Concert Review: Cheap Trick Still Amazes Fans at The Capitol Theatre

Cheap Trick is still rocking and entertaining their fans

Cheap Trick is still at it after all these years, making albums and performing for their loyal fans. The band is currently on tour and one of their stops was The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York on February 22. They were literally “on fire” and gave the most unforgettable performance of a lifetime. The venue was filled to its capacity. I was lucky enough to be on the general admission floor and had the best ‘seat’ in the house even though it was “standing room only” which I didn’t mind at all because I could see everything! I love being on the floor it’s my favorite spot!

Their new single, “The Summer Looks Good On You” is available on iTunes and Spotify as well as their other music.

Cheap Trick's opening act Aaron Lee Tasjan

The show began with their opening act, Aaron Lee Tasjan. This talented musician really connected with the audience. He was on stage for about an hour. Reminds me of a younger version of Elton John. I wasn’t very familiar with his material, but he still was rocking.’ They hired the right man for the job!

According to Aaron's website, he is playing three more dates with Cheap Trick as their opener. His tour is scheduled until the very last date at the Fort Collins Armory in Fort Collins, Colorado on July 7.

Cheap Trick takes the stage at The Capitol Theatre

After Aaron Lee Tasjan exited the stage, Cheap Trick took the stage and opened with “Hello There” followed by, “Elo Kiddies” “He’s A Whore,” “Big Eyes” “On Top of the World,” “Hot Love” “If You Want My Love” and their famous hits, “She’s Tight,” “Aint That a Shame,” “Need Your Love,” “The Flame,” “ I Want You To Want Me” “Surrender” and many other hits. Aaron Lee Tasjan returned and joined Cheap Trick again on-stage later in the show.

My three favorite Cheap Trick songs, are “The Flame” “I Want You To Want Me,” and “Need Your Love.”

Lead vocalist, guitarist Robin Zander was definitely at the top of his game as well as all the band members, guitarist, Rick Nielsen who never ceases to amaze me with his custom guitars and his riffs, as well as Daxx Nielsen, (drums) and Tom Petersson (bass). The band really seemed to enjoy themselves on-stage. The audience was also definitely into it and they were singing along and bopping to the music!

Zander was cast as a guest artist in the Broadway musical, "Rocktopia" which I was also in the audience last year and he sang, the Led Zeppelin song, "Stairway to Heaven."

The Capitol Theatre is my favorite venue right in the heart of my hometown— and it’s the best for any band including Cheap Trick! And very fan-friendly which sets the Capitol Theatre apart from other larger venues. You’re not just a spectator at a show, you’re part of the whole concert experience up close and personal and there’s never a bad seat in the house!

Towards the end of the show, Robin Zander ventured out into the audience and invited a young boy on stage wearing a leather jacket to sing a few verses of “Surrender.” That kid will have plenty of memories of that historic moment! Then the band bid the audience farewell with the song, “Goodnight.”

If you ever get a chance to see them while they are on tour, go for it! It’s definitely worth checking out! Their set list is never the same every night— it varies at different shows. I highly recommend it. They kick some serious a**! My only regret is that I didn't have the opportunity to interview the band, but I hope that will happen eventually.

Cheap Trick on the road

Cheap Trick is currently touring the U.S. until August. For a list of their full tour dates, check out their website at CheapTrick.com.