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United States Rick Nielsen is a foundational guitarist and songwriter, best known as a member of the iconic rock band Cheap Trick, bringing a distinctive style to stages worldwide.
Rick Nielsen is a celebrity co-owner and partner in ROCK'N Vodka, a brand that he invites fans to drink and invest in. The partnership involves promoting the vodka through various channels, including social media and public appearances. The brand utilized Nielsen's association with Cheap Trick and rock and roll culture to market its products.
Rick Nielsen and The Mothership Technologies announced a collectibles partnership, aiming to create unique collectible items. This collaboration included a 3D laser scan of Nielsen's 1978 'Dream Police' checkerboard guitar, which likely served as a basis for digital or physical collectibles.
ROCK'N Vodka, in partnership with Rick Nielsen, joined with Insurance King and Josh Bilicki at the Daytona International Speedway. This collaboration involved Bilicki driving the Insurance King and ROCK'N Vodka car during the Daytona Road Course on August 15, 2020.
Rick Nielsen is a co-owner of Piece Brewery & Pizzeria, a establishment in Chicago known for its gourmet pizzas and brewery offerings. This venture reflects Nielsen's involvement in local businesses and extends his interests beyond music.
Rick Nielsen was an early and visible early adopter of Hamer Guitars, collaborating closely with Paul Hamer and Jol Dantzig. He frequently commissioned custom guitars from them, including his iconic checkerboard Standard and the five-neck guitar. This partnership was integral to both Nielsen's stage persona and Hamer's brand development.
In 2016, the Gibson Custom Shop released a limited run of Rick Nielsen designed guitars, based on his personally favored 1959 Les Paul. This collaboration honored his status as a legendary guitarist and collector, allowing fans to acquire guitars modeled after his specifications.
Richard Alan Nielsen, born on December 22, 1948, in Elmhurst, Illinois, grew up in a musical family with opera singers as parents and a father who directed symphonies. His early immersion in music led him to explore various instruments, shifting from drums to guitar and keyboards in his teens. Nielsen’s family also owned a music store in Rockford, Illinois, which provided him with exposure to instruments. His early bands included The Phaetons and The Grim Reapers, the latter of which later featured Tom Petersson. This foundation in diverse musical styles and hands-on experience with instruments contributed to his unique approach to rock music.
Nielsen’s career advanced through several bands, including Fuse, which released one album, and a brief stint with Nazz. A pivotal moment occurred in 1972 when he formed Sick Man of Europe in Philadelphia with Tom Petersson and Bun E. Carlos. This lineup evolved into Cheap Trick in 1973, with Robin Zander joining in 1974. Nielsen became the primary songwriter for the band’s initial albums, contributing significantly to their sound. Cheap Trick achieved mainstream success, including a number one U.S. single “The Flame.” Beyond the band, Nielsen’s musical contributions include a recording session with John Lennon in 1980 for the “Double Fantasy” album, though his contributions were released posthumously.
Throughout his career, Nielsen has been noted for his unique stage presence and extensive guitar collection, totaling around 500 instruments by 2018. His custom-made guitars, particularly from Hamer Guitars, such as the famous five-neck guitar, have become synonymous with his image. He has also made numerous television appearances and participated in documentaries such like Michael Moore’s “The Big One” (1997), Dave Grohl’s “Sound City” (2013), and “Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways” (2014). In his hometown of Rockford, Illinois, Nielsen actively supports community initiatives, including the Rockford Icehogs charitable foundation and the renovation of the Coronado Theater, demonstrating his engagement beyond music.
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