Clock Strikes Ten (Live 1978)

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some righteous vibes as The Zoo Crew spins "Clock Strikes Ten (Live 1978)" by Cheap Trick! This high-energy track, recorded at Tokyo’s Nippon Budokan, captures the band’s explosive live performance during their legendary 1978 Japan tour. Written by guitarist Rick Nielsen, the song was first released on their 1977 album In Color and became a massive hit in Japan, hitting #1 on the singles chart. Its fast-paced, chime-like guitar intro, inspired by Big Ben’s hourly toll, gives it a retro rock’n’roll feel, with shades of the 1950s classic "Rock Around the Clock." The live version, featured on the triple-platinum album Cheap Trick at Budokan, was often the encore closer, leaving fans in a frenzy. Fun fact: the song’s success, alongside "I Want You to Want Me" and "Surrender," paved the way for the band’s iconic Budokan shows, which were initially meant for a Japan-only live album before demand in the U.S. skyrocketed.

The Budokan performances were a cultural phenomenon, with Cheap Trick greeted by scenes reminiscent of Beatlemania. Photographer Bob Alford described Japanese fans chasing the band, some hanging out of speeding taxis to snap photos, risking it all for a glimpse of their idols. Guitarist Rick Nielsen, known for tossing picks to fans, recalled the chaos at the airport, where crowds swarmed the band upon arrival. The song’s raw energy and Robin Zander’s commanding vocals earned praise from critics like Robert Lawson, who noted its "angry authority." In a 1978 BBC2 appearance on The Old Grey Whistle Test, the band played "Clock Strikes Ten" alongside "I Want You to Want Me," showcasing their electrifying stage presence. Fans on X still rave about the track, with a 2025 post from @crockpics asking followers to name their favorite Budokan track, listing "Clock Strikes Ten" among classics like "Surrender" and "Ain’t That a Shame."

Cheap Trick formed in Rockford, Illinois, in 1973, blending ‘60s pop, ‘70s hard rock, and punk’s raw edge to create their signature power pop sound. The band’s roots trace back to 1967, when guitarist Rick Nielsen and bassist Tom Petersson formed Fuse, playing local gigs with their band the Bo Weevils. After moving to Philadelphia and briefly going by Sick Man of Europe, they returned to Rockford, joined by drummer Bun E. Carlos and vocalist Robin Zander. Inspired by a Slade concert where Petersson remarked the band used “every cheap trick in the book,” they adopted the name Cheap Trick. Their 1977 debut album, produced by Jack Douglas, earned critical acclaim but modest sales, though it built a cult following in Japan. By the time In Color dropped later that year, Japan embraced them, with "Clock Strikes Ten" and "I Want You to Want Me" becoming hits, setting the stage for their Budokan triumph.

The band’s relentless touring—over 5,000 shows since their start—cemented their cult status, influencing artists from Nirvana to Green Day. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, Cheap Trick continues to release new music and tour with a lineup featuring Zander, Nielsen, Petersson, and drummer Daxx Nielsen. Connect with them on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can join the Cheap Trick Fans Facebook group or visit fan sites like Cheap Trick Fan Club to share their love for the band. Keep rockin’, Zoo Freaks!