Cheap Trick: Bun E Left Off New Single

Although he hasn't been touring with Cheap Trick for two years, drummer Bun E. Carlos says he's still a member of the band and he was shocked to learn the band has recorded a new track without him.

In an email exchange with Billboard, Bun E. said, "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."

For the last few years, the band has been touring with guitarist Rick Nielsen's son Daxx behind the kit. Still, Bun E. says the other members of the band haven't "seriously talked" to him about "leaving the band permanently." He adds, it was "a real shock" to learn they recorded a song for A Very Special Christmas – 25 Years for the Special Olympics without him. Although Bun E. says he doesn't want the band to lose the opportunity to support "this great cause," he adds that "Tom [Petersson], Rick and Robin [Zander] simply can't make a recording without me and call it Cheap Trick."

It's unclear if Bun. E will take legal action.