As one of the founding members of legendary power pop band Cheap Trick, bassist Tom Petersson's unique playing style contributed a vital component to their fifty years of rock 'n roll success, resulting in number one hits and a Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction. And the hits keep on coming, as the band has just notched its highest-charting album ever, the newly-released "In Another World", during a global pandemic! Surrender to Nick and Tom as they dish about five decades of music, camaraderie, and making it all about the fans.
HIGHLIGHTS:
[02:13] The new album "In Another World" was ready to go in early 2020, but Covid delayed the release until now
[02:53] All the members of Cheap Trick contribute ideas for songs, working as a team to write, record, and produce each album
[05:20] The band will try any idea just to see if it works, but they usually agree when it's time to move on to something else
[06:31] Cheap Trick don't follow trends, they write, record, and release the music they like
[07:26] Almost 50 years into their run, Cheap Trick have scored their highest charting album with "In Another World"
[08:35] The record label suggested recording the song "In Another World" as a ballad, and the band liked both versions so much, they put them both on the album
[09:29] Originally a rhythm guitar player, Tom translated his big style to bass so that he could compete sonically with lead guitarists
[10:36] Tom created and designed the triple-stringed bass with the help of friends at Hamer Guitars in Chicago
[12:33] Tom has a nice collection of guitars and basses for recording, since different instruments makes a musician play differently
[15:18] Cheap Trick started in 1974, so they're quickly approaching their 50th anniversary as a band
[16:08] Tom collaborates with artists that he likes and admires, musicians whose sound will mesh with his unique style
[18:13] Very early on, Cheap Trick performed a few covers, but they were intent on playing their own music
[19:21] Tom and the other Cheap Trick members still play with their unique "Cheap Trick attitude"
[22:23] Being locked down during the pandemic has allowed the band a year to be creative and stockpile song ideas
[23:50] Cheap Trick is always recording music, not necessarily with an eye on having a Top 40 hit, but mainly because they enjoy the process of making music
[25:01] Although they play the hits during a show, the band enjoys throwing deep cuts into the mix for the long-time fans.
[27:25] Cheap Trick have a couple of shows booked for the summer, but they're on hold waiting for more venues and shows to open up post-pandemic
[28:34] Despite being together for five decades, the band's chemistry prevented them from reaching the "breakup" moment that many other groups face
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Find out more about today’s guest, Tom Petersson
Find out more about your host, Nick Terzo
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
@CheapTrickRick [Rick Nielsen]
@MrBlackFrancis [Frank Black of The Pixies]
@petedx11 [Peter Holstrom from The Dandy Warhols]
@peteintlairport [Pete's side project]
@PRandR [Paul Revere & The Raiders]
@MarkLindsay [from Paul Revere & The Raiders]
@GretschUSA [guitar company]
