Great American Rock band and Rockford, Illinois natives Cheap Trick graced us with their presence this last weekend with a stunning performance at the Grand Sierra Theatre in Reno, NV.  Most famous for their giant radio hits and holding the prize for one the most successful Live recordings of all time, Live At Budokan, they rocked the house with a 19-song set list for the ages that captivated even the pickiest of Cheap Trick fans in attendance.

No doubt, Sunday night at the Grand Sierra Theatre was the place to be! They rolled out the Black and White checkered carpet for Cheap Trick and the fans reciprocated in fine fashion.  Many were decked out in the same checkerboard motif, ready to relive the 70’s and 80’s in high style.

2016 Rock And Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Cheap Trick preformed an amazing set list of deep cuts and power pop hits from their 19 studio albums spanning almost 50 years. Cheap Trick’s members have (for the most part) have been the same since the beginning including Rick Nielsen on Guitar, Robin Zander on Vocals and guitar, and Tom Petersson on Bass. The 2023 lineup is rounded out by Zanders son, Robin Taylor Zander (RTZ) on Guitar and Nielsen's son Daxx on Drums.  It seems today’s Cheap Trick is now truly a family affair.

As always, the band opened with “Hello There” from their 1977 sophomore album, In Color. Cheap Trick delivered the goods in an impressive 90 minute set that blew the roof off the Grand Sierra.  Rick Nielsen wasn’t shy about busting out his stunning  and eclectic array of custom guitars.  My favorite had to be the gold sparkle Gibson Explorer, followed up by the yellow checkered double neck guitar with his likeness on it. Some Les Paul's and flying V’S made appearances as well.

Robin Zander wore all white and a sparkled like the sun, just as he did in the 1970’s.  Zander, as the designated “front man” of the group was magical although the entire band seemed to fill those shoes from time to time just as well. Throughout the evening, band members walked back and forth across the stage tossing guitar picks and addressing the audience. Fans welcomed back Tom Petersson with open arms after a short illness and he showed his appreciation by leaning down and making contact with the front row, something I personally like to see.

The late 1970s glory days were on full display on Sunday evening as Cheap Trick took their time unleashing their discography one hit at a time.  The deep cuts from the first albums rang clear throughout the theatre including “Southern Girls” and “Big Eyes” from their second release, In Color.  These were followed by hits “Ain’t That a Shame” and my personal favorite “California Man”. Towards the close of the night, fans were showered with a familiar string of hits including “ I Want You To Want Me”, “Dream Police”, “Surrender” and the Bic Lighter Anthem of the 80”s “The Flame”. They ended the set with “Auf Wiedersehen” and “Goodnight”.

Cheap Trick are in a class of their own. Self proclaimed as “the worlds biggest garage band” they are anything but that.  Each played masterfully and precise in the most Rock and Roll way possible. Overall, I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday night. I thought I heard the whisperings of a new album coming (or maybe that was wishful thinking).  Regardless, it was a memorable evening for me and the 2500 other fans that filled the Grand Theatre. Cheap Trick continues to carry the torch of Rock and Roll to all generations, and I patiently await their return.