I stopped to watch this Video clip to see if it was one that my late Girlfriend long ago was in the Orchestra. Sure enough there she is. Sadly she passed a year later. A great song of Cheap Trick. I got to meet Robin and Rick during that your. They couldn't be more down to earth guys.
Robin Zander is my favorite rock and roll vocalist of all time. I had the privilege of seeing him live in a very small, intimate venue in 2013 in Houston with his RZB Band and it was unforgettable! I ran in the door off the patio when the band started playing and held my hand over my heart half of the time I was so close. They were fantastic! Just kicking out classic after classic, I had so much fun I sent for a T-shirt, which I received with a complimentary sticker and a nice thank you letter. Class act and was so glad to see Cheap Trick get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! They really deserve it.
I just love when bands play their songs better live than what's on the record. True musicians are always perfecting their craft and this is a classic example.
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there is no end or beginning to cheap trick.I hung with robin a few years ago he was very cool and kind hearted a true consumate rock star.They are one of a kind.
in 1988 I fell in love with my bf, we parted, this song was always in my heart.. and after 20 years we crossed paths again and we are back together.. Fate? but all I know is this song is for sure going to be our wedding song.. :o) Luv you guys, and for this song thank you...
+forgotten80s1 I think it came out a year before in 88". I remember it like yesterday. My wife and I had just started dating. we've been together ever since. This song reminds me of those first few months together, now 27 years later it takes me back, teenagers just starting out trying to make it in life.
forgotten80s1 YES, GREAT SONG FOR SURE. I CAN LISTEN TO IT 1,000 TIMES AND STILL GIVES ME THE SAME FEELING AS IT DID WAY BACK.....NEVER STOP ROCKIN......
A faultless rendition! Robin Zander's voice is heavenly! He could sing hymns and turn me into a believer! Is there anyone with a better voice? Maybe in another world! 🤗
I've never been a huge fan of theirs, but I love this song! Robin kills it on this performance, and this is very challenging to sing, as with many power ballads!
Hell Yeah!!! The fire marshal shut them down when they played.I met Robin Zander and he signed my t - shirt.I felt super special lol because he didn't sign anybody else that night.Great guys!!!
I went to a Ricky Blackmore's Rainbow concert in Cleveland in 1978. There were two opening acts nobody had ever heard of. These two bands called Cheap Trick and REO Speedwagon. Within a year everybody knew who they were. Robin Zander has probably the best range of any rock & roll singer ever.
Another lonely night closing in and I can't believe you're gone ~ no matter how many tears my soul cries ~ they'll never put out your flame ~ it burns still ~
Faces change a little. Hairlines...a tad...but with Mr.Zander, his voice is sterling and ever stellar. The man of a thousand voices, is still one in a million. 38 years of listening, and still loving every moment. *goosebumps* Cheers dear, B
privileged to say this was in my hometown.in a town thats been voted one of the most dangerous places to live and worst cities in america several times there is always the light in the dark..and cheap tricks beautiful music proves that no matter what theres always good in something
Saw this whole concert back in 2002 on directv. then i went out and purchased the DVD. great show shot in their hometown. long setlist. I still watch itl from time to time.
I travelled with these guys in the early 80's as I wasmarried to their lighting designer. I've heard every song in every kind of venue and all this timehas now goneby and they still sound strong and vibrant!! Congrats for althe hard work!
I've seen them twice, both times @ the Jackson County Fair they were FANTASTIC both times, but the 2nd time was even better because 1. my son and daughter got to see them, and 2. by dumb luck we were able to get FRONT ROW TICKETS right in front of Rick. it was just amazing, we got about 10 picks (thanks to my daughter :)
I never liked Cheap Trick in my youth. I thought their muic was teenie bop. I was hooked on blues, southern rock, Beatles, Traffic and so on... Now that I'm older and watch videos like this one I think what the hell was wrong with me?? Robin's voice is right up there with John Lennon's and Paul Rogers. A great tune indeed!!!
