. My [14-year-old] daughter wanted to see him.
Daughter’s favorite band: She likes a lot of people. But she recently met Vi3, who recorded an announcement on her answering machine that refers to her as “the hottie with the body.”
Boy bands: It’s not my cup of tea so much but I can see that it’s a lot of hard work. You have to learn to dance to be in a band today.
Guest appearances: I played guitar for Aaron Carter for a song. I’m sure all the kids were thinking, “Who’s the old guy?” The parents were excited to see me.
Last good movie you saw: “One Hour Photo.” Robin Williams was creepy and good, and that guy from “Alias” [Michael Vartan] was good, too. Connie Nielsen was in it, too. No relation. [Laughs]
Music you like: These days, I’m listening to Coldplay and Andrew W.K. I’m still a sucker for ELO. Even if the songs aren’t very deep, it’s musically interesting to me.
The new Cheap Trick CD: It should be out at the end of April. It’s out in Japan, where it’s called “Special One.” We have a song on there that Robin sings in Japanese.
Favorite Chicago food: Anything at Penny’s Noodles, Piece or Portillo’s.
Favorite restaurant: I ate at Donny Greco’s Misto, which was a lot of fun.
Your “Real World” connection: I looked over their resumes and helped hire some of the kids at Piece.
Best place to buy meat in Chicago: Paulina Market. My son told me about that one. The steaks are great.
Why Rockford?: There are a lot of good people here. You’ve got to be from some place. Chicago has adopted us. Madison, too. We’ve adopted ourselves to Tokyo.
Last trick you played: Billy Corgan has been a pal for years. The other night, I told his guitar tech to let me give him his guitars. He didn’t realize for a while that it was me.
