Cheap Trick Carlos’ fury as they record without him

Shock: Bun E Carlos

Cheap Trick drummer Bun E Carlos has erupted in fury after the band recorded a new song without consulting him.

He’s been off the road for several years as a result of discontent among his colleagues – but insists he’s still very much a member and they have no right to act as if he’s not.

In May Carlos said he was hoping they’d settle their differences, but he didn’t believe they’d make another album after 2009′s The Latest.

Now they’ve tracked a song to contribute to a Special Olympics fundraising album with guitarist Rick Nielsen’s son Daxx behind the drumkit – he’s also been with the band on the road.

Carlos tells Billboard: “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.

“The other members have never seriously talked to me about leaving the band permanently.”

He describes their move as a “shock” and adds: “The Special Olympics was as surprised by this as I was. They had no idea I wasn’t on the record.

“I don’t want them to lose an opportunity to support this great cause – but they simply can’t make a recording without me and call it Cheap Trick.”

A spokesman says it’s “possible” Carlos, who’s also the band’s archivist, could take the issue to court.

The drummer reports that he’s “looking after my interests in Cheap Trick and doing my best to make sure we stand for what is great about rock’n'roll.”