Another night slowly closes in And I feel so lonely Touching heat freezing on my skin I pretend you still hold me I'm going crazy, I'm losing sleep I'm in too far, I'm in way too deep over you I can't believe you're gone You were the first, you'll be the last Wherever you go, I'll be with you Whatever you want, I'll give it to you Whenever you need someone To lay your heart and head upon Remember, after the fire, after all the rain I will be the flame I will be the flame Watching shadows move across the wall I feel so frightened I wanna run to you, I wanna call But I've been hit by lightning Just can't stand up for fallin' apart Can't see through this veil across my heart, over you You'll always be the one You were the first, you'll be the last Wherever you go, I'll be with you Whatever you want, I'll give it to you Whenever you need someone To lay your heart and head upon Remember, after the fire, after all the rain I will be the flame I will be the flame I'm going crazy, I'm losing sleep I'm in too far, I'm in way too deep over you You'll always be the one You were the first, you'll be the last Wherever you go, I'll be with you Whatever you want, I'll give it to you Whenever you need someone To lay your heart and head upon Remember, after the fire, after all the rain I will be the flame I will be the flame Whatever you want, I'll give it to you Wherever you go, I'll be with you And whatever you want, I'll give it to you
I know I've watched it about 15 times in a row but I keep clicking repeat anyway !! I'm in awe at Robin's voice and how this song has aged like a fine wine into what I keep hearing over and over.
Robin Zanders has a phenomonal range. He makes it look so easy. I had the pleasure of seeing Cheap Trick @ the Bealle St. music fest. They throw down. Thank you guys for such great music!!
they r from rockford il 2me they rock n i'm not from there but i live there now so much respect 2 cheap trick...from gr mi. home of debarges... yeah; all props 2 all whom prosper ...god bless y'all!!!!!!
I saw them at the House of Blues in Chicago about 5 years back. It was a private party for people from the Nabisco company and I just happened to be lucky enough to get invited. They were stunning! The crowd was really into it and I was about 5 feet from Robin. While he didn't interact much, his voice was outstanding and the whole band was amazing. It is probably the best concert I have ever been to!
nooooooooooo esta cancion me pone de punta los pelos de la piel y me hace recordar mucho a una ex novia que tuve y que tanto ame con mi corazon; pero que desafortunadamente cometi errores que no debi cometer con ella, pero ya es demasiado tarde!!!! saludos desde COLOMBIA-NEIVA-HUILA
Epic! I was there...and witnessed this history. The night before we talked with Robin and Pam in the corridor down at the hotel in Merrillvile...a true gentleman if there ever was one. Yesterday I listened to Heaven Tonight in complete form. It took me back to a time when I was 14. If people only knew how important these guys were and are to so many people. It just don't get any better than this.
I never tire of listening to Cheap Trick and especially this tune. Zander has a great voice for this type of song and I am 69 years young fan of this type Melody - soft rock. It started in the 60s when I first heard them take on Fats Domino and it has done nothing but get better.
Without doubt one of the all time great American Rock and Roll bands. Robin is beyond exceptional, Rick is pure musical genius, Tom is THE Quintessential Bassist and Bun E. No one lays down a better or more solid song foundation than Bun E.
I have seen the Who, Aerosmith, Jethro Tull, all of the old codgers still grinding it out. I must say that out of all of them Robin still has his voice. He just doesnt change. Sounds as strong as he did in "79". Incredible!!
