Went out the The Sands in Bethlehem PA last night to catch Cheap Trick. I’ve been seeing this band since around 1981 when I used to go see them co headline with UFO. CT is another band that defies father time. They still sound amazing and look pretty much the same. Robin Zander another one of those total freaks that looks like he stepped off the cover of Budokan and more importantly still sings that well! Rick is one of the most unique players out there. Watching him and his array of guitars is truly amazing. Tom is as cool as ever with that innovative 12 string bass he developed. And Dax does a phenomenal job on drums for Bun E who no longer tours. Cheap Trick tour constantly and are currently on a co headline with Peter Frampton (who also sounded great the little I got to see of his set). It’s baffling why they aren’t a way bigger band than they are now. Especially when you consider the hits they have and the fact they are still so damn great. They also appeal to a very wide range of rock fans, metal, hard rock, rock, pop. In many ways they are the ultimate power pop band. Really good guys who just love to play and can play their entire catalog at any second. I know this because for the second time they let me pick the bulk of their set list last night! Imagine how cool that is? If you could ask a band you love to play 10 songs from their history and they actually do it?! Cheap Trick did that last night for the second time for me. Of course I picked a ton of deep tracks and they know them all. You see they don’t rehearse. They always plays and just get up and go for it. It’s remarkable really and so rare. Raw, live and real. You can see photos of the set and from the show on my Instagram or Twitter feeds. Long live Cheap Trick, another band that is a HUGE oversight for the HOF! Thanks to the guys and the crew for letting me take over the show haha. Rick once again introduced me to the crowd and said if they didn’t like the set to blame me.. priceless!
Headed to FL tomorrow. I’ll be in S FL for a week. This Friday I am at the Culture Room with Don & Jim in Ft Lauderdale for our live show. Live music as well and some special guests. Tickets and VIP tickets on sale now and at the door. Then I’ll be hosting Whitesnake 8/5 at Hard Rock in Hollywood and Alice In Chains there 8/11. After Whitesnake meet me in front of the Hard Rock Cafe in the casino. Books and merch for sale.
New podcast tomorrow with Corey Taylor. Free on Itunes or www.podcastone.com
18 Responses
I think Eddie’s hearing and vision might be going. Cheap Trick now sounds horrific live, and they all look their respective ages. Except maybe for Bun E. Carlos, who looks like he’s now 30 years younger. What’s his secret, cosmetic surgery and a special diet?
Who knows how much of that noise is even backing tracks these days. Or do they even care enough to use backing tracks, because it seems like they don’t give a crap what they sound like. Even Nielson’s backing vocals aren’t even backing vocals, the guy doesn’t even try anymore. He walks up to the microphone and arbitrarily makes any random noise, apparently whenever he feels like it during any particular song.
You’ve got to wonder how irresponsible their personal spending that they still are out there touring for a few bucks. When you’re in your 60s, you’re no longer staying at five-star hotels, and you’re still appearing at state fairs next to a pig contest, then somebody hasn’t been spending and buying things on a budget they can actually afford.
I meant Nielsen, typo. That’s for the groupies who still think it’s 1979.