ROCK MOMENT – Cheap Trick ‘I Want You To Want Me’

Few songs illustrate the unpredictable path to rock stardom better than Cheap Trick’s ‘I Want You to Want Me.‘ Originally released in 1977 on the band’s second studio album, In Color, the song was written by guitarist Rick Nielsen as a tongue-in-cheek pop anthem. While it featured catchy hooks and a simple, memorable chorus, the original studio version had a lighter, almost bubblegum pop feel that didn’t fully capture the band’s hard-edged live energy. As a result, the single failed to chart in the United States and initially seemed destined for obscurity.

However, Cheap Trick had built a strong following overseas, particularly in Japan, where their blend of hard rock and pop sensibilities resonated deeply with audiences. In 1978, during a tour of Japan, the band recorded two concerts at the Nippon Budokan arena in Tokyo. The performances were electric, and the live atmosphere gave ‘I Want You to Want Me’ new life. The song’s driving guitars, pounding drums, and Robin Zander’s passionate vocals turned it from a studio oddity into an arena rock anthem.

The live version, released on the 1979 album Cheap Trick at Budokan, became a massive international hit. In the United States, it soared to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, while in Japan and several other countries it became a cultural phenomenon. The success of the single and the Budokan album cemented Cheap Trick’s reputation as one of the premier live rock acts of the era.

Today, ‘I Want You to Want Me‘ remains Cheap Trick’s most iconic song. Its story highlights how the raw power of live performance can transform a track, and how a band’s connection with its audience can elevate a song to legendary status.