Ain't That a Shame (Live 1977)

Oh man, Zoo Freaks, can you feel that groove? We're cranking up Ain't That a Shame (Live 1977) by Cheap Trick, straight from their raw Out To Get You! Live 1977 album, and it's like a time machine back to those electric Whisky a Go Go nights. This track's got that wild energy that just grabs you by the soul—Robin Zander's voice soaring like an eagle over Rick Nielsen's killer riffs. Dig this: Cheap Trick never even cut a studio version of this Fats Domino classic; they poured all their fire into live takes, and this 1977 gem captures them right on the cusp of blowing up. Inspired by John Lennon's rowdy cover on his Rock 'n' Roll album, the boys amped it up with their power-pop punch, turning a heartbreak shuffle into a full-on rock 'n' roll revival. Rick's shared in interviews how they'd tear through it every night, feeding off the crowd's vibe, and fans still rave about that Budokan explosion the next year that shot it to #35 on the charts—big in Japan first, where the audiences went absolutely cosmic.

Picture this story from the road: back in '77, Cheap Trick was grinding through clubs like the Whisky, honing that live magic before the world caught on. One fan on the old forums remembered seeing them that year, saying it felt like the band was channeling pure lightning—sweat flying, guitars howling, and the crowd chanting along like it was their own personal anthem. Robin's quipped in chats that playing covers like this kept their sets fresh, blending old-school soul with their fresh-as-dawn originals, and it's no wonder Zoo Freaks; it's the kind of tune that makes you wanna dance under the stars. Even on socials lately, folks are posting clips from those early shows, geeking out over how it foreshadowed the Budokan legend that made 'em immortal.

Now, let's groove into how these cats got their start, 'cause Cheap Trick's origin tale is pure rock 'n' roll folklore from the heartland. Hailing from Rockford, Illinois—that windy prairie town—they fused together in 1974 from a stew of local bands bubbling in the late '60s scene. Rick Nielsen and Bun E. Carlos were already jamming in outfits like the Grim Reapers, laying down those crunchy riffs and steady beats, when they hooked up with bassist Tom Petersson. Enter Robin Zander, this golden-voiced frontman with rhythm guitar chops, and boom—Cheap Trick was born, named after a magician's sleight-of-hand trick that Rick dug. They cut their teeth in Chicago-area dives, rubbing elbows with power-pop kin like Shoes and Pezband, building that irresistible blend of hooks, harmonies, and high-voltage showmanship. By '77, their self-titled debut dropped on Epic, but it was the relentless touring that lit the fuse, leading to those legendary live recordings that still echo today.

If you're feeling the pull, Zoo Crew recommends diving deeper with the band's official crew: swing by their website for tour vibes and merch that screams authenticity, follow the fun on Facebook, catch those candid snaps on Instagram, and join the tweet storm over at X. For you die-hards, the Cheap Trick Ultimate Fan Page on Facebook is a groovy hangout for swapping stories and rare pics, or check out the official Cheap Trick Group for live updates. There's also the Cheap Trick Fan Discussions spot to reminisce, and don't sleep on the Cheap Trick Fan community—pure love for the Trick, man. Keep spinning those records, and remember, in the words of the band, surrender to the sound!