Bun E. Carlos Quotes

Powerful Bun E. Carlos for Daily Growth

About Bun E. Carlos

Bun E. Carlos, born Bruno Charles Emmett Ciaroski on November 9, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, is a renowned drummer best known as the founding member and primary drummer of the rock band, Cheap Trick. Born to a family with Polish-American roots, his love for music was ignited at an early age through exposure to artists like The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Chuck Berry. In 1972, Carlos co-founded Cheap Trick alongside Rick Nielsen, Tom Petersson, and Robin Zander in Rockford, Illinois. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1977, showcasing their unique blend of power pop and hard rock. The band gained international fame with the release of "At Budokan" (1978), a live double album that catapulted them to stardom, featuring hits like "I Want You To Want Me" and "Surrender." Throughout his career, Carlos's drumming style has been recognized for its unique approach to rock 'n' roll, often characterized by an unconventional use of cymbals and a powerful, driving beat. Despite battling alcoholism and substance abuse issues during the 1980s and early 1990s, Carlos continued to contribute to Cheap Trick's discography, including their influential album "Lost on the Way Home" (1985). In more recent years, Carlos has focused on solo projects, collaborating with artists like Jon Brion, Mitch Easter, and Chris Stamey. His autobiography, "The First 21: A Story of Survival by Bun E. Carlos," was published in 2016, offering a candid look into his life, struggles, and the history of Cheap Trick. Today, Bun E. Carlos remains an influential figure in the world of rock music, known for his unique drumming style, memorable performances, and enduring spirit.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Drums are my mistress, and I have no other."

This quote by Bun E. Carlos emphasizes his intense passion and devotion towards playing the drums. He considers drumming as a significant aspect of his life, giving it the status of a romantic partner or "mistress", demonstrating the central role it plays in his life.


"I think I've spent as much time in the back seat of a car as most people spend in their living room at home."

The quote emphasizes that for Bun E. Carlos, a significant portion of his personal life has been spent traveling and spending time in cars, particularly in the back seat, rather than in more conventional domestic settings like living rooms. This could suggest a nomadic or mobile lifestyle, or perhaps a strong affinity for road trips and adventures. It also implies that these experiences have had an influential role in shaping his personal experiences and memories.


"The drumming just comes out. It's a part of me. I can't not play drums."

This quote suggests that for Bun E. Carlos, drumming is an inherent and integral part of his identity. He views it as something he cannot help but express, much like a natural instinct or an essential aspect of his being. It signifies a deep passion and dedication to his craft, demonstrating the power of music to deeply connect with and define an individual's sense of self.


"When you're on the road, every day is a new adventure."

This quote by Bun E. Carlos suggests that travel or life on the road offers unpredictable and exciting experiences each day, as one encounters diverse environments, cultures, and people. It emphasizes the essence of adventure in the unfamiliar and the joy of discovering new things.


"It's a constant struggle for survival. But you have to love it, or else there's no reason to be doing it." - Bun E. Carlos, Cheap Trick: On the Record (2016)

This quote by Bun E. Carlos emphasizes the challenges inherent in pursuing a creative career, such as being in a band like Cheap Trick. He suggests that the "struggle for survival" refers to the toughness of the music industry, the financial instability, and the intense competition. However, he also underlines the importance of passion and love for what one does, implying that without this emotional connection, there is no compelling reason to persevere in the face of adversity. In essence, he highlights the dual nature of artistic careers: they can be arduous but are worthwhile if fueled by genuine love and passion.


I play every day. I had a bad back, but they fixed it.

- Bun E. Carlos

Play, Every Day, Bad, Fixed

I'm a full member of Cheap Trick in all respects. Solely as an accommodation to some of the band members, I reluctantly agreed to take a temporary hiatus from touring.

- Bun E. Carlos

Temporary, Some, Touring, Reluctantly

In April of 1976, Epic Records was flying out to sign us when I tripped over a light case after a gig and broke my arm. We called the next morning and said, 'Don't go to the airport - Bun E. broke his arm.' They thought Mercury or someone was trying to sign us, so they offered us, like, $25,000 more on top of the deal.

- Bun E. Carlos

Next, Deal, Next Morning, Arm

Before signing any contract, you have to assume that the guy on the other side of the desk is handing you a shifty piece of paper that works to his advantage. I know that sounds cynical, but it's really that simple.

- Bun E. Carlos

Other, Side, Works, Handing

The last thing you want to do is play a long gig on a hot night, pass out, and wind up in a hospital emergency room.

- Bun E. Carlos

Play, Last, Gig, Wind

I practice every day and that kind of stuff to maintain my musicianship.

- Bun E. Carlos

Practice, Kind, Maintain, Musicianship

You just can't walk into a venue, sit behind your drums, and expect to play a great show. It'll never happen.

- Bun E. Carlos

Play, Behind, Venue, Great Show

Every musician in the known universe has signed a bad piece of paper, myself included. But it's really very simple. You're the artist. It's your picture that's going on the CD cover, nobody else's. Protect yourself. Get a good lawyer. You'll kick yourself later if you don't.

- Bun E. Carlos

Artist, Bad, Very, Lawyer

I don't miss going to airports and hanging out in hotel rooms.

- Bun E. Carlos

Hotel, Going, Rooms, Hanging

We were offered 100 'Sgt. Pepper' shows in Las Vegas with a huge back-end.

- Bun E. Carlos

Shows, Pepper, Las Vegas, Offered

I'm still involved in the business of Cheap Trick, so I keep my eye on that kind of stuff.

- Bun E. Carlos

Business, Kind, Still, Trick

The music speaks for itself. You either like it or you don't, or you're somewhere in between. That doesn't change whether I'm in the band or not.

- Bun E. Carlos

Change, Somewhere, Like, Speaks

I don't like doing 25 songs. I think that just kills the audience. I think the show should be 17, 18, 19 songs and encores.

- Bun E. Carlos

Doing, Think, Audience, Encore

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