The first sold out show of the summer at Artpark consisted of the veteran rock performers Peter Frampton and Cheap Trick. Both bands are aficionados of one another. Rick Nielson wore a “Frampton Comes Alive” shirt and Peter Frampton couldn’t offer enough praises through his set with regard to Cheap Trick. When bands get along this well, only good things can come from it, therefore producing a big win for the fans.
Taking the stage first was one of the most underrated rock bands in history, Chicago’s own Cheap Trick, who still deliver the goods and still perform and act like true rock stars. Yes, there are still a few left out there ladies and gentleman. Frontman Robin Zander was dressed in a white leather coat with studs and rhinestones and white jeans that were custom made and completed the look with a cowboy hat and mirrored shade sunglasses. The ever so cool Zander had more than his traditional rock star persona going on. He played guitar, both electric and acoustic, through the 18-song set that included a version of “The Flame” that made the hair on your arms stand up. Yes, I got goosebumps hearing it and it’s been a while since any singer has achieved that reaction from me.
Guitarist Rick Nielson was his usual engaging self as he switched guitars after every song, and that included the 5-neck Hamer guitar that he strummed for their last song of the night, “Goodnight.” He threw out many picks to the crowds delight as well. You will not find a more beautiful bass than the 12-string Gretsch that Tom Petersson plays, and he did so for most of the performance. The guys dug deep into their catalog to play lesser known songs like “Lookout” and “Voices.” “Voices” altered the set list when Zander noticed a woman in the front requesting the band to play it, and the band was happy to oblige. They also played a Beatles song, “Magical Mystery Tour,” as they have done just shows consisting of entire Beatles songs in the past. They really covered the gamut and it was a great set and would give extra pressure to the headliner Peter Frampton to give an equal performance.
Frampton might have lost the curly blonde locks that once defined his look, but has lost nothing with regard to his guitar wizardry. One of the most sound and clean players; Frampton was up to the task as he hand his band also turned in a commendable hour and half show.
Opening up with the appropriate “Baby (Somethin’s Happening),” Frampton was all smiles and constantly trying to get the crowd to participate and wave their hands. He was very engaging, even telling a gentleman who was asking shouting out requests that he appreciated it, loved him (in a friend kind of way as he jokingly remarked ) and appreciated his enthusiasm. Frampton’s voice still sounds the same, even after all of these years. He also enjoyed playing off of his guitar player Adam Lester as they traded licks during “Money.”
Frampton still includes the song” Black Hole Sun” in his setlist, as he has over the last several years, continuing to make the track his own and it’s refreshing to hear it performed the way he plays it.
What’s a Frampton show without hearing the songs that made him a household name? It was cool to see him push up “Show Me the Way” to really grab a hold of the audience’s attention and let them know he was mixing things up a little. “Do You Feel Like I Do,” was played with pitch perfect precision also. Both acts were up to the challenge and still on top of their respective games. The sold out crowd didn’t go home disappointed that’s for sure!
Peter Frampton setlist:
Something’s Happening
Doobie Wah
Show Me The Way
Lines on My Face
Lying
Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours (Stevie Wonder cover)
(I’ll Give You) Money
Baby I Love Your Way
Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden cover)
Do You Feel Like We Do
Off the Hook
Cheap Trick setlist:
Hello There Hello There
Come On, Come On
Big Eyes
Lookout
Downed
Anytime
On Top of the World
Voices
Magical Mystery Tour (The Beatles cover)
The Ballad of T.V. Violence (I’m Not The Only Boy)
Baby Loves to Rock
I’m Waiting for the Man (The Velvet Underground cover)
The Flame
I Want You to Want Me
Dream Police
Ain’t That a Shame (Fats Domino cover)
Surrender
Goodnight
We would like to thank Maria Hays from Artpark for her assistance in obtaining credentials so BackstageAxxess can review the show.
