LOS ANGELES — Nearly 25 years to the day since headlining the historic “summer blowout” before 80,000 at the L.A. Coliseum, Cheap Trick is still going strong.
The Chicago rock band proved utterly mesmerizing on Friday, June 12 at the Greek Theatre, sounding pretty much as strong as ever in delivering a hit-filled, 90-minute set that included “I Want You to Want Me,” “Surrender” and all the other favorites that saw everyone standing up, singing along and going crazy.
Sharply dressed in a resplendent pink suit, frontman Robin Zander was having the time of his life. “On Top of the World” saw the 62-year-old pumping out the lyrics loud and clear. On “Dream Police,” fans upfront were reaching out for a touch. Then came “Voices,” and oh those words hit home: “You didn’t know what you were looking for/Till you heard the voices in your ear.”
Guitarist Rick Nielsen, a legend in every sense of the word, was his usual zany self — roaming the stage just to let us know us know he owned every inch of it while constanting switching guitars, tossing out pics and not missing a single note. He stood out on “Ain’t That a Shame” and “Baby Loves to Rock.”
One of the most fun moments was “Magical Mystery Tour,” a Beatles cover that went over so well that even the late John Lennon and George Harrison would be proud.
This is a band that has been working non-stop since the 1970s, and unlike most of these other classic-rock acts still cashing in, there was a lot of oomph in this performance.
Tom Petersson is still playing bass, and he continues to possess that rock-star vibe and cool aura. Daxx Nielsen, Rick’s son, is in his fifth year as drummer Bun E. Carlos’ replacement, and considering the tempo of every selection was spot-on, the youngster does a good job.
In all, 19 songs on display, ending of course with “Goodnight,” just like on “Live at Budokan.”
Peter Frampton co-headlined, an interesting pairing considering both acts rose to fame with live albums back in the day. Frampton’s, as we all know, was “Frampton Comes Alive,” and though the Brit still sings and plays well, he no longer looks anything like he did in his poster-boy days.
The luxurious blond locks are gone, as Frampton is bald and gray, and at the Greek he was attired in a simple t-shirt, jeans and work boots, and there was not much flash in the performances turned in by he and his bandmates, either.
But the hits sure sounded good, and that’s what counts.
“Show Me The Way,” “Baby I Love Your Way,” “Do You Feel Like We Do” and “Signed Sealed Delivered I’m Yours” all went over well, as did an extended version of Soundgarden’s “Blackholed Sun.”
Frampton’s style proved different than Cheap Trick, more panache than pomp, more artsy than anthem-esque, more gentleman-like than glam.
And yet it worked.
An interesting side note was that both bands had the ushers scrambling to stop spectators from pointing their cell phones at the proceedings. Why, we’re not too sure, but it didn’t make sense because both acts have just as many teeth in their music as in their smiles.
Gerry Gittelson can be reached at gspot@metalsludge.tv
Below are some classic performances by the legendary Cheap Trick.
