Establishing the sound of Cheap Trick: Tom Petersson names his favourite guitarist of all time
In a strange and utterly admirable way, Cheap Trick managed to master and revolutionise everything implied by their own namesake. Many of their riffs and licks may sound complicated, but that’s the illusion: most of them aren’t. However, the resulting sounds often make for some of the most intriguing and dynamic musical movements in history.
As the lead guitarist and principal songwriter, the emotive yet simplified movements created by Rick Nielsen gave the band their signature appeal as trailblazers of blending pop and rock sensibilities. Some of their most popular songs, like ‘Surrender’ and ‘I Want You to Want Me’, incorporate this endearing accessibility, bridging the gap between cheery 1960s pop and guitar music.
‘I Want You to Want Me’ is a particularly good demonstration of Cheap Trick’s enduring appeal, even though Nielsen and Tom Petersson later criticised its simplicity. This was likely due to its lack of production and the fact that the original recording was actually “a fabulous dance hall type of song and a perfect pop tune, and it was meant to be a little campy,” according to producer Tom Werman.
Still, Neilsen’s guitar work throughout their entire discography graced the sound with a high-energy, dynamic, and flamboyant essence, particularly in his unconventional approach to the five-neck guitar, which adds an endearing sonic uniqueness both to the music and their live performances. For this reason, Cheap Trick has influenced various musicians, including Nirvana, Foo Fighters, and Green Day.
But what about the band’s own influences? Considering the legacy they crafted, it’s easy to understand why they initially looked up to earlier innovators in the rock and pop spaces, alongside guitar virtuosos, including the likes of Jimi Hendrix. For Petersson, Hendrix’s prowess was indisputable, especially throughout his album Electric Ladyland.
However, it was Jeff Beck and his debut, Truth, that impacted the entire sound of Cheap Trick more than anyone else. “When this album came out, we had just started to play our own music, and this is the group we wanted to be,” Petersson revealed to SPIN. He added: “Jeff Beck is still my favourite guitarist, and I loved Ronnie Wood’s bass playing and sound.”
It’s easy to see why Truth had such a profound impact on many aspiring rock musicians, not just because of Beck’s innovative approach but also due to the exceptional lineup he employed to deliver such an ambitious feat. For bands like Cheap Trick, reaching such monumental brilliance would be a challenge. However, Beck’s influence not only allowed them to extend their potential but also helped them establish their own version of excellence.
