Clock Strikes Ten (Live 1978)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as the Zoo Crew spins the electrifying "Clock Strikes Ten (Live 1978)" from Cheap Trick's iconic Cheap Trick at Budokan album! This high-energy track, recorded during the band's legendary April 1978 performances in Japan, captures the raw power and infectious spirit of Cheap Trick at their peak. One juicy piece of trivia comes from a 2018 Rock Candy Magazine article where lead vocalist Robin Zander revealed a glitch during the recording of the album's hit "I Want You to Want Me." The band had to overlay Zander’s vocal from one night onto the music from another due to a technical issue, showcasing their dedication to delivering a flawless live experience. While this tidbit doesn’t directly mention "Clock Strikes Ten," it highlights the meticulous care that went into crafting the Budokan album, with "Clock Strikes Ten" serving as the rousing finale that left 14,000 Japanese fans screaming for more.

Another fascinating story about "Clock Strikes Ten" and the Budokan performances comes from the band’s whirlwind 1978 Japan tour, often compared to Beatlemania. According to a 2024 excerpt from Ross Warner’s book American Standard, Cheap Trick was mobbed by fans from the moment they landed at Tokyo’s airport on April 22, 1978. Photographer Bob Alford described scenes of “gangs of Japanese fans chasing them everywhere, trying to rip their clothes off,” with girls risking their lives hanging out of speeding taxis to snap photos. This frenzy fueled the electric atmosphere of the Budokan shows, where "Clock Strikes Ten" closed the set as the encore both nights, cementing its status as a fan favorite. The song’s lyrics, bursting with Saturday-night rebellion and rock ’n’ roll energy, perfectly matched the wild devotion of the Japanese audience, which Cheap Trick harnessed to propel their global breakthrough.

Cheap Trick formed in Rockford, Illinois, in 1973, blending the melodic hooks of ‘60s pop with the gritty edge of ‘70s hard rock and a punky swagger that set them apart. The classic lineup—guitarist Rick Nielsen, bassist Tom Petersson, lead vocalist Robin Zander, and drummer Bun E. Carlos—came together after Nielsen and Petersson played in various local bands, including Fuse, which released a little-noticed album in 1969. Zander, a charismatic frontman with a golden voice, joined after Nielsen saw him performing in a Wisconsin bar, while Carlos, with his deadpan demeanor, completed the group’s quirky chemistry. Their early years were a grind of relentless gigging in Midwest bars and clubs, honing a sound that was both catchy and ferocious. By 1977, their self-titled debut album dropped, followed by In Color, which caught fire in Japan, setting the stage for their explosive 1978 Budokan shows. This live album, initially meant for Japan only, became their ticket to stardom in the U.S., going triple platinum and making songs like "Clock Strikes Ten" anthems for a generation.

For Zoo Freaks who want to dive deeper into Cheap Trick’s world, connect with the band on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, throwback photos, and more. Fans can also join vibrant communities like the Cheap Trick Fans Facebook group, a hub for diehards swapping stories, rare vinyl finds, and concert memories. For even more fan-driven content, check out Cheap Trick’s official fan club or explore fan sites like Cheap Trick Archives, which catalog the band’s history with obsessive detail. Whether you’re grooving to "Clock Strikes Ten" or geeking out over Rick Nielsen’s wild guitar collection, there’s no shortage of ways to keep the Cheap Trick vibe alive!