Surrender (Live 1978)

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the iconic "Surrender (Live 1978)" by Cheap Trick for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This track, recorded at Tokyo’s Nippon Budokan, is a cornerstone of rock history, capturing the band’s raw energy. One juicy tidbit comes from Songfacts, where drummer Bun E. Carlos revealed the song was kicking around since 1975, rehearsed in the basement of guitarist Rick Nielsen’s dad’s music shop in Rockford, Illinois. The live version, featured on the legendary Cheap Trick at Budokan album, became a teen anthem, with Rolling Stone ranking it #365 on their 2021 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The song’s gang vocals at the end, shouting “Bunny’s alright, Tommy’s alright, Robin’s alright, Rick’s alright,” name-check each band member, adding a playful nod to their camaraderie.

Another cool story tied to “Surrender” is its pop culture impact. According to Songfacts, the song popped up in the 1983 film Fast Times at Ridgemont High, where a ticket hustler sings it to charm a girl into buying Cheap Trick concert tickets. It also closed out Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in 2017, cementing its cross-generational appeal. Fans on Reddit rave about the live Budokan performance, with one user recalling a 1978 Sheffield gig where the band’s volume outdid AC/DC, despite three feet of snow outside. The song’s quirky lyrics, like the reference to “Indonesian junk” (a nod to STDs, not drugs, as clarified by a fan comment on Songfacts), add a cheeky layer to its rebellious vibe.

Cheap Trick got their start in Rockford, Illinois, in the early 1970s, blending power pop with hard rock. Formed by guitarist Rick Nielsen, bassist Tom Petersson, drummer Bun E. Carlos, and vocalist Robin Zander, the band drew from influences like The Beatles and The Who. They honed their craft playing local gigs, with Nielsen’s knack for writing catchy riffs and Zander’s dynamic vocals setting them apart. Their self-titled debut album in 1977 didn’t chart big, but relentless touring built a cult following, especially in Japan, where their 1978 Budokan shows made them superstars. The live album Cheap Trick at Budokan, featuring “Surrender,” went triple platinum, launching them into global fame.

You can keep up with Cheap Trick on their official website, where they share tour dates and merch. They’re active on Facebook, posting about milestones like the 1978 UK release of the “Surrender” single, as noted in a 2024 X post. Their Instagram is packed with throwback photos and tour updates, while their X account engages fans with history nuggets. For fan communities, check out the Cheap Trick Fan Club on Facebook, a lively group for Zoo Freaks to swap stories and memorabilia. Though no official fan websites stand out, the band’s socials and fan groups keep the vibe alive.