821 CHEAP TRICK, Plead The Fifth, Bristol O2 Academy, Sunday 12 June 2011

The retro June continues, with yet another band of old codgers (!); this time veteran powerpop boys Cheap Trick, exactly 7 months after their last UK outing, which itself followed an absence of 6 years! Nevertheless, da Trick are always great value and entertainment “live”, and even more so given this gig would be the first time (in 7) that I’d seen these grizzled US rock long-stayers outside of London! I’d booked this one some time ago for Rach and myself, but then The Wild Swans gig was added to the Rose itinerary, and Rach decided she couldn’t really do both. Luckily similar old rocker Beef stepped in at short notice, so he and I bopped down to Brizzle in the drizzle.

Hit the venue just after 8; a disappointingly low early turnout of the usual ranks of hoary old rock casualties and medieval roadie types for da Trick. Nevertheless, we early comers were treated to a support slot from ridiculously young ruffians Plead The Fifth. Whilst quite enjoying their spunky powerpop thrills, which I found similar to The Click Five whilst also skirting around Orange County nu-punk/emo territory , Beef and I also noted that the bouffant-haired bassist and the bespectacled drummer looked like quite like me and him, 30 years ago!

We got a drink in, then resumed our good viewing spot, stage right for once (!), for the entrance of da Trick at 9 pm. Again, the cut-up intro tape featured Homer Simpson and Apoo extolling the virtues of this classic band, before a young female voice announced, “please welcome to the stage the greatest fucking rock’n’roll band you’ll ever see… Cheap Trick!” By this time the venue had filled up, although was by no means full, but da Trick received a rapturous welcome as they burst full-on into the chugging badass boogie of “Just Got Back”. Vocalist Robin Zander, resplendent in embroidered military jacket which was soon discarded to reveal a black wet-look shirt, and a black general’s peaked cap which remained in situ throughout, was on top form from the outset, stretching his elastic larynx through an excellent early “California Man”, then the outstanding, definitive descending-bassline driven, “I Want You To Want Me”, which was an early set highlight.

“We’ve written this set-list especially for…you!” announced the supreme showman and band leader, guitarist Rick Nielsen, showering guitar picks as usual into the appreciative audience, as they strode through soaring new power ballad “These Days”. Similar lighters-held-aloft classic “Tonight It’s You” was superb, the hook as big as the venue, and subsequent “On Top Of The World” was an unexpected slab of mutant surf rock, rounding off an opening half hour of old-school rock and powerpop as good as they’ve ever delivered.

The band then introduced their European Fan-club Chairman onstage, who took the opportunity to propose to his girlfriend – sorry mate, we did that 7 years ago! For me, the set wavered thereafter, whilst still maintaining its' muscular power and pace and trademark grand, if slightly overblown and preposterous, rock riffs and huge choruses. However set closer and all-time powerpop classic “Surrender”, with its’ helium hookline and strident singalong outro, saw them roaring back with a vengeance, and encores “Dream Police” (always a favourite of mine to shout along to), a rocking “Clock Strikes Ten” and “Goodnight Ladies And Gentlemen” put the exclamation point on a 1½ hour set of fine pure old school rock.

Grabbed another set-list to make my evening. Another great retro June night, thanks to Cheap Trick!

798 CHEAP TRICK, Shepherd's Bush Empire, Friday 12 November 2010

Gig-vember continues apace with 2 shows in 3 days with Rachel, from a couple of perennial live favourites. First Cheap Trick, although prior to setting off, this had become more of an obligatory than anticipated show; booked ages ago, we'd seen this gig month get increasingly busier and had to forego other, potentially more interesting gigs (including Ash and The Crimea at this venue tomorrow, which annoyed Rach somewhat) as we'd already got tix for this! Still, we kept faith with our old faves da Trick, and set off at 6 on a drizzly Friday night, hitting the Uxbridge Road just after 8 and eventually finding a parking spot.

Had to queue to get in! Clearly the last-minute announcement of no support and an early start (8.15) had caught people on the hop, but we nevertheless had enough time to get in and get drinks in, then squirm away from the heaving bar to an only slightly less squashed floor location, before da Trick's 8.30 arrival to a packed crowd.

