TRIP TO LOS ANGELES

In November 1975 Cheap Trick invaded Los Angeles, booked to perform three nights at the legendary Starwood on the Sunset Strip (opening for a group called Bandit). They were hoping to get noticed by the right people.

Invitations were distributed to record industry insiders:

While in LA, Ken Adamany shot a roll of film, documenting his promotional efforts. I was able to have the negatives scanned:

This photo was used for a promotional postcard.

Learn more in This Band Has No Past: How Cheap Trick Became Cheap Trick, available September 6 from Jawbone Press.

Backstage at the Dog Day Rock Fest

In September 1977 Cheap Trick were added late to the bill for the Dog Day Rock Fest in Atlanta. Rich Kwasniewski snapped some shots of Rick Nielsen clowning around backstage.

Security!

Rick and his guitar tech, Dave Wilmer:

Photos by Rich Kwasniewski.

 

Shaw Street Smackers

The Shaw Street Smackers were a softball team made up of members of the band Fuse, along with crew members and friends. 

Joe Sundberg, the first singer for Fuse (back row, red sleeves), Stewkey, the second singer for Fuse (back row, red bandana), Thom Mooney, second drummer for Fuse (front row, second from left), Tom Petersson, bassist for Fuse (front row, far right). Photo courtesy of Stewkey.

In June 1971 the Shaw Street Smackers faced off against a team made up of local police. Rockford newspapers had a lot of fun with the match up. 

The cops won the first game but the hippies prevailed in a rematch. A week later, the band Fuse was no more. 

A booking for a few days later at Flo's Inn presumably didn't happen.

l to r: Craig Myers, Rick Nielsen, Stewkey, Tom Peterson, Thom Mooney. 

Courtesy of John Callaci.

 

Michigan club shot

On stage somewhere in Michigan, probably East Lansing or Ann Arbor. 1976?

Photographer: Robert Schoff

FUSE 8X10

 

Ricko Suave

 

Late '73 (?), photo taken at Full Compass sound studio in Madison by Jonathan Lipp, courtesy of Ken Adamany.

Brick Nielsen

 Photos courtesy of Rich Kwasniewski.