“We're basically a rock band - guitar, bass, drums and vocals. But we take it further than that. We can be rotten, dirty, and heavy as anyone, but at the same time, we've got a lot of melody.”

American musician

Richard Alan Nielsen is an American musician and the lead guitarist, primary songwriter, and leader of the rock band Cheap Trick. He is known for his long career in rock and for the distinctive guitars he has played. He is especially recognized for his custom-made instruments from Hamer Guitars, including his famous five-neck guitar. His public identity is closely tied to Cheap Trick and to the striking stage presence that his unusual guitars helped create.