Recent "Classic Rock" honourees Cheap Trick (hence the reason for this tour) came on to entrance music of a collage of various Japanese radio intros and other odd bits, including Homer Simpson saying, "I'd rather listen to Cheap Trick," and fellow Simpsons character Apoo singing "Dream Police"! It's been 6 years since we'd last seen these grizzled rock veterans, and indeed da Trick's 36th year of touring and making music, and they were wearing their experience in their faces, blond vocalist Robin Zander in particular having aged noticeably of late. However, that didn't stop them easing into their blend of riff-heavy 70's rock, bar-room blues, strident power balladry and muscular punchy powerpop with easy confidence. Purveyors of at least half a dozen all-time classic songs deserving of a place at rock's top table, we had to sit through some unfamiliar though no-less enjoyable material (particularly the fast-rocking "Lookout"), until the first of these arrived, the huge stately ballad of "Tonight It's You". "I Want You To Want Me" rollicked in straight after, a romper-stomper with THE definitive descending bassline, and was my set highlight. At least, it was, right up until set closer, the all-time powerpop classic, "Surrender", which was delivered perfectly tonight and brought the house down. A sinuous, lengthy encore of "Ain't That A Shame" led into final number "Dream Police", another classic, helium powered powerpop tune, and a perfect way to end a splendid, good time rock'n'roll show.

"Can we have the lights up please, I want to say hello to some friends... hello everyone, you're all our friends!" said guitarist Rick Neilsen midway through, and Cheap Trick again reinforced their rapport with their audience, defying the years to put on another great show. Don't leave it 6 years next time, boys!

379 CHEAP TRICK, Rachel Stamp, The Hormones, London Astoria, Tuesday 14 July 1998

I couldn't find anyone up for joining me for this one, but Clive wished he had, when I phoned him from Tottenham Court Road with news of the supports! Got in straight away, therefore, to catch first band The Hormones, on at a ridiculously early 7.20. A short, nervous and criminally ignored set couldn't mask a gift for lovely Beach Boys-esque harmony, ringing guitars and splendid choruses loaded with 3-part harmony. Rather like a young Teenage Fanclub, and splendid with it!

Rachel Stamp, next up, came on to a more appreciative reception from the crowd, variously made up of old rock casualties, young punks and indie kids, and married couples reliving their pasts. All colour, riot and sexual ambiguity, the Stamp were in many ways the perfect support for Cheap Trick, with their 90's take on glam metal punk recalling a more brash Placebo. Good stuff - I particularly enjoyed the "Clockwork Orange" attired female keyboardist, with "naughty night attire" clearly visible beneath her suit jacket, bowler hat and obligatory glam feather boa.

I wondered why the roadies were gaffer taping what appeared to be hundreds of guitar picks up the mike stands, outsides of speaker stacks etc. I soon found out as the Trick came on to a rapturous welcome, and proceeded to blast into glam punk classic "I Want You To Want Me". Guitarist Rick Nielsen, the loony schoolboy of legend, but now sporting a Methuselah-like goatee beard, had a habit of using then discarding said picks after mere seconds!

Well, the Trick never appealed to me first time around, as I felt that they veered too much towards glam metal for my then-buzzsaw punk tastes. However, I've since grown to love their grand rock vision and big choruses, and tonight they were magnificent. Rick was obviously the leader, introducing the band and thanking the enthusiastic crowd throughout, but Robin Zander, resplendent in purple crushed velvet suit and still sporting the trademark long blond hair, was also superb, with vocals that variously excited (as in "Southern Girls" and fine encore "Dream Police") and ached with passion (the heart-rending "Voices") in equal measure. Highlight, however, was the simply Godlike set closer "Surrender", Rick playing a 5-necked (count 'em!) guitar for this one, and the band gave this all-time classic the full-on performance it fully deserves. It was also about this time I managed to catch a couple of Rick's picks (sic) and find that not only were they personalised with an image of his face, but the same image was printed all over his reversed black and white boots!

Wonderful set - superb entertainment. Even a delayed train journey home and a 1.30 am cycle ride home from my parents (don't ask) couldn't put the dampeners on this one. God bless Cheap Trick!