"The Flame" is a ballad written by British songwriters Bob Mitchell and Nick Graham. The song was first offered to English singer Elkie Brooks, who turned it down, and was then released by Cheap Trick, for whom it was a hit single in 1988. The song appeared on the band's Lap of Luxury album. "The Flame" reached number one on the American Billboard Hot 100 in July 1988. It also reached number one in Australia and Canada. Considered as the band's comeback album following the commercial failure of the 1986 album The Doctor, Lap of Luxury spawned three top 40 hit singles and one minor hit single. After "The Flame" topped the American Billboard Hot 100, a cover of Elvis Presley's "Don't Be Cruel" peaked at #4. The third single "Ghost Town" continued the commercial success, peaking at #33 whilst the fourth single "Never Had a Lot to Lose" peaked at #75. The album opener "Let Go" also peaked at #32 on the American Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. The success of "The Flame" brought the group out of a years-long commercial slump and back into music industry prominence. It was the band's only number one single in America. It also became the band's first hit on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, reaching #29 there; "Don't Be Cruel" then hit #32 on the AC chart. Reportedly, the band disliked the song at first; Rick Nielsen disliked the song so much on first hearing that he yanked it from the tape player and ground the cassette beneath his boot heel. In an interview with Gerry Galipault, Cheap Trick drummer Bun E. Carlos stated: "Tom Petersson rejoined in 1988, and then the vice president at Epic Records told us he had these two songs and they're both gonna be #1. He goes, 'We got one for you and one for the group Chicago, but you can have first choice.' He said, 'I think the one 'The Flame' would be good for you guys.' The other one was 'Look Away,' and it sounded like some girl singing on the demo. We really didn't like that song anyway, so 'Sure, we'll do 'The Flame.' We're game.'" According to lead vocalist Robin Zander, "The band was very skeptical about performing this song live, because we only liked to perform songs written by us. However, a young man from, oh, I don't know, somewhere, confirmed to us after a show in Florida about a week after the song was released that the song was great and, get this, would be a #1 single. As we joked about the guy's prediction, we later realized whoa! This guy was right. I thank him for that." A promotional music video was created for the single, receiving frequent airplay on MTV. In the video, Nielsen can be seen using a guitar designed after the band's previous 1986 album "The Doctor". The video was produced by Paul Flattery and directed by Jim Yukich. In the UK, the song peaked at #77 during mid-1988 for a total of 9 weeks. A re-issue exclusively for the UK saw the song re-chart at #87 for two weeks in early 1989. Since the song's release, the band have performed the song on many occasions during their live concerts. A previously unreleased live version of the song was included on the 2000 compilation "Authorized Greatest Hits" which featured sixteen tracks handpicked by the band themselves. A live version was recorded for the 2001 live set Silver. As a worldwide release, the song was released on 7" vinyl, 12" vinyl and CD single. All 7" vinyl versions featured the a-side and the same b-side "Through the Night". In both Spain and the Netherlands, a promotional 7" vinyl featured the a-side on both sides of the vinyl. For the 7" singles, the song was edited down from 5:39 to 4:30, a minute less compared to the album version. In the Netherlands, a 12" vinyl was released which featured the album version of "The Flame", the b-side "Through the Night", as well as an extra track, the "Lap of Luxury" album track "All We Need is a Dream", written by American keyboardist Gregg Giuffria, Rick Nielsen and Robin Zander. In the UK, an alternate 12" vinyl was released which featured the album version of "The Flame", the b-side "Through the Night", the 1977 studio version of the band's 1979 hit "I Want You to Want Me" from the album "In Color", written solely by Rick Nielsen and the 1982 minor hit single "If You Want My Love", also written solely by Nielsen from the album "One on One". In America, a promotional 12" vinyl was released, with the a-side being the album version, titled "The Flame (Long Version)" and the b-side being the single version, titled "The Flame (Short Version)".
I've said it many times on the interwebs and I'll repeat it here - Robin Zander is the most underrated R&R vocalist of all time. I mean, this was an 80's factory ballad. Nothing special about it. Generic lyrics that are vaguely inspriational and don't really mean anything. Uninspired melody backed by so so power chords. But the reason it was a hit and the reason people remember it is because Robin sang the living shit out of it. This song would not have been a hit w/o Robin's vocals. And he sang it better live than in this studio too.
Robin Zander is an incredible vocalist and is very under rated indeed. It's a good song, but Robin Zander's voice just made it come alive. I've heard many singers sing a hit, that if it was them on the recording ,it probably would not have had any success at all. Just my opinion.
You guys are right.... If you haven't heard this song in a while, it's easy to forget how good he sings. Doesn't matter how old he gets, it's always the same; GREAT !! His voice is a gift to everyone who hears him sing.
Totally agree. Spot on. For all it's genericness, it still resonates deep as a tender love power ballad. But when I watch these live versions, I am focusing on Robin sing the living shit out of it, his expressions, exactly.
Two of my top three fav rock bands are from Illinois. REO Speedwagon and Cheap Trick. Of the two Cheap Trick has by far stood up to the test of time and stayed an awesome band. When REO lost Richrath they lost alot of steam they never recovered. REO is still a good band, but not a great band on the level of Cheap Trick.
