Since its inception slightly more than five decades ago, rock ‘n’ roll has produced many bands that have mixed melody with a powerful beat. Few, however, have had the longetivity or impact of Cheap Trick. Since their first record was released in 1977, the Rockford, Ill. quartet has gone from strength to strength, with an almost universal appeal. Their first five albums are certified classics, with such perennials as “Clock Strikes Ten,” “Dream Police” and “Ello Kiddies” among some of the catchiest tunes ever recorded.The band have been regular visitors to San Diego since their inception, enough so that guitarist and chief songwriter Rick Neilson has called the city “a second home.” Currently on tour in support of their 24th album, “Rockford,” the band stops in at 4th & B on Feb. 22. “I love the beat,” said drummer Todd Woolsey, who performs with numerous local bands as well as ’80s rocker Tommy Tutone. “[Drummer] Bun E. Carlos always throws in rhythms that add something to the songs and make the melodies stronger.” As much as he loves their records, he prefers the live experience. “Don’t get me wrong, the records are great. But live there is so much energy. It’s amazing to me that the guys are as old as they are because they play like they’re a bunch of 18-year-olds with something to prove.”Producer Alan Sanderson agrees. Having been behind the board for such acts as The Rolling Stones, Weezer and Elton John, he cites Cheap Trick’s musicianship as a key to their success. “For me, they represent everything right with music,” said Sanderson. “It’s the equation that combines great playing with excellent songs. It’s a difficult combination to come up with, but once you have those two things in place, it’s unbeatable.”Seth Gordon of Virginia power-pop kings The Mockers is more than a little cynical of today’s music scene but also holds the band up as an example of how to do things right with a career. “I’m amazed that a band that writes great melodies and puts on such great shows is able to survive this long,” he joked. Gordon cites “Surrender” as his favorite track, but anything from the first three albums would suit him. “The fact is when you put on a Cheap Trick song, people smile. Even people that don’t know the band get happy. It doesn’t matter how old you are, they make great pop music and it’s fun.” Rookie Card guitarist Dylan Martinez agrees. His song of choice would be “Downed.” “I love the catchiness of the songs,” he explained. “Those incredible melodies hook me in. They have a rock sound but in a very sing-along way.”Veteran Los Angeles indie musician Adam Marsland, currently fronting the Chaos Band, noted that Cheap Trick’s visuals have also been important to the band. “They bridge the gap between the geeks and the cool kids,” he remarked. “They were one of the few rock bands that punks could stand when they first hit in the late ’70s. Their sound is as much rock as it is pop. And their look was initially a big part of their appeal. It’s easy to overlook today because so many bands are doing it, but they had that thing where half the band was defiantly geeky and half the band looked like rock stars. They really played that up. It was innovative. But the reason they’ve stood the test of time? It’s down to the fact that their songs are so good.” For 91X DJ Al Guerra, the band represents one of his earliest memories in music. ˜I Want You To Want Me,’ was one of the first pieces of vinyl I remember my brother bringing home when I was a kid,” he recalled. “They were pioneers in the mix of pop and rock ‘n’ roll, and a great live act to boot. Today they are a jukebox staple,” he stated.”That’s how kids get introduced to their music. There always seems to be a new generation of fans discovering them. A kid today into Fall Out Boy or whatever would love them.”You can expect Cheap Trick’s 4th & B show to spotlight songs from their new disc, but rest assured the majority of the show will be full of the classic material audiences have grown to know and love, complete with an audience sing-along on “Surrender.” It may be 30 years since they released their debut, but Cheap Trick and their music remain timeless. Cheap Trick plays at 4th & B Monday, Feb. 22. For tickets or more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.