508 CHEAP TRICK, The Quireboys, London The Garage, Wednesday 13 June 2001

We should borrow Rachel's dad's car more often! This, the third gig in a row we've hopped into the big Rover, followed some heroic mileage from Rach, scooting back from a work meeting in London, picking up said motor, picking me up, then driving us back oop the Smoke! The very recent easing of the current traffic chaos was back off the agenda again, though (damn!), as it took 2 3/4 hours to get to our usual parking slot just before Highbury Corner. Had a swift drink in the Old Cock Tavern before heading in, noting the numbers of old rockers out for tonight's show. There's going to be a lot of hair around tonight, and no mistake...!

Took an early wander in to our second sold-out gig in consecutive nights, and sure enough, it was heaving early doors. I dunno, give me Seafood in a half-empty Oxford Point anytime...! I was also right about the clientele. This was the third of a 3 night residency by Da Trick, each night concentrating on one of their first 3 albums, and by the looks of it Rach and myself were the only people who hadn't been to all 3 nights! There was also lots of first time round Trick fans, putting me into the unique position of feeling very very young at a rock show. Plus hair. Hair everywhere. The only excuse for not having long hair seemed to be the vagaries of nature!

So, long hair it was. And as such, we had to put up with a couple of members of recently reformed 80's hair glam metallers The Quireboys, who'd allegedly been "especially invited" by Da Trick to open tonight. A good tactic to make them seem even better, methinks! Sure enough, the acoustic Quireboys were as obnoxious and cliché ridden as they were first time around; husky, pseudo sexy vocals, big empty power riffs and lighters-aloft bollocks. Rach and I headed to the bar and did our level best not to fall asleep to them!

Wandered to a vantage point stage right, by some rather annoying old people standing on the benches down the side of the venue, and not being too welcoming to a bit of jostling. Sorry, but it's a rock gig, not an executive box at the opera...

And rock gig it was, as we got very startlingly reminded, by the entrance of Da Trick. Zander, all suited up and looking like the rock star from central casting, with tan and blond locks; Bun E Carlos, hefty and workmanlike, like Tom Polce's dad (!); Petersson, suited but unkempt, wearing his rock credentials in the lines on his face; and then band leader Rick Nielsen - first a hand, then an energetic entrance from the wild-eyed, becapped but now beardless showman. As this was "Heaven Tonight" night, we knew what was coming, but the Trick built the anticipation, until... the bright lights and thundering riff heralded the start of "Surrender", and the crowd, old boys, hairy boys, everyone, went bat-shit mental. "Surrender", powerful, awesome and with that breathtaking sing-along chorus, was the perfect opener, and the best thing the Trick delivered tonight, by miles.

"Heaven Tonight" was then dutifully played start to finish, although not without incident; Roy Wood being dragged onstage to an ovation, to sing his composition, the strident blues number "California Man"; Zander strapping on a guitar and joining in the mad riffery for "Takin' Me Back"; Tommy Vance (even he!) reading the "On The Radio" middle 8 broadcast, and Chrissie Hynde (even she!) duetting with Zander on one number.

But this was mainly about the Trick. I'd taken some time to warm to them, and for me they still veer too close to plodding rock riffery at times (viz encore "Gonna Raise Hell"), but how can you resist a band who can produce such perfect soaring pop as "Dream Police" or touching balladry like "Voices" (both splendid encores tonight)? But let's face it, I can forgive everything of a band who can produce such a heart-stoppingly classic rock moment as "Surrender". Tonight, it was Heaven Tonight!

554 CHEAP TRICK, Span, London University Of London Union, Thursday 25 April 2002

Hammered up the M4 for this one - I didn't get out of work until 5.15 so we didn't set off until 5.45, but we only took 1 3/4 hours to get to Shepherd's Bush to park up. Not too bad a run! Over to ULU, joining the queue; as usual, they didn't open the doors until late. D'oh!

So this meant we got in just as support band Span took the stage. They weren't bad at all; a touch of moodiness, So-Cal punk rock and spiky riffery from a vocalist whose deep gravelly voice belied his youth. In fact, he was probably the youngest person in the house tonight! One nice touch during their single was a pregnant pause, during which you could hear a pin drop. There's a knowledgeable rock'n'roll audience for you!

Took a good position towards the front, stage right, for the entrance of da Trick; bang on 9, and straight into "Good Evening Ladies And Gentlemen", which set the tone for the gig; "are you ready to rock?" Well, OK then!

