Bun E. Carlos is the amiable and adroit drummer, archivist, and set list writer for Rockford, IL's illustrious Cheap Trick. Leaving behind the oldies circuit, Carlos fine-tuned his avuncular charm and steady beat as Cheap Trick became local heroes and then mega-stars rising to a brief platinum period in the late '70s. An obvious high point came working with John Lennon in 1980. The band weathered some hard times until 1988, when "The Flame" became Cheap Trick's only number one (all four members hated this factory ballad). Carlos held drum clinics, produced the Blues Hawks, and lent his talents (along with guitarist Rick Nielsen) to Jim Peterik's . Carlos quit smoking cold turkey in the '90s, losing his trademark dangling cigarette. ~ Doug Stone, All Music Guide