Evergreen Pop Majesty: Cheap Trick Live In New York

Look, global warming is killing us, our nation is a mess and corporate toxicity has never been worse.

But thank god we still have Cheap Trick.

The legendary Rockford, Illinois outfit took the stage at the Capitol Theater the other night (2/22) and all was right with the world. The band tore through a set of well-worn hits, deep album cuts and great covers and from beginning to end it was pure rock and roll magic.

“If You Want My Love” was soaringly perfect; “Dream Police” charged forward with mesmerizing muscle and “I Want You To Want Me” was dizzyingly great. I’ve heard the aforementioned songs thousands of times now and they never fail to deliver a deep pop thrill.

Cheap Trick has its core intact–singer Robin Zander, guitarist Rick Nielsen and bassist Tom Petersson, but the band has turned into a family affair, as Nielsen’s son Daxx has replaced drummer Bun E. Carlos and Zander’s son Robin Taylor has joined the touring band as a guitarist/singer.

Meanwhile, the breathless “She’s Tight” kicked hard and dirty; the Velvet Underground cover of “I’m Waiting For The Man” was utterly cool and the penultimate show closer “Surrender” featured Jesse Malin joining in on the fun and it was completely awesome.

Set List:

Hello There

Elo Kiddies

He’s a Whore

Big Eyes

On Top of the World

Hot Love

If You Want My Love

She’s Tight

Ain’t That a Shame

Need Your Love

The ‘In’ Crowd