Cheap Trick/London, UK 1980 FM Broadcast Edition

After Tom Peterson left CHEAP TRICK shortly after the production of their fifth studio album, Pete Comita, a replacement bassist, was hired through Rick Nielsen’s connections. The band performed at “Japan Jam 2” in August 1980. The new album, “ALL SHOOK UP,” was released in October 1980, retaining Tom’s playing (and apparently also officially announcing his departure). The band continued the “ALL SHOOK UP” tour with Pete still in the lineup. This release features a BBC radio recording of the November 5th performance at London’s Hammersmith Odeon, taken from that rare tour. While this recording has previously been released, it is now available as a remastered version in response to fan demand. While it’s a bit short at 58 minutes and not a complete live recording, the sound quality is excellent and will satisfy any fan. In terms of sheer sound clarity and flashy entertainment value, this album rivals the classic “JAPAN JAM 2” from the same period. (There is occasional noise early in the live performance due to poor reception on the master, but this has been alleviated as much as possible during the remastering process.) The album kicks off with a powerful opening “Hello There,” followed by a barrage of the band’s signature hits, including “Clock Strikes Ten,” “I’ll Be With You Tonight,” “Southern Girls,” and “California Man.” Robin’s energetic vocals and Rick’s equally lively guitar playing make for a powerful performance. Pete’s bass is also mixed loudly, creating a tight, groovy rhythm along with Bun E. Carlos’ drumming. The middle section of the show, featuring “California Man,” “I Love You Honey But I Hate Your Friends,” and the then-new tracks “Stop This Game” and “Baby Loves To Rock,” offers an intriguing sampling of the CHEAP TRICK sound of the time. The CHEAP TRICK versions of “Day Tripper” and “Gonna Raise Hell,” which were partially missing from “JAPAN JAM 2,” are also fully enjoyed here. The latter, in particular, begins with a 9-minute performance, followed by Carlos’ drum solo, Rick’s guitar solo, and then a medley of “Big Eyes.” This ecstatic performance will knock out all CHEAP TRICK fans. The familiar “I Want You To Want Me” and “Surrender” burst into the finale, bringing the show to a joyous close. The early to mid-’80s, when Tom was away from the band, is a controversial period in CHEAP TRICK’s career. However, it’s precisely for this reason that this period deserves as many fans as possible to experience. Live at Hammersmith Odeon, London, UK 5th November 1980 STEREO SBD (58:42) 1. DJ Intro. 2. Opening 3. Hello There 4. Clock Strikes Ten 5. I’ll Be With You Tonight 6. Southern Girls 7. California Man 8. Stop This Game 9. Baby Loves To Rock 10. I Love You Honey But I Hate Your Friends 11. Day Tripper 12. Gonna Raise Hell 13. Drums Solo 14. Guitar Solo 15. Big Eyes 16. I Want You to Want Me 17. Surrender 18. DJ Outro. Robin Zander – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar Rick Nielsen – Lead Guitar, Vocals Pete Comita – Bass, Vocals Bun E. Carlos – Drums FM BROADCAST RECORDING