Dream Police

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Dream Police" by Cheap Trick from their 1979 album of the same name, and this song has some fascinating stories behind it. Written by guitarist Rick Nielsen, "Dream Police" was originally penned in 1976 but didn’t make the cut for the band’s debut album. It evolved through live performances and studio refinements, eventually becoming the title track of their fourth album. Nielsen described the song as an exploration of paranoia, likening it to "Big Brother watching you," with lyrics capturing the unease of a mind haunted by inner surveillance. The song’s ominous vibe was amplified by a string section, which replaced an earlier keyboard arpeggiator, adding a horror-like edge reminiscent of the iconic violin stabs in Psycho’s shower scene. This choice came with a bigger budget post their breakout live album, Cheap Trick at Budokan, which delayed Dream Police’s release due to its unexpected success.

Another intriguing tidbit about "Dream Police" is its visual legacy. Cheap Trick was among the few American bands crafting concept videos before MTV, and the "Dream Police" video reflected their flair for bold, quirky visuals. The song itself became a fan favorite, peaking at #26 on the Billboard Hot 100, and its enduring appeal led to a re-recording in 2010 as "Green Police" for an Audi Super Bowl ad. Critics have praised its infectious chorus and jarring dissonance, with biographers Mike Hayes and Ken Sharp calling it a "magnificent tour-de-force." On social media, fans still rave about its impact, with posts on X recalling how it dominated Chicago airwaves in 1981 alongside bands like REO Speedwagon and Styx, evoking vivid memories of high school for some.

Cheap Trick’s origins trace back to Rockford, Illinois, where the band formed in the mid-1970s. Guitarist Rick Nielsen, a prolific songwriter with a penchant for quirky riffs and custom guitars, teamed up with drummer Bun E. Carlos, whose steady rhythms anchored their sound. Bassist Tom Petersson brought a melodic edge, while vocalist Robin Zander’s versatile voice, capable of both tender ballads and raw power, completed the lineup. Inspired by British Invasion acts like The Beatles and The Who, as well as the raw energy of punk, they honed their craft in Midwest clubs, blending power pop with hard rock. Their self-titled debut in 1977 didn’t chart highly, but relentless touring and a cult following in Japan set the stage for their breakthrough with Cheap Trick at Budokan in 1978, which captured their electrifying live energy and propelled them to global fame.

Fans of Cheap Trick can connect with the band across multiple platforms. Their official website, cheaptrick.com, offers tour dates, merch, and news. On Facebook, they share updates and nostalgic photos, engaging with fans who’ve followed them for decades. Their Instagram features behind-the-scenes shots and vibrant concert moments, while their X account posts about milestones, like when Dream Police went platinum in 1980, just five months after its release. For dedicated Zoo Freaks, fan communities thrive online. The Cheap Trick Fans Facebook group is a hub for discussions and rare memorabilia, and sites like cheaptrickdiscography.com catalog the band’s extensive output, perfect for diving deeper into their legacy.