Rhythm

Rhythm total percussion magazine

The article is primarily an interview with Cheap Trick drummer Bun E. Carlos but Tom Petersson is also mentioned. The author writes, ‘Although bassist Tom Petersson left in 1980 to pursue other interests, now he’s back with a vengeance, the infamous 12-string bass lines bringing depth and bop back to the songs.’

‘“I worked with three bass players in Cheap Trick, and one of them wasn’t even a bass player; he was a guitar player we hired to play bass,” says drummer Bun E. Carlos, “I had to get two kick drums and four rack toms and three floor toms and two snare drums just to make it sound right.” With Petersson back, the rhythm section is together again… the links in the chain joined.’

‘“He’s a real innovative bass player, you know,” chimes in Nielsen. “Playing four-string and just plunkin’ around doesn’t make it for him. He invented the 12-string; he thought it up and had it made.” From all accounts that’s true. Petersson’s bass has three E strings, three A’s, three D’s and three G’s, two in unison and one an octave lower.’

‘“It’s really not that hard to play,” Tom says simply. When asked if there were any bass players who influenced his playing Petersson said, “No.”’