Photos and Review by Robert McDonald
Seeing rock legends Cheap Trick live is always a treat, and their performance at MGM Music Hall at Fenway on August 3rd was no exception. Despite most of the band members being in their 70s, they delivered a solid 90-minute set that was both nostalgic and energetic, even if their energy level wasn’t quite what it was in their heyday.
The night was packed with memorable moments, including a special guest appearance by Boston’s own, Gary Cherone, who joined the band to sing “Baby Loves to Rock.” It was a fantastic surprise that added an extra layer of excitement to the show. In a nod to fellow rock royalty, Nielsen also acknowledged Kirk Hammett from Metallica, who was in town, taking a break between Metallica’s two-night sellout at Gillette Stadium. These personal touches and surprise elements elevated the concert experience, creating memorable moments for fans beyond just the music.
Cheap Trick’s setlist was a perfect blend of old classics and newer tracks, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish. They kicked off with “Hello There” and rolled through fan favorites and some newer material, including “Boys & Girls & Rock N Roll” and “The Flame,” which fit seamlessly into the setlist and demonstrated that Cheap Trick is still producing great music. Their cover of The Move’s “California Man” and Fats Domino’s “Ain’t That a Shame” added a unique twist to the evening, showing off their versatility and love for rock history.
The energy in the venue increased as the night progressed. The crowd’s enthusiasm reached its peak during the last two songs, “I Want You to Want Me” and “Dream Police” and through the encore including “Clock Strikes Ten” and “Surrender” with attendees belting out lyrics alongside the band, creating an electric atmosphere that showcased the enduring appeal of Cheap Trick’s music.
Rick Nielsen’s interactions with the crowd, including calling out fans who had traveled great distances to see the show and playfully hamming it with the crowd, added a personal touch that made the evening even more special. One of the standout aspects of the show was Rick’s impressive guitar collection. He played a variety of unique instruments, including a ’63 Firebird in cardinal red and the quirky “Uncle Dick,” a double-neck guitar shaped like a cartoonish version of himself. He finished the show with his iconic five-neck checkerboard Hamer electric guitar, a sight that never fails to wow the audience.
In conclusion, Cheap Trick may be older, but they still know how to put on a fantastic show. Their performance at MGM Music Hall at Fenway was a delightful mix of nostalgia and rock ‘n’ roll energy, leaving fans both old and new thoroughly satisfied.