Reach Out

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with the Zoo Crew as they spin "Reach Out" by Cheap Trick from the Heavy Metal: Music From the Motion Picture soundtrack! This 1981 gem, featured in the animated fantasy film Heavy Metal, stands out with its buzzing synth riff and post-Ringo Starr swing, thanks to drummer Bun E. Carlos. Unlike most Cheap Trick tracks penned by guitarist Rick Nielsen, "Reach Out" was co-written by the band’s then-bassist Pete Comita and Bob James. Comita, who briefly replaced original bassist Tom Petersson in 1980, brought a fresh energy to the song, though he later admitted to Nielsen that he didn’t write it alone, as revealed in a 2009 Ultimate Guitar interview. The track’s release was a unique deal, with CBS Records president Walter Yetnikoff allowing Full Moon/Asylum to distribute it, as Cheap Trick had no album to promote at the time, per Billboard. Fans on Reddit’s Cheap Trick community still rave about its heavy riffs, with user u/DarwinsKoala calling it a “fantastic” soundtrack highlight in a 2024 post.

Another cool tidbit comes from the song’s context in the Heavy Metal soundtrack, which also featured heavy hitters like Black Sabbath and Journey. The Milwaukee Journal in 1981 praised "Reach Out" as the “real treat” of the album, noting Comita’s contribution as a new member. Despite its cult status, the single didn’t chart, making it a hidden gem for hardcore fans, as highlighted in a 2016 Rolling Stone article. The song’s quirky, era-specific synth outro and driving rhythm capture Cheap Trick’s knack for blending power pop with heavier edges, a vibe that resonates with the psychedelic, eclectic spirit of the Zoo Crew’s airwaves. Check out fan discussions on the Cheap Trick Fans Facebook group, where members often share love for these deeper cuts.

Cheap Trick formed in Rockford, Illinois, in 1973, evolving from a band called Fuse, where Rick Nielsen and Tom Petersson played with singer Robert "Stewkey" Antoni. After Fuse fizzled, Nielsen and Petersson recruited drummer Bun E. Carlos and vocalist Robin Zander, crafting a sound that fused ‘60s pop, punk energy, and hard rock crunch. Their self-titled debut in 1977, produced by Jack Douglas, didn’t chart but earned critical praise for its raw edge and dark humor, with tracks like “The Ballad of TV Violence” drawing comparisons to the Beatles and the Who. The band’s breakthrough came with 1978’s At Budokan, a live album that went triple-platinum, propelled by the hit “I Want You to Want Me.” Their relentless touring and quirky image—Zander and Petersson as the heartthrobs, Nielsen as the cartoonish guitarist with his five-neck guitar, and Carlos as the cigarette-dangling everyman—built a cult following, especially in Japan.

Cheap Trick’s influence spans power pop and alternative rock, inspiring bands like Nirvana and Green Day. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, with Kid Rock introducing them at the ceremony where they performed classics like “Surrender.” Despite lineup changes, like Petersson’s brief exit and Comita’s short stint, the core group has endured, with Nielsen’s son Daxx joining as drummer in 2010. Their Midwest roots and genre-defying sound keep them a favorite for fans who dig the Zoo Crew’s retro, rebellious vibe.

Stay connected with Cheap Trick on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest tour dates and releases. Dive into fan communities like the Cheap Trick Fans Facebook group or the r/CheapTrick subreddit to trade stories and discover more tracks like “Reach Out.” For a deeper look, visit fan sites like CheapTrick.com, which also lists their discography and merch. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks!