Tonight It’s You

Zoo Freaks, your favorite hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning the electrifying "Tonight It's You" by Cheap Trick from their 1985 album Standing on the Edge. This track, a standout power pop anthem, hit No. 44 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to No. 8 on the Billboard Top Rock Tracks Chart. Written by Rick Nielsen, Robin Zander, Jon Brant, and Mark Radice, and produced by Jack Douglas, it’s a song that Rolling Stone praised for its "gorgeous Top Forty mischief," blending Beatlesque melodies with a Who-ish rock punch. The music video, directed by Just Jaeckin, was a hit on MTV, achieving heavy rotation and showcasing the band’s vibrant energy. Fun fact: Cheap Trick’s official X account noted that on February 10, 1986, the band played this song to a sold-out crowd at St. David’s Hall in Cardiff, Wales, during a UK tour with Mötley Crüe, proving its live performance prowess.

Another tidbit comes from fan Jeremy Porter, who shared on Pencil Storm that he was thrilled to hear "Tonight It's You" live at the Motor City Casino’s Soundboard venue, a rare treat given the band’s habit of varying setlists nightly. Critics have lauded its layered production, with Billboard calling it a "Beatlesque gem" in a 1996 review of the Sex, America, Cheap Trick compilation. However, the song’s creation wasn’t without hiccups—producer Jack Douglas stepped back from mixing due to legal issues with Yoko Ono, leaving Tony Platt to emphasize keyboards and electronic drums, which gave the track a polished, slightly different edge than the band’s rawer intentions. Despite this, it remains a fan favorite, with Hooks and Harmony highlighting it as a jewel from the band’s ‘80s catalog.

Cheap Trick formed in Rockford, Illinois, in 1973, blending the tunefulness of The Beatles with punk rock’s raw energy. The classic lineup—Robin Zander (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Rick Nielsen (lead guitar, backing vocals), Tom Petersson (bass, backing vocals), and Bun E. Carlos (drums)—forged a unique sound from diverse influences. Zander, a Beatles fan, brought melodic sensibility; Nielsen, inspired by The Yardbirds, added quirky guitar riffs; Petersson leaned into Rolling Stones grit; and Carlos channeled Keith Moon’s wild drumming. As Rolling Stone noted, their bar band roots instilled a knack for quick, heavy pop hooks, earning them a kinship with ‘70s punk bands. They built a fanbase through relentless touring, opening for giants like KISS and Queen, and hit it big with their 1978 live album Cheap Trick at Budokan, fueled by the success of "I Want You to Want Me."

Their early days were marked by a darker, edgier sound, with songs like "Daddy Should Have Stayed in High School" from their 1977 debut, but they soon became power pop icons with hits like "Surrender" and "Dream Police." Their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016 cemented their legacy. You can dive deeper into their world at their official website, follow their updates on Facebook (over 1 million likes!), check their vibrant Instagram posts, or catch their latest news on X. Fans also gather at sites like Pencil Storm for show recaps and on Facebook groups like Cheap Trick Fans to share stories and setlists. So, Zoo Freaks, keep rocking with Cheap Trick and let "Tonight It's You" light up your night!