Cheap Trick concert pictures ~ Bill O’Leary

A word from the photographer

ON THIS NIGHT: Cheap Trick

In the late 70’s Cheap Trick hit it big with the live album “Cheap Trick at Budokan”, especially in the USA. Shortly thereafter, they released “Dream Police” which became their biggest selling studio album. I was fortunate to get to shoot them from the front row at their sold out show, performing at the world famous Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Onstage energy

Cheap Trick had a band image gimmick for many years with two of the members as the “nerd” types, while the other two were the “good looking rock star” types. The focus of the band was guitarist Rick Nielsen, one of the “nerds”, who had more energy onstage then almost anyone in rock n’ roll, except possibly Angus Young of AC/DC. As a photographer you had to be very quick to catch a great shot of Rick.

The rock show

The opening band The Romantics with their big hit “What I Like About You” quickly energized the crowd. Cheap Trick then came on to thunderous applause and it immediately became a massive rock show, loud too. Like them or not, in their prime this band rocked the house. The light show was very good, stage production was as well, the band members were very visual and photogenic.

Camera down !!!!

Song wise, the title track “Dream Police” was a highlight for me and I remember not shooting during the song so that I could enjoy it more, as a normal fan so to speak. I got some decent images this night, and completely enjoyed the experience of shooting in Madison Square Garden once again. In the years since, amazingly I have sold more images of Cheap Trick than almost any other band I’ve shot.

Location and date of these concert captures 

Madison Square Garden / New York / America / 05.12.1980

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