Austin City Limits Season 36 Episode 9 Cheap Trick
- January 1, 2011
Season 36, episode 9 of Austin City Limits features the legendary rock band Cheap Trick. Formed in Rockford, Illinois in the early 1970s, Cheap Trick rose to fame in the late '70s and '80s with hits like "I Want You to Want Me," "Surrender," and "The Flame." They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
The episode begins with a performance of "Dream Police," a single from Cheap Trick's fourth album of the same name. Lead singer Robin Zander effortlessly hits the high notes, while guitarists Rick Nielsen and Tom Petersson display their signature guitar riffs and basslines. Drummer Daxx Nielsen, who joined the band in 2010, keeps the beat steady throughout the performance.
The band then moves on to "Way of the World," a track from their latest album, 2021's In Another World. Zander's vocals are more subdued on this song, but still powerful. The band's harmonies are on point, and Petersson's 12-string bass guitar adds a unique flavor to the song. It's clear that Cheap Trick is still making great music after all these years.
Next up is "When I Wake Up Tomorrow," a hit single from their 1986 album The Doctor. The band members are all decked out in leather jackets for this performance, and they play the song with energy and passion. Zander's vocals take center stage, and the band's harmonies are tight as ever.
After a brief interview segment, Cheap Trick launches into "The Summer Looks Good on You," a track from their 2018 album, The Epic Archive, Vol. 2 (1980-1983). The song has an upbeat, catchy chorus that gets the audience swaying along. Zander is in fine form, hitting high notes and entertaining the crowd with his stage presence.
The band then performs "The Flame," their only number one hit single from their 1988 album Lap of Luxury. Zander's vocals are pitch-perfect on this ballad, and the band's harmonies are beautiful. Nielsen's guitar work really shines on this song, as he performs a beautiful solo that brings the audience to their feet.
The episode ends with "Surrender," Cheap Trick's most recognizable song and a classic rock staple. The band delivers a high-octane performance, with Nielsen and Petersson playing their instruments behind their backs and throwing guitar picks into the crowd. Zander gets the crowd singing along to the chorus, and the band members take turns standing on amplifiers and rocking out.
Overall, this episode of Austin City Limits is a must-watch for fans of classic rock. Cheap Trick is a band that has been around for over four decades, but they still know how to put on a great show and deliver unforgettable performances. From their early hits to their latest music, Cheap Trick proves why they are one of the most beloved rock bands of all time.