Brad Carlson (born June 12, 1950), better known by the stage name Bun E. Carlos, is the original drummer for American rock band Cheap Trick. He recorded and performed with the band from 1973 to 2010. Carlos was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016 as a member of Cheap Trick.
Early life
Carlson was born in Rockford, Illinois in 1951 or 1953. to Edwin and Violet ( Nelles) Carlson. Carlson is the third of six children. He has two older siblings (Kurt and Jan) and three younger ones (Mark, Gini, and Edwin).
Carlson attended Lincoln Junior High School and graduated from Guilford High School, where his fellow students included Rick Nielsen and Tom Petersson. Carlson's friendship with Nielsen began in 1963.