“We've got the pretty-boy lead singer and the fat, dumpy drummer, and I'm the zany guitarist. Sure, we've played up the image at times. But it's the music that matters most.”

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.