Can’t Hold On (Live 1977)

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the raw, electrifying track "Can’t Hold On (Live 1977)" by Cheap Trick from their album Out To Get You! Live 1977 for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This song, captured during the band’s explosive performances at the Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles, is a gritty gem that didn’t see an official release until years later. Recorded in June 1977, it was part of a set where Cheap Trick showcased unreleased tracks, with "Can’t Hold On" being one of three songs—alongside "Loser" and "Oh Boy"—that wouldn’t appear on albums for years or even decades. Fans on Discogs have raved about the track’s raw energy, noting how it captures the band’s hungry, pre-Budokan era when they were still a club act transitioning to arena stardom. A post on X from the band’s official account in 2023 highlighted a live version of "Can’t Hold On" on the 1980 Found All the Parts EP, emphasizing its enduring appeal in their live sets.

Another tidbit from the Rock and Roll Globe reveals the song’s place in the band’s 1977 Whisky shows, where they played with a manic intensity that felt more punk than polished pop. The performances were so potent that the recordings sat in the vaults for over 40 years, only seeing the light of day with the 2020 Record Store Day release and the expanded Live at The Whisky 1977 box set in 2022. Fans on Facebook groups like Cheap Trick Fans have shared stories of discovering this track through these releases, marveling at how it captures Cheap Trick’s early, unpolished edge. The song’s loose, almost chaotic vibe reflects a band still finding their footing with new material, yet winning over crowds with sheer charisma, as noted in a Variety review praising their ability to electrify even unfamiliar audiences.

Cheap Trick formed in Rockford, Illinois, in 1974, blending the catchy melodies of The Beatles with the raw energy of punk rock. The band—Robin Zander (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Rick Nielsen (lead guitar, backing vocals), Tom Petersson (bass, backing vocals), and Bun E. Carlos (drums)—came together after years of playing in local bands like Fuse and Sick Man of Europe. Nielsen, the band’s eccentric songwriter and guitarist, had been gigging since the late ’60s, inspired by acts like The Move and The Who. Zander joined after a chance meeting with Nielsen, bringing a versatile voice that could shift from sweet croons to manic screams. Their self-titled debut in 1977, recorded after relentless touring, laid the groundwork for their power-pop sound, though it was their live prowess that earned them a cult following. Opening for acts like KISS in 1977, as mentioned on deKe’s Vinyl Reviews, helped them hone the raw energy heard in tracks like "Can’t Hold On."

The band’s breakthrough came with 1978’s Cheap Trick at Budokan, a live album initially released in Japan that catapulted them to global fame with hits like "I Want You to Want Me." Their unique mix of pop hooks and hard rock grit, paired with a quirky image—Zander and Petersson as heartthrobs, Nielsen and Carlos as cartoonish misfits—set them apart. The Los Angeles Times once called them “shinier, harder, more American” than their Beatles-esque influences, a sentiment echoed in fan discussions on Reddit’s Cheap Trick community. Over the decades, they’ve maintained a steady lineup, with Daxx Nielsen replacing Bun E. Carlos on drums in 2010, and continue to tour and record, cementing their legacy as one of America’s greatest live bands.

For more on Cheap Trick, check out their official website for tour dates and news. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Fans can connect on the Cheap Trick Fans Facebook group or explore fan sites like Cheap Trick’s official fan club for exclusive merch and community events. Dive into the Reddit Cheap Trick community for deep dives into their discography and live performances.