Photos and Review by Micah Gummel
Show Photos HERE
I am trying to think of a new spin on a show review for Cheap Trick as NECR has covered them several times over the years (recently HERE and HERE). How do you showcase Cheap Trick’s uniqueness? After all they are one of the greatest indie-powerpop bands in America with their string of hits and albums dating back to 1977. They’ve sold over 20 million records, been on loads of soundtracks, and played over 5000 shows. You sing along with them when they come over the radio and the guys still rock it! They are true professionals who enjoy their craft and take you along for the show. They did not disappoint at the Sunday show at Lynn auditorium from the quirky ease of guitarist Rick Nielsen’s stage presence, flash of glitz vocalist Robin Zander brings with each costume change, deep bass groove of Tom Petersson and the banging drums of Daxx Nielsen.
As Cheap Trick took the stage it was nothing but Loud, Raw and Fun as Hell! Starting off the show as the lights dimmed, audio snippets played praising Cheap Trick from Homer Simpson and Damone from Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The PA system announced, in a sexy female voice, “Please welcome the best F’in rock band you’ve ever seen…Cheap Trick!” With that, the band took the stage with their famous intro, which first appeared on 1977’s In Color, titled “Hello There.” The song serves as a rockin’ intro to the crowd and gives the sound guys a couple of minutes to make sure everything is correctly dialed in. It was exactly what the crowd wanted.
Cheap Trick never misses a beat trust me I’ve photographed many a show now. These guys never disappoint crazy man Rick Nielsen still bounds around the stage like the court jester of rock and roll. Making faces, showering the crowd with picks and playing his unique brand of lead guitar riffs. He showcases a new guitar for nearly every song – proving what a thing of beauty it is to hear his legendary collection come to life on stage at his hands.
And Tom Petersson in my mind is still one of the greatest bass guitarist playing today. Tom’s signature bass playing is a foundational block in Cheap Trick’s wall of sound. All this would not be possible without the 12-string bass. Legend has it in 1973 Tom began the process of designing and fine-tuning his signature instrument with Hamer Guitars, and the first Hamer 12-string bass model was delivered in 1977. At that point, Rick began giving Tom a cheerful shout out on stage each night as, “the inventor of the 12-string bass guitar.”
Robin Zander is hands down one of the greatest lead singers in history. Zander can change his voice from song to song at the drop of a hat with an energy you can’t deny. He’s either singing like an angel on ballads like “Need Your Love” and “Can’t Hold On” or pushing the limits of his vocal chords on songs like “Auf Wiedersehen.”
And rounding out the classic lineup is the new guy on the scene, drummer Daxx Nielsen (Rick Nielsen’s son). Having seen him play now at 3 Cheap Trick shows I can say he can lay down the beat Daxx is a great drummer!
Cheap Trick’s 80+ minute, 20 song performance had fans on their feet for the entire show, even some of Massachusetts finest politicians. It was the final four songs of the evening that kicked the energy in the room into overdrive making for a blistering and rowdy close. “A Lot To Lose,” “Surrender,” “Hell,” “Goodnight,”.
The one song that had this house reeling was Surrender. This was not the normal rendition as they were joined by none other than former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown. He said he’s crossed a major accomplishment off his bucket list not once but twice now – playing one of Rick’s legendary guitars on stage with the band. (I had the opportunity to cover him the first time in Hampton Beach last summer.) This time sporting a Cheap Trick T-shirt and sport coat – Brown was in his newly found element and more relaxed especially when he delivered his solo. Also, pulling out her inner rock goddess Lynn Mayor, Judy Kennedy shared the mic with Zander.
When the opportunity comes around again go see this band live! They deliver the superior sound and show that their years of hits have earned them. Cheap Trick remains one of America’s best rock and roll bands – old school passion for the music with the ability to rock live and in studio. With pure talent, ease of stage presence and lyrics that sing of the experience, they carry the torch of true rock and roll high and proud.
Cheap Trick Rocks The Lynn Auditorium – MA
