Welcome to the fifth "unofficial" Cheap Trick newsletter. Unfortunately, starting off with disappointing news....

The main and latest news is about the European tour, details of which were given in the previous newsletter. Red Ant have just confirmed to me that ALL European tour dates (listed in issue 4) have been CANCELLED. I'm sorry, I do not know the reasons for the cancellation of the of the tour. The European dates were cancelled towards the end of August, but last ditch attempts were made in early Sept to save the British dates, but these unfortunately failed. If you have bought tickets for any of the dates, I would suggest that you contact the venue for confirmation, and refund. This news should be carried in the UK music press around 10 Sept. I do not at this stage know whether the tour will be rearranged at a later date. I will of course let you know if/when I hear anything further. The band continue playing dates in the US during September, and it appears that they will now be supporting Motley Crue on their US tour from 10 October.

I cannot confirm that a second single from the "Cheap Trick" album will now be released here, given the cancellation of the tour. I had recently been told by Red Ant that a second single was likely for release around late Sept/Oct, but they were unable to state what the single would be. My best guess was either Anytime or Carnival Game, though Anytime does not appear to have yet been released in the US. I would suggest you keep an eye out in the shops in a few weeks time. If a second single is released in the next month or two, I do not know if the UK release will feature bonus tracks, as "Say Goodbye" did here.

The interview Rick & Bun E did for the satellite TV channel VH-1 (UK) for their "Ten of the Best" programme is not scheduled for broadcast during September. So keep an eye out in October or November. Also, I still have no more news on the release of the Cheap Trick tribute album "Cheap Shots" . It would appear that it may be "shelved", indefinitely ?

I understand from Trick International that consideration is being given to arranging Trickfest '98, possibly to be held in February . I have no news of location, though would guess Chicago or Rockford, Illinois. More details when I get them.

The unofficial Cheap Trick biography written by Mike Hayes, "Reputation is a Fragile Thing" is nearing completion. It details the history of the band and its members, and spans their entire recording and performing career right up to autumn 1997. With help from writer and publisher, Ken Sharp, it is planned to be available by the end of 1997. Price details are to be finalised, but if you would like to register your interest in acquiring a copy, please either e-mail Ken Sharp at sharpk@aol.com giving your name and address, or write to him at PO Box 1249, Willow Grove, PA19090, USA. Don't delay as expressions of interest are likely to influence how many copies are published. I know Mike has worked for several years on this project, and this excellent book will be an invaluable companion for any Cheap Trick fan. Highly recommended.

To remind you that Trick International can be contacted at PO Box 7118, FDR Station, New York, NY 10150, USA. Merchandise can be ordered from Trickstuff, 630 S Whitney Way, # 150, Madison, WI 53711, USA. New items have just become available, and I enclose a copy of the latest merchandise list. Remember that you can get a 10% discount on most orders (other than special offers) if you are a TI member.

I hope you've found this issue informative, though I'd have preferred not to be passing on bad news. Please send an sae (UK) or International Reply Coupon (IRC) (Europe) for the next issue, probably in November. Please note that I will no longer send this out to people who don't send postage costs (thanks to those people who have regularly done so). This is a free and "unofficial" service", and I cannot afford to cover postage costs for up to 110 people across the world. If you didn't send postage for Issue #4, you missed details of how to find the "hidden" track on the new CD as well as tour news! Who knows what you might miss next time ?