After an uncharacteristically untogether start, the Trick really hit top gear with an early "I Want You To Want Me", a superb breathless descending-bass riff-led classic. After that, their blend of old-school rock, big rock riffery and strident choruses, led by the vocal gymnastics of Robin Zander and the showmanship of guitarist Rick Neilsen, hit every bull's-eye going. Highlights were the touching "Voices", accompanied by what Rick dubbed, "the University Of London all great voice choir!"; a stunning, strident "Tonight It's You"; the all-time classic "Surrender", during which Rick produced the 5-neck guitar (!); and encore "Dream Police", during which I totally lost my voice screaming along to the chorus (!).But even the unfamiliar numbers (including a couple from an apparently forthcoming new album - cool!) were spot-on during another great Cheap Trick performance.

And we made good time back as well! Out of the gig at 10.30, back in the car at 11, and home by 12.20!

582 CHEAP TRICK, Salford Jets, London Royal Albert Hall, Thursday 13 March 2003

The longest between-gig break since 1983 is now over! I'm now suitably recovered from my recent abdominal surgery to be able to go to gigs again. And I couldn't think of a better way to start (a trip to Boston excepted) than Cheap Trick at the Royal Albert Hall! Particularly so, since this ticket was courtesy of my brother, thanks to a promise made while I was in ICU that he would pay for the gig if I recovered enough to actually go!

So, Rachel and I made a couple of days of it, coaching up and staying nearby. So we walked to the gig, taking our good floor seats, stage right, about 7.15 in this huge amphitheatre. The Salford Jets were first up; an old punk rock band from Manchester who'd recently reformed, they were unfortunately in the Sham 69 ham-fisted "Oi Oi" punk mode, despite conversely appearing to be very good musicians, especially the guitarist. They ended with their only chart-bothering record, which was called "Who You Looking At?". Need I say more?

From the ridiculous to the sublime; da Trick came on at 9 to "Good Evening Ladies And Gentlemen" and a subsequent, titanic "Big Eyes", before launching into a Greatest Hits set interspersed with a couple of new numbers ("only a couple - we want you to play them in your houses," said Rick Neilsen) from their forthcoming album, and doing what they do best, namely entertaining this sell-out crowd supremely!

An early "If You Want My Love" was spine-chillingly epic, and for me remained the overall highlight of the set, but the anthemic "Tonight It's You" and the always-brilliant rush of "Surrender", which closed the set and featured Rick's 5-neck guitar (!), ran it close. To think that for a long time I'd dismissed this band as a metal "hair" band, rather than the epic powerpop kings they undoubtedly are! First encore "Dream Police" had everyone in the seats up on their feet, and we were lost for superlatives after a brilliant 1 1/2 hours of top drawer rock. Cheap Trick - what a way to return to gig duty!

639 CHEAP TRICK, McQueen, London Shepherd's Bush Empire, Wednesday 21 July 2004

Amazingly, our first London trip this year - it takes a very special band to get us to endure the M4 traffic these days - a band such as the Trick! Unfortunately, "endure" is still the right word for the damned M4 - Rachel picked us up at 5.20 from work and we didn't park the car in Shepherd's Bush (West London, of course) until 10 to 8 - 80 miles in 2 1/2 hours! D'oh!

Got into the stalls floor amongst the usual collection of medieval roadies, rockers and acid casualties that comprise the Trick's audience, and took up a good viewing spot stage right for support McQueen. An all-girl 4-piece, they were screaming rawk chicks in basques playing some kind of sub-Hole grungy rock. Rach played spot-the-work-colleague-resemblance, while I watched the drummer who seemed to be having an absolute whale of a time ("I'm a girl! I hit things! That's my JOB!"), and we actually almost enjoyed some of their numbers. Almost.

Cheap Trick sauntered on at 9, drummer Bun E Carlos first, as usual, to lay down the beat, and vocalist Robin Zander then led them into "On Top Of the World", a shuddering opener. A quite brilliant - unexpectedly so! - "I Can't Make It Alone" followed, all strident chorus and urgent passion, before the set veered off into uncharted territory. It became clear early on (Rick Nielsen commenting about the fans having, "helped to write this set") