Cheap Trick’s At Budokan: A Live Album with a Twist

Cheap Trick’s live album, At Budokan, released in 1978, stands as a defining moment in the band’s career, marking their critical and commercial breakthrough. However, revelations about its production have unveiled a surprising twist regarding the authenticity of its recordings.

The Truth Behind the Album

In a recent appearance on the Magnificent Others podcast hosted by Billy Corgan, producer Jack Douglas disclosed an intriguing fact: “So Budokan’s not Budokan. It’s Osaka.” This revelation raises questions about the album’s integrity, as it was thought to be recorded live at the iconic Nippon Budokan in Tokyo during Cheap Trick’s 1978 tour of Japan.

Recording Challenges

Douglas, along with mixing engineer Jay Messina, was responsible for assembling the live album. Upon reviewing the raw audio, they were taken aback by the quality. “Budokan sounded terrible,” Douglas admitted. “The mics were off, pointed in the wrong direction, and there was very little drum and bass sound.”

The Better Performance

Fortunately, one of the other concerts from the tour, specifically the performance in Osaka, yielded superior audio quality. Douglas noted that this show was “the best performance” and became the cornerstone for the album’s final mix.

Commercial Success

Douglas’s commitment to enhancing the audio quality played a crucial role in the album’s success, which ultimately sold over 3 million copies and catapulted Cheap Trick into mainstream recognition. The band’s popularity soared, and At Budokan became a landmark release in their discography.

A Nostalgic Reunion

Years later, Rick Nielsen reached out to Douglas as Cheap Trick prepared for the 30th anniversary reissue of the album. “Rick calls me up and says, ‘We have the film from Budokan. We want you to mix a 5.1 version of it,’” Douglas recounted. He was reminded of the earlier mix: “But that mix is Osaka, remember?”

Creative Mixing Techniques

Despite the mix-up, Douglas and Messina successfully tackled the project using modern technology. “Thank God for Pro Tools; there was a cut and paste job,” he explained. They creatively blended footage from both performances, matching audio to visuals—using Budokan footage for close-ups and Osaka for wide shots. “It was a labor of love,” Douglas concluded.

Conclusion

Cheap Trick’s At Budokan remains a beloved live album, both for its energetic performances and its unique production history. The blend of recordings from different venues underscores the challenges and triumphs of live album production, reminding us that sometimes, the story behind the music is as compelling as the music itself.

FAQs

What is the significance of Cheap Trick’s At Budokan?

At Budokan is considered a critical and commercial breakthrough for Cheap Trick, helping them achieve mainstream success and selling over 3 million copies.

Where was At Budokan actually recorded?

While it was presented as a live recording from Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, much of the album’s audio actually came from a performance in Osaka.

Who were the key figures involved in the production of At Budokan?

Producer Jack Douglas and mixing engineer Jay Messina played crucial roles in assembling the album and enhancing its audio quality.

Did Cheap Trick revisit the album after its initial release?

Yes, they revisited the album for a 30th anniversary reissue, mixing a 5.1 version using both Budokan and Osaka footage.