Rick Nielsen says that estranged Cheap Trick drummer Bun E. Carlos "deserves" to play at the band's upcoming Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Speaking with the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Nielsen addressed the band's tensions with Carlos.

"I guess it's good, but we never see each other. He's going to play the inductions because they're inducting the people who made the records way back when, and that's good. He deserves it."

Carlos, who recently settled a federal lawsuit for back payments from the band, previously admitted that his relationship with the band is strained, but he'd consider "making nice" for the event.

"Any friendship we had went away when I had to file a federal lawsuit.

That cost a bucket of f—ing money," he explained. "Going after these guys wasn't pleasant.

The friendship sort of frittered away there."

Also joining the HOF next year are Chicago, Deep Purple and Steve Miller.

The 31st annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremony will take place on April 8 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.