June 2009 \ Features \ Artist Interview \ Rick Nielsen: His Checkered Past

Rick Nielsen: His Checkered Past

Bob Cianci

Rick Nielsen talks about his 5-neck Hamers, Cheap Trick, and memorable moments from the last 40 years
Premier Guitar June 2009
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First Hamer Five-neck (orange) 1981. Photo: Frank White

And you guys like the band Patto too?

I love “Singing The Blues On Reds,” and all that Patto stuff.

Your upcoming tour with Def Leppard and Poison runs all summer. How do you get prepared physically and emotionally for a tour of that length, and is it still fun for you?

Lots of Darvon (laughs)! I love to play. I don’t care about all the shenanigans that go on offstage. What we like most is playing music. I think it’s a good, fun package. It’s not like we’re on tour every day of the year. I guess you could say I’m too dumb to quit.

How long do you see Cheap Trick continuing?

What am I going to retire for? I don’t play bridge. I don’t tan. We’re doing what we love to do, and the live work and recording is still there, so why should we stop? I like playing live and I like recording studios, so that’s what we’ll continue to do for as long as we can. We’re a cool band, we have good songs. People still want to hear what we do.

Any thoughts on the state of the recording/ music industry?

I think the idea of major record labels isn’t broken, but how it’s done sure is. Thank God for satellite radio playing Cheap Trick’s music.

Any final words of wisdom?

Final words? That sounds so final… this is the first interview I’ve ever done with two deaf people that ever made any sense! (Author’s Note: both this writer and Rick Nielsen are hearing-impaired rock ‘n’ roll lifers.)

Rick's Gearbox
Guitars:
Approximately fifty guitars, including
Gibsons, Gretsches, Fenders and
custom Hamers.

Amps:
Fuchs 50 watt Train model, with two Celestion Vintage 30 speakers.
Custom Fender with Fender two 12"
ISO cabinets.
 Effects:
Dunlop Cry Baby wah.

Strings:
Dean Markley .011-.048.

Picks:
Custom R.N. model,
V-Resin .073 mm.

cheaptrick.com

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Comments

 (21 comments) display by
UsernameComment
Dan Lemmons
on 06/25/2012 		We all new Rick was special even back when playing with the Grim Reapers as a kid. What Rockford high schooler didn't jump at the chance to see the Reapers at Sherwood Lodge as Gary Schuder growled his best Mick Jagger "Under My Thumb" closely followed by Rick's killer Daltrey on "My Generation". We were pretty blessed to have some really good bands in little old Rockford back in the 60's.
Rabbi Juan
on 04/12/2012 		Davie Allan's "Head Over Heels" MGM 45 is perfect for Cheap Trick! Retrophonic ,Retrophonic 2,& Retrophonic 3 are CDs from www.davieallan.com that are mostly home demos. Cheap Trick would have a great time plundering his tunes! They are cosmic cousins.
Sickmanofeur ope
on 09/19/2010 		Rick....contact Davie Allan at melodicgrunge@yahoo.com because he has at least five tunes that you guys must record or at least hear! Or buy his "HOME DEMOS" CD. You guys will have a comeback as great as the early days with those tunes!
Steve
on 06/16/2009 		I'm hard pressed to think of another guitarist and songwriter who is so underrated. Nor can I think of many bands that are playing better - and writing better new music - that have been around as long as CT has. The new album is amazing!
The Cold Stares
on 06/03/2009 		Our first big opening gig was for Cheap Trick, Rick smokes, and the band still kicks everyones ass.
www.myspace.com/thecoldstaresmusic
Pod
on 05/29/2009 		I learned how to play rock and roll guitar by learning all the guitar parts on Cheap Trick's "In Color (and in Black and White)". Kick ace!
Andy Murdoch
on 05/29/2009 		Got to agree with y'all. Rick is a massively under-rated guitarist and songwriter. I've been listening to his music for 30+ years and would still go and see CT any time they play ovah heah (UK). My wife and I met Rick and Robin a few years ago backstage at the Royal ALbert Hall and they were great guys. Come back to the UK and play Glasgow!!!
Ron Johnson
on 05/26/2009 		You are truly wise Rich, and correct in your comment on the guitar pictures. The dates do correspond with the year of the guitar dates. Rick (shaved and in a suit) is a recent photo, not from 94. He would have had the Ming from Mars look in 94 w/the little key hanging from his beard.
Rich
on 05/26/2009 		I believe the years on the photos are when the guitars were built/made.
Chip Trigg
on 05/25/2009 		I asked him to be in a photo with my sister at Charlotte NC on the "One On One" tour. I asked..."How 'bout a picture with the lil' lady Rick?" He answered immediately..."No thanks..."I drink mine from the can!" holding up a Pabst Blue Ribbon.And then gave us the photo shot.He continued talking with us and it was laced with several one liners. He definately is the Henny Youngman of Rock & roll.Oh yeah....Rick is an ace plank spanker!He can also hit you with sweat yards away from the stage and launch a pick like a UFO! He almost took my head off with a KISS LP!Rick....contact Davie Allan at melodicgrunge@yahoo.com because he has at least five tunes that you guys must record or at least hear!



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