I Want You to Want Me (Live 1978)

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning a classic for all you Zoo Freaks out there: "I Want You to Want Me (Live 1978)" by Cheap Trick from their iconic album Cheap Trick at Budokan. This live version, recorded at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, transformed the song from a studio track that didn’t chart into a global hit, peaking at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 and hitting number one in Japan. The song’s raw energy, driven by a faster tempo and the wild screams of 12,000 fans, captured a moment of pure rock magic. Interestingly, the band initially thought the song was added to their set last-minute to pad their performance, but guitarist Rick Nielsen later admitted to Tinnitist in 2008 that this was "half true, and half story," as the song was already a staple in their live shows.

The Budokan performance was a phenomenon, with fans comparing the hysteria to Beatlemania. Photographer Bob Alford, quoted in Tinnitist, described Japanese fans chasing the band, risking life and limb for photos, with some hanging out of speeding taxis. The album, meant as a thank-you to their Japanese fanbase, was initially released only in Japan on October 8, 1978. However, after 30,000 import copies sold in the US due to radio play of the promotional record From Tokyo to You, it was released stateside in February 1979, skyrocketing Cheap Trick to fame. The song’s producer, Tom Werman, revealed in Wikipedia that the studio version was meant to be campy, with a burlesque vibe, featuring piano by Jai Winding, but the live version’s gritty power chords and infectious melody influenced bands like Nirvana, with Kurt Cobain once saying, “We sound just like Cheap Trick, only the guitars are louder.”

Cheap Trick formed in Rockford, Illinois, in 1973, blending power pop with hard rock. The band—vocalist Robin Zander, guitarist Rick Nielsen, bassist Tom Petersson, and drummer Bun E. Carlos—came together after Nielsen and Carlos played in various local bands, including Fuse, in the late 1960s. Their quirky image, with Zander and Petersson as the “cool” heartthrobs and Nielsen and Carlos as the “geeks” in bowties and baseball caps, set them apart. They honed their sound in Midwest bars, like the Brat Stop, before releasing their self-titled debut in 1977. Despite critical praise, their first three albums—Cheap Trick, In Color, and Heaven Tonight—didn’t break through commercially until Cheap Trick at Budokan showcased their electrifying live presence. Their relentless touring, including opening for acts like KISS and Queen, built a cult following, especially in Japan, where their early gold records paved the way for their 1978 Budokan triumph.

You can keep up with Cheap Trick on their official website, where they share tour dates and news. They’re active on social media, posting about their history and shows on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans, or “Trick Freaks,” connect through communities like the Cheap Trick Fan Club on Facebook, where they share memorabilia and concert stories. Another great spot is Cheap Trick’s official fan club, offering exclusive merch and updates. Whether you’re a Zoo Freak or a lifelong Trick fan, this song and band continue to rock with timeless energy.