Cheap Trick are an American rock band from Rockford, Illinois, formed in 1974. Their music combines rock, power pop, hard rock and pop rock, balancing heavy guitar-driven arrangements with catchy melodies and a playful sense of humor. The classic lineup featured vocalist Robin Zander, guitarist Rick Nielsen, bassist Tom Petersson and drummer Bun E. Carlos.

The band released their self-titled debut album, Cheap Trick, in 1977. The following year brought Heaven Tonight, featuring one of their signature songs, “Surrender.” In 1978, they also recorded the live album Cheap Trick at Budokan in Tokyo. The record became a major international breakthrough, capturing the band's explosive stage presence and helping establish Cheap Trick as a major rock act.

Cheap Trick's best-known songs include “I Want You to Want Me,” “Surrender,” “Dream Police,” “The Flame” and “Ain't That a Shame.” In 1988, “The Flame” became a worldwide No. 1 hit, demonstrating the band's ability to move from heavier rock into polished pop-rock balladry without losing its identity.

The band continued recording and touring throughout the following decades. Later albums include Rockford (2006), The Latest (2009), Bang, Zoom, Crazy... Hello (2016) and We're All Alright! (2017). Cheap Trick remain an active touring band in 2026.

In 2016, Cheap Trick were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. They have sold more than 20 million records and are regarded as one of the most influential American power-pop and rock acts.

What makes Cheap Trick distinctive is their combination of hard-driving guitars, irresistible pop melodies, theatrical stage presence and self-deprecating humor. They helped prove that rock music could be loud and energetic while remaining highly melodic and accessible, making their distinctive sound influential across several generations of rock musicians.