This year’s “Celebrate Erie, PA Festival” brought out one of the most underrated and greatest American rock bands, Cheap Trick. Let’s try not to contemplate why this band isn’t in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, considering how they possibly released one of the greatest live albums of all time with “Cheap Trick at Budokan.” Instead let’s try to focus on the great live show that Cheap Trick still delivers. The free show brought out thousands to witness the return of the band for the first time in over 30 years, according to guitarist Rick Nielsen.
Nielsen and his band played a diverse set list that appeased all Cheap Trick fans alike. They dusted off seldom unheard gems like “Elo Kiddies” and “Stop This Game.” Vocalist and rhythm guitarist Robin Zander, who took the stage in a Dream Police outfit, never sounded better! Bassist Tom Petersson who plays a beautiful Gretsch 12-string bass guitar, sang lead vocals on “I Know What I Want” from one of Cheap Trick’s biggest albums, “Dream Police.” They continue to have Daxx Nielsen (Rick’s son) pounding the skins, as they have for the last 5 years.
Nielsen, who changed guitars before every song, brought out the world famous 5-neck guitar during “Surrender’ and used it for “Goodnight.” Even the guitar called “Uncle Dick,”which I never have seen before, made an appearance. Nielsen also tossed out a few hundred guitar picks, which most unfortunately landed in the gaping pit area and were scarffed up by security and the filming crew much to the crowds dismay.
How can anyone walk away from a Cheap Trick show without a feel good sensation of witnessing something special? Bands who are starting out should take notice from a legendary band like them to learn how a top-notch show is really put on.
It’s been over 5 years since the release of new Cheap Trick material entitled “The Latest.” With drummer Daxx Nielsen in the fold, I hope the band will pursue making another album soon.
Setlist:
Hello There
Elo Kiddies
California Man (The Move cover)
Ain’t That a Shame
Tonight it’s You
If You Want my Love
Borderline
Lookout
Baby Loves to Rock
In the Street (Big Star cover)
She’s Tight
I Know What I Want
Stop this Game
The Flame
I Want You to Want Me
Dream Police
Encore:
Never Had a Lot to Lose
Surrender
Goodnight
We would like to thank to Cheap trick Manager Carla Dragotti and Mayor Joe Sinnott for their assistance in credentialing BackstageAxxess for this show.