Wherever you go, I'll be with you. Whenever you need someone to lay your heart and head upon.Remember: after the fire, after all the rain,I will be the flame.I will be the flame.'ll always be the best of my life but I must go and start again bye sonia.
Sensational. One of the best power ballads of all time. The entire song revolves around Asus & Bsus, allowing enormous scope for melodic improvisation.
Absolutely Sensational!!!! What an amazing song & the vocals are outstanding. This is one of the few songs that the band did not write & was their biggest hit. It is a perfectly crafted pop song which takes us through a few changes of mood & builds beautifully. I have taught this song to many people & they all love it......young & old alike.
God always and Love dear brother Robin and cheap trick .You guys will never ever be forgotten . I dearly love you guys and your always in my thoughts and prayers too 😊👍
It doesn't matter the age. Music is timeless. Well...good music. It's ridiculous to think that people will still be listening to today's music 20...30...50...100...or 200 years from now like people do now.
Isn't it ironic that a group called cheap trick has one of the most valuable songs ever written & sung !
I swear, Robin Zander has the best voice in all of Rock history. He can sing anything.
TheKyPerson he is great...but I give the best vocals to Steve Perry... opinion of course.
la mejor mejor voz Mundial lo adoro
I saw them live in 1979!!! Still sounds the same!!! Incredible ❤
Robin Zander is another great voice that will live on like an eternal "FLAME". Awesome vocals for almost 40 years.
I stopped to watch this Video clip to see if it was one that my late Girlfriend long ago was in the Orchestra. Sure enough there she is. Sadly she passed a year later. A great song of Cheap Trick. I got to meet Robin and Rick during that your. They couldn't be more down to earth guys.
Robin Zander is my favorite rock and roll vocalist of all time. I had the privilege of seeing him live in a very small, intimate venue in 2013 in Houston with his RZB Band and it was unforgettable! I ran in the door off the patio when the band started playing and held my hand over my heart half of the time I was so close. They were fantastic! Just kicking out classic after classic, I had so much fun I sent for a T-shirt, which I received with a complimentary sticker and a nice thank you letter. Class act and was so glad to see Cheap Trick get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! They really deserve it.
I just love when bands play their songs better live than what's on the record.
True musicians are always perfecting their craft and this is a classic example.
YES....glad I'm not the only one who notices this!
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there is no end or beginning to cheap trick.I hung with robin a few years ago he was very cool and kind hearted a true consumate rock star.They are one of a kind.
Snap your fingers, I will come running - I love that part too
in 1988 I fell in love with my bf, we parted, this song was always in my heart.. and after 20 years we crossed paths again and we are back together.. Fate? but all I know is this song is for sure going to be our wedding song.. :o) Luv you guys, and for this song thank you...
@victoria 🤘🤘🎸 🎸 😊
Sat across the aisle from him coming home from the UK and he looks so good it takes me back to 1977 when I first saw Cheap Trick
Ahhh... flashback to the summer of 1989. Good times. GREAT SONG!!
+forgotten80s1 I think it came out a year before in 88". I remember it like yesterday. My wife and I had just started dating. we've been together ever since. This song reminds me of those first few months together, now 27 years later it takes me back, teenagers just starting out trying to make it in life.
I do believe you are right about that! Thanks for the correction :) Great song regardless!!
forgotten80s1 YES, GREAT SONG FOR SURE. I CAN LISTEN TO IT 1,000 TIMES AND STILL GIVES ME THE SAME FEELING AS IT DID WAY BACK.....NEVER STOP ROCKIN......
+forgotten80s1 What a great year that was!!
1988!
A faultless rendition! Robin Zander's voice is heavenly! He could sing hymns and turn me into a believer! Is there anyone with a better voice? Maybe in another world! 🤗
@ivy🤘🤘🎸 🎸 😊
I've never been a huge fan of theirs, but I love this song! Robin kills it on this performance, and this is very challenging to sing, as with many power ballads!
@kylie 🤘🤘🎸 🎸 😊
Hell Yeah!!! The fire marshal shut them down when they played.I met Robin Zander and he signed my t - shirt.I felt super special lol because he didn't sign anybody else that night.Great guys!!!
@le🤘🤘🎸 🎸 😊
I went to a Ricky Blackmore's Rainbow concert in Cleveland in 1978. There were two opening acts nobody had ever heard of. These two bands called Cheap Trick and REO Speedwagon. Within a year everybody knew who they were.
Robin Zander has probably the best range of any rock & roll singer ever.
No one is better than Robin Zander or Cheap Trick in todays world.
@brenda 🤘🤘🎸 🎸 😊
My favorite singer in the whole wide world period ..........
Another lonely night closing in and I can't believe you're gone ~ no matter how many tears my soul cries ~ they'll never put out your flame ~ it burns still ~
82sweetheart, well said!
Tears
@sweetheart 🤘🤘🎸 🎸 😊
cheap trick best band!!!!robin zander still sings this song AMAZING. its great but even better live... doesn't seem to age!
@lisa 🤘🤘🎸 🎸 😊
My opinion.....
Without a doubt,
The absolute best version of this song ever!!!
The vocals were amazing and spot on!!!
Faces change a little.
Hairlines...a tad...but with Mr.Zander, his voice is sterling and ever stellar.
The man of a thousand voices, is still one in a million.
38 years of listening, and still loving every moment. *goosebumps*
Cheers dear, B
Greatest song ever written and performed
privileged to say this was in my hometown.in a town thats been voted one of the most dangerous places to live and worst cities in america several times there is always the light in the dark..and cheap tricks beautiful music proves that no matter what theres always good in something
Robin sends shivers down my spine. Cheap Trick is perfect.
Brenda Phillips Body's aching all the time???
Great song. Great voice. Great music. I love it
Saw this whole concert back in 2002 on directv. then i went out and purchased the DVD. great show shot in their hometown. long setlist. I still watch itl from time to time.
+Charles Harris Same here, and the next month they played U2 live from Boston... EVERY DAY and I bought that one too!
I travelled with these guys in the early 80's as I wasmarried to their lighting designer. I've heard every song in every kind of venue and all this timehas now goneby and they still sound strong and vibrant!! Congrats for althe hard work!
@christy 🤘🤘🎸 🎸 😊
I've seen them twice, both times @ the Jackson County Fair
they were FANTASTIC both times, but the 2nd time was even better because 1. my son and daughter got to see them, and 2. by dumb luck we were able to get FRONT ROW TICKETS right in front of Rick.
it was just amazing, we got about 10 picks (thanks to my daughter :)
KILLER Live Version !!! LONG LIVE Cheap Trick- Don't go back to Ottawa !
CON ESTE TEMA HERMOSO CONOCI UN LUGAR MUY LINDO Q PENSE Q NUNCA IBA IR , GRACIAS LE DOY A LA PERSONA Q M ACOMPAÑO
This was great vocal songs of all time. Robin you my hero (Cheap Trick ROCKS)
Even better than the studio version.
I never liked Cheap Trick in my youth. I thought their muic was teenie bop. I was hooked on blues, southern rock, Beatles, Traffic and so on... Now that I'm older and watch videos like this one I think what the hell was wrong with me?? Robin's voice is right up there with John Lennon's and Paul Rogers. A great tune indeed!!!
wow. the robin was almost 50 then, but still an incredible singer! perfect performance.
Another night slowly closes in
And I feel so lonely
Touching heat freezing on my skin
I pretend you still hold me
I'm going crazy, I'm losing sleep
I'm in too far, I'm in way too deep over you
I can't believe you're gone
You were the first, you'll be the last
Wherever you go, I'll be with you
Whatever you want, I'll give it to you
Whenever you need someone
To lay your heart and head upon
Remember, after the fire, after all the rain
I will be the flame
I will be the flame
Watching shadows move across the wall
I feel so frightened
I wanna run to you, I wanna call
But I've been hit by lightning
Just can't stand up for fallin' apart
Can't see through this veil across my heart, over you
You'll always be the one
You were the first, you'll be the last
Wherever you go, I'll be with you
Whatever you want, I'll give it to you
Whenever you need someone
To lay your heart and head upon
Remember, after the fire, after all the rain
I will be the flame
I will be the flame
I'm going crazy, I'm losing sleep
I'm in too far, I'm in way too deep over you
You'll always be the one
You were the first, you'll be the last
Wherever you go, I'll be with you
Whatever you want, I'll give it to you
Whenever you need someone
To lay your heart and head upon
Remember, after the fire, after all the rain
I will be the flame
I will be the flame
Whatever you want, I'll give it to you
Wherever you go, I'll be with you
And whatever you want, I'll give it to you
Have always loved them, and this song makes me want to cry - in a good way!
