ROCK MOMENT – Cheap Trick “Ain’t That A Shame”
When most people think of Cheap Trick, songs like “I Want You to Want Me,” “Surrender,” and “Dream Police” immediately come to mind. But one of the band’s earliest breakthrough hits was actually a cover of a classic rock-and-roll song: “Ain’t That a Shame.”
The song was originally written and recorded by pioneering rock legend Fats Domino in 1955. Domino’s version became one of the defining records of the early rock era, reaching No. 1 on the R&B charts and helping bring New Orleans rhythm and blues to a mainstream audience. Over the years, the song was covered by numerous artists, but it was Cheap Trick’s energetic live version that introduced it to a new generation of rock fans.
Cheap Trick first recorded “Ain’t That a Shame” for their 1978 album Cheap Trick at Budokan. The live album was initially intended for release only in Japan, where the Illinois-based band had developed an almost Beatlemania-like following. Fans screamed throughout the performances, creating an atmosphere that captured the band’s explosive stage presence.
When At Budokan was eventually released in the United States in 1979, it became the album that transformed Cheap Trick from a cult favorite into a major rock act. Their version of “Ain’t That a Shame” was released as a single and became a Top 40 hit, peaking at No. 35 on the Billboard Hot 100. While not their biggest chart success, the song helped showcase the band’s ability to blend classic rock influences with their own power-pop sound.
Lead singer Robin Zander’s powerful vocals gave the song a harder edge than Domino’s original, while guitarist Rick Nielsen added the band’s trademark energy and flair. The performance became a concert staple and remains one of the highlights of At Budokan.
Perhaps the greatest compliment came from Fats Domino himself. According to band members, Domino enjoyed Cheap Trick’s interpretation of the song and appreciated the way they introduced his music to younger listeners. The cover helped bridge the gap between the first generation of rock-and-roll pioneers and the arena-rock era of the late 1970s.
More than four decades later, Cheap Trick’s version of “Ain’t That a Shame” remains a fan favorite and a shining example of how a great song can find new life in the hands of another great band. It also serves as a reminder of the deep respect Cheap Trick has always shown for the artists who helped create rock and roll in the first place.
