On this year’s KISS Kruise IV, it can almost be classified as a mini Cheap Trick Kruise as well. Cheap Trick played the opening night pre-party festivities and Robin Zander and his son Robin Jr. played a few times on the boat as an acoustic duo act.
The 2nd full night brought both Zanders to headline the Stardust Theater. They appeared on stage decked out in Dream Police regalia (the younger removing his attire during the performance.) Usually you’re used to seeing Zander Sr. tear it up with one of the greatest rock bands of all time. This was a different kind of show, but it worked very well in the simple but yet intimate Stardust Theater. Zander times two did a commendable job playing 20 songs. Their setlist consisted of songs from Robin Sr.’s solo albums, some choice covers and of course some Cheap Trick classics.
With the younger Zander on lead, senior accompanied him on rhythm and both played very fluidly together. The elder Zander stated how The Beatles were the biggest influence on him before they launched into “Mind Games.” Appropriate homage was paid to the song. Another cover that got my attention was the Bob Seger classic “Turn the Page.” The elder Zander’s voice was able to differentiate between the multiple ranges.
Zander also dipped into his own catalog and a highlight of this was “Tell It to the World.” A great song that Zander makes come alive. It should be mentioned that the younger Zander played very efficiently the entire night and held his own. He let his dad do what he does while providing solid chords and leads the entire night.
Zander’s voice was very impressive during Cheap Trick’s biggest hit “The Flame.” He really belted it out during parts of the chorus to show that even at age 61, he has every bit of the chops vocally that he did 35 years ago.
It was a treat to see father and son play along with hearing different takes on some of the biggest classic rock songs ever recorded.
Setlist:
Hard to Tell (Cheap Trick song)
Mind Games (John Lennon)
I Don’t Love Here Anymore
I’ve Always Got You
The Ballad of Jean & Me
Was I Wrong
I Don’t Mind
Turn the Page (Bob Seger cover)
Hi & Lo
Voodoo Child (Jimi Hendrix Experience cover)
Genuine Soul
The Scientist – Sailor
Words
Everything Works Out if You Let It (Cheap Trick song)
She Can’t Turn Back Now
Tell It to the World
Chasing Down the Wind High Roller (Cheap Trick song)
Encore:
The Flame (Cheap Trick song)
I Want You to Want Me (Cheap Trick song)
We would like to thank Alaidriale Derway and Anthony Diaz from Sixthman for the credentials to review the show.