@diana 🤘🤘🎸 🎸 😊
Robin Zander has such a great sustained tenor voice. His vocal really adds the emotion to this song! It's just a gorgeous song!
Beautiful song
@brenda 🤘🤘🎸 🎸 😊
I know I've watched it about 15 times in a row but I keep clicking repeat anyway !! I'm in awe at Robin's voice and how this song has aged like a fine wine into what I keep hearing over and over.
What a strong,powerful vocal!...none of these so called"artists" of today could ever come close to Robin Zander's vocal range.
Robin Zander you are the legend
Robin Zanders has a phenomonal range. He makes it look so easy. I had the pleasure of seeing Cheap Trick @ the Bealle St. music fest. They throw down. Thank you guys for such great music!!
Awesome.......The boys still have it !
@barb 🤘🤘🎸 🎸 😊
they r from rockford il 2me they rock n i'm not from there but i live there now so much respect 2 cheap trick...from gr mi. home of debarges... yeah; all props 2 all whom prosper ...god bless y'all!!!!!!
i still remember when i first heard this song...i got chills..one of my favs of all time
Man.....I missed the 80's.....but I can dream still....
I saw these guys two years ago in a small venue, I was really impressed how they still had it together. Robin's voice is still great!
this is one of my fevorate song in the history of music
I saw them at the House of Blues in Chicago about 5 years back. It was a private party for people from the Nabisco company and I just happened to be lucky enough to get invited. They were stunning! The crowd was really into it and I was about 5 feet from Robin. While he didn't interact much, his voice was outstanding and the whole band was amazing. It is probably the best concert I have ever been to!
WOW! This is easily the best live version of this song ever; I'm glad I found it.
nooooooooooo esta cancion me pone de punta los pelos de la piel y me hace recordar mucho a una ex novia que tuve y que tanto ame con mi corazon; pero que desafortunadamente cometi errores que no debi cometer con ella, pero ya es demasiado tarde!!!! saludos desde COLOMBIA-NEIVA-HUILA
Epic! I was there...and witnessed this history. The night before we talked with Robin and Pam in the corridor down at the hotel in Merrillvile...a true gentleman if there ever was one. Yesterday I listened to Heaven Tonight in complete form. It took me back to a time when I was 14. If people only knew how important these guys were and are to so many people. It just don't get any better than this.
I never tire of listening to Cheap Trick and especially this tune. Zander has a great voice for this type of song and I am 69 years young fan of this type Melody - soft rock. It started in the 60s when I first heard them take on Fats Domino and it has done nothing but get better.
Such emotion from Robin. Underrated Singer. God Bless
The Power Ballad of Power Ballads!
He's still got it!!
@terry 🤘🤘🎸 🎸 😊
Cheap Trick Are A Good Band , I've Seen Em 2 Times And Prob Would Go Again If They Came Back To Indianapolis ~
is a great band
Without doubt one of the all time great American Rock and Roll bands. Robin is beyond exceptional, Rick is pure musical genius, Tom is THE Quintessential Bassist and Bun E. No one lays down a better or more solid song foundation than Bun E.
I love the way the guitar sounds, the way he sings.. the way he looks, the passion in the song... pretty intense!
Robin's still got the pipes! Rock on, guys!
Robin sends shivers down my spine. Cheap Trick is perfect.
sounds just like it did back in 1989 at prom
I have seen the Who, Aerosmith, Jethro Tull, all of the old codgers still grinding it out. I must say that out of all of them Robin still has his voice. He just doesnt change. Sounds as strong as he did in "79". Incredible!!
RIP REMINGTON FORADORI, MY SONml
purchased this today off of amazon...apparently, it's rare....worth every penny. I love me some inexpensive prank.
"The Flame" is a ballad written by British songwriters Bob Mitchell and Nick Graham. The song was first offered to English singer Elkie Brooks, who turned it down, and was then released by Cheap Trick, for whom it was a hit single in 1988. The song appeared on the band's Lap of Luxury album.
"The Flame" reached number one on the American Billboard Hot 100 in July 1988. It also reached number one in Australia and Canada.
Considered as the band's comeback album following the commercial failure of the 1986 album The Doctor, Lap of Luxury spawned three top 40 hit singles and one minor hit single. After "The Flame" topped the American Billboard Hot 100, a cover of Elvis Presley's "Don't Be Cruel" peaked at #4. The third single "Ghost Town" continued the commercial success, peaking at #33 whilst the fourth single "Never Had a Lot to Lose" peaked at #75. The album opener "Let Go" also peaked at #32 on the American Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. The success of "The Flame" brought the group out of a years-long commercial slump and back into music industry prominence. It was the band's only number one single in America. It also became the band's first hit on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, reaching #29 there; "Don't Be Cruel" then hit #32 on the AC chart.
Reportedly, the band disliked the song at first; Rick Nielsen disliked the song so much on first hearing that he yanked it from the tape player and ground the cassette beneath his boot heel.
In an interview with Gerry Galipault, Cheap Trick drummer Bun E. Carlos stated: "Tom Petersson rejoined in 1988, and then the vice president at Epic Records told us he had these two songs and they're both gonna be #1. He goes, 'We got one for you and one for the group Chicago, but you can have first choice.' He said, 'I think the one 'The Flame' would be good for you guys.' The other one was 'Look Away,' and it sounded like some girl singing on the demo. We really didn't like that song anyway, so 'Sure, we'll do 'The Flame.' We're game.'"
According to lead vocalist Robin Zander, "The band was very skeptical about performing this song live, because we only liked to perform songs written by us. However, a young man from, oh, I don't know, somewhere, confirmed to us after a show in Florida about a week after the song was released that the song was great and, get this, would be a #1 single. As we joked about the guy's prediction, we later realized whoa! This guy was right. I thank him for that."
A promotional music video was created for the single, receiving frequent airplay on MTV. In the video, Nielsen can be seen using a guitar designed after the band's previous 1986 album "The Doctor". The video was produced by Paul Flattery and directed by Jim Yukich.
In the UK, the song peaked at #77 during mid-1988 for a total of 9 weeks. A re-issue exclusively for the UK saw the song re-chart at #87 for two weeks in early 1989.
Since the song's release, the band have performed the song on many occasions during their live concerts.
A previously unreleased live version of the song was included on the 2000 compilation "Authorized Greatest Hits" which featured sixteen tracks handpicked by the band themselves.
A live version was recorded for the 2001 live set Silver.
As a worldwide release, the song was released on 7" vinyl, 12" vinyl and CD single. All 7" vinyl versions featured the a-side and the same b-side "Through the Night". In both Spain and the Netherlands, a promotional 7" vinyl featured the a-side on both sides of the vinyl. For the 7" singles, the song was edited down from 5:39 to 4:30, a minute less compared to the album version.
In the Netherlands, a 12" vinyl was released which featured the album version of "The Flame", the b-side "Through the Night", as well as an extra track, the "Lap of Luxury" album track "All We Need is a Dream", written by American keyboardist Gregg Giuffria, Rick Nielsen and Robin Zander. In the UK, an alternate 12" vinyl was released which featured the album version of "The Flame", the b-side "Through the Night", the 1977 studio version of the band's 1979 hit "I Want You to Want Me" from the album "In Color", written solely by Rick Nielsen and the 1982 minor hit single "If You Want My Love", also written solely by Nielsen from the album "One on One". In America, a promotional 12" vinyl was released, with the a-side being the album version, titled "The Flame (Long Version)" and the b-side being the single version, titled "The Flame (Short Version)".
Cheap Trick is Fantastic and I have been listening to them for over 25 years!
big heart on him
Perfection, Steve….
Classic love ballad! Cheap Trick's finest moment, it blows away all their rockin tunes.
love it AND a plus he resides same city here as i safety harbor fl :-)
@stella 🤘🤘🎸 🎸 😊
It is definitely one of the best songs written ever, I can listen to it ten times and still enjoy it....amazing singer and rock band.
Hats off to Robin and the band,This song stands the test of time extremely well.Great song and band
just beautiful...
@lora 🤘🤘🎸 🎸 😊
I've said it many times on the interwebs and I'll repeat it here - Robin Zander is the most underrated R&R vocalist of all time.
I mean, this was an 80's factory ballad. Nothing special about it. Generic lyrics that are vaguely inspriational and don't really mean anything. Uninspired melody backed by so so power chords. But the reason it was a hit and the reason people remember it is because Robin sang the living shit out of it. This song would not have been a hit w/o Robin's vocals. And he sang it better live than in this studio too.
Robin Zander is an incredible vocalist and is very under rated indeed. It's a good song, but Robin Zander's voice
just made it come alive. I've heard many singers sing a hit, that if it was them on the recording ,it probably would not
have had any success at all. Just my opinion.
You guys are right.... If you haven't heard this song in a while, it's easy to forget how good he sings. Doesn't matter how old he gets, it's always the same; GREAT !! His voice is a gift to everyone who hears him sing.
a lot of 80s RR singers suck live. they just can't live up to their recorded versions. robin zander does just the exact opposite!
Totally agree. Spot on. For all it's genericness, it still resonates deep as a tender love power ballad. But when I watch these live versions, I am focusing on Robin sing the living shit out of it, his expressions, exactly.
So so Underrated Singer
great songs are rare....like this one....
Two of my top three fav rock bands are from Illinois. REO Speedwagon and Cheap Trick. Of the two Cheap Trick has by far stood up to the test of time and stayed an awesome band. When REO lost Richrath they lost alot of steam they never recovered. REO is still a good band, but not a great band on the level of Cheap Trick.
Is that Bun E. Carlos ? Back again w/ the group....AWESOME !!!
Saw them at the Stampede Corral in Calgary in 1980 - fantastic concert. To think you can still see these guys in 2012 is just great.
Wherever you go, I'll be with you. Whenever you need someone to lay your heart and head upon.Remember: after the fire, after all the rain,I will be the flame.I will be the flame.'ll always be the best of my life but I must go and start again bye sonia.
Sensational. One of the best power ballads of all time. The entire song revolves around Asus & Bsus, allowing enormous scope for melodic improvisation.
Wow! I forgot how GREAT this song is! This song brings back so many memories!
Robin Zander is incredible. I think that Cheap Trick are possibly the most underrated band ever. Saw them a couple of years ago. So good still!
this video was shot on august 28, 1999. i live just across the river by davis park!!!!
Amazing. Robin Zander could sing the contents of a phone book and totally hit it out of the park !
Absolutely Sensational!!!! What an amazing song & the vocals are outstanding. This is one of the few songs that the band did not write & was their biggest hit.
It is a perfectly crafted pop song which takes us through a few changes of mood & builds beautifully. I have taught this song to many people & they all love it......young & old alike.
THAT...WAS...AWSOME!!!!!
God always and Love dear brother Robin and cheap trick .You guys will never ever be forgotten . I dearly love you guys and your always in my thoughts and prayers too 😊👍
This should be in the top 1 songs...wait what?!
i still have the single and it is still great.
THEY MAY BE OLD, BUT THERE ALIVE AND KICKING AND ROBIN STILL CAN SING DAMN GOOD
YES he does.. Fantastic singer..One of the best voices in music..
One of the best love ballads by a rock group of all time!
Best live band!
My Favorite Song even though it's old but for me is always fresh .I always listening this song .We do have copied in Burmese music as well lol :)
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It doesn't matter the age. Music is timeless. Well...good music. It's ridiculous to think that people will still be listening to today's music 20...30...50...100...or 200 years from now like people do now.
I hope I'm still enjoying music like this when I'm 74!!!
one of the greatest voices in the world of music!
LOVE IT!!! Beautiful Song!!
@nana 🤘🤘🎸 🎸 😊
They still got it!
Robin Zander and Cheap Trick still ROCK after all these years!!