Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Cheap Trick returned to the Seneca Niagara Casino this past Saturday night. It was the bands first appearance at the casino in almost 14 years. Cheap Trick recently released their 21st record titled “All Washed Up” back in November of 2025. A clever marketing tool was the band played the record continually over the speakers in the hallway before patrons entered for the show. 2026 Cheap Trick still consists of original members Rick Nielsen on guitar, Robin Zander on guitar and vocals and Tom Petersson on vocals and bass. They are rounded out by Daxx Nielsen on drums and newcomer Robin Taylor Zander on rhythm guitar and vocals.
The show started promptly at 8pm with a pre recorded message with “Ladies and gentleman, the best fu*king rock band you’ve ever seen, Cheap Trick.”‘ The band took to the stage and kicked into the appropriate “Hello There,” which over the last several years has become a standard opener for them. Robin Zander is always looking the part the quintessential rock star and this show was no different. He was decked out in a black police hat and leather jacket with cool pants that had metallic silver stars on them. More importantly than his dress code was his vocals. He has lost almost nothing at all with range and pitch. This was no more evident than the bands biggest chart topping tune in “The Flame,” as he showcased his vocal prowess throughout the song. Rick Nielsen was proud of his 1958 Gibson explorer he broke out to play for the song. Nielsen switched out for almost every song he played on. He walked around slowly the entire time he was on stage. Due to mobility issues that he currently is facing, he did not play the eye catching Hamer five-neck guitar or the Uncle Dick guitar with his likeness on it. Due to the heaviness of those guitars I probably see why he chose to omit playing them at this time. Both Petersson and Robin Taylor Zander both sang leads on “I Know What I Want” and Downed’ respectively and both nailed it.
What I felt was little odd is the band just released a great new album and have played some new songs on tour but decidedly omitted them for this performance. In fact, besides 2 tracks off of 1988’s ‘Lap of Luxury’ album, the band only played cuts from their 70’s era. Now going on 78 years old, Rick Nielson may not hit every note but ensures that his zest of playing and his love of the band shines throughout the show. Some may question adding another musician to the quartet. I can say that no one would know the Cheap Trick catalog in and out more than Robin Taylor Zander would. He already has filled in when Petersson had to take an extended break due to some health issues a few years ago. I thought having him really filled out the sound extremely well. With all of that said, and judging by the strong crowd reaction, you can honestly say the band still puts on a quality performance.
Setlist:
Hello There
Just Got Back
California Man (The Move cover)
He’s a Whore
Big Eyes
On Top of the World
Ain’t That a Shame (Fats Domino cover)
Heaven Tonight
The Ballad of T.V. Violence (I’m Not the Only Boy)
Downed
Stop This Game
Bass Solo
I Know What I Want
The Flame (snippet of “It All Comes Back to You”)
I Want You to Want Me
Dream Police
Encore:
Never Had a Lot to Loose
Surrender
Goodnight
We would like to thank Ken Weinstein from Big Hassle PR for the credentials to review the show.