Welcome to the fifty first "UNOFFICIAL" Cheap Trick newsletter, and I hope you find it of interest.

The following live dates are currently listed on the official CT website (www.cheaptrick.com) as at 21 November. Check online regularly as shows for 2006 are just being added. As always, dates are subject to confirmation and change so please check before travelling, and check the website for further additions:-

2005: 10 Dec 2005 - Marksville LA; 31 - Las Vegas;
2006: 2 Feb - Milwaukee WI; 15 Apr - Tacoma WA; 23 - Airway Heights WA.

Following their well received shows with Alice Cooper in August/September, Cheap Trick followed up with a shorter series of US dates with Def Leppard in late October/early November. The tour ended at Albuquerque, New Mexico on 2nd Nov, and the band were joined onstage by two members of Def Leppard (including Joe Elliott) during "Surrender".

News snippets:-

- Members of Cheap Trick will be taking part in a "Rock'n'Roll Fantasy Camp" for aspiring musicians in Hollywood, California from Feb 16-20, along with other stars such as Roger Daltrey.

- On October 4, Tom was in Nashville, Tennessee to receive the International Entertainment Buyers Association "Lifetime Achievement" award on behalf of Cheap Trick.

- Bun E made a short public appearance in hometown Rockford on Sat 12th Nov, at a ceremony marking his donation of almost 700 CD's from his personal collection to the Rockford Public Library. A few pictures from the event can be found at rpl_nov0.htm

- The "Live in Australia" DVD has been remastered and re-released in Australia, and collectors will be interested to note that the artwork is again different to previous releases of this show.

- Nov 21 saw the release in both the US and Europe of the "Hard Rock Treasures" DVD. During this documentary, Don Bernstine (Head of Collections for the Hard Rock Cafe chain) speaks to various musicians. There is an interesting 4-5 minute piece with Rick, with him showing Don various pieces of CT memorabilia at his house, including three of his custom guitars. Unfortunately, on both a subtitle and on the DVD leaflet, they misspell Rick's name. Although by no means complete, there is a page on my website showing/listing CT items that can be found at various Hard Rock Cafe's and Hotels worldwide; the page is at hardrock.htm

- No news as yet on the release of the next studio CD, though indications suggest the first half of 2006. However, a short amount of new Cheap Trick music has been heard recently, as the band have provided the theme tune for the Comedy Central TV show "Colbert Report" in the USA. The show premiered on Oct 17th, and the Cheap Trick song is reportedly titled "Baby Muggles".

As always, the official website (www.cheaptrick.com) has the most up to date tour dates, also photo's and the merchandise store where new items are regularly added.

I hope you've found this latest issue informative. If you receive this by paper mail, I'd be grateful you could send a stamped envelope for the next issue. If you (or any other Trick fans you know) would prefer to receive this newsletter by e-mail in future, please write or e-mail me. The next newsletter is planned for Jan/Feb, depending on news. May I wish everyone a Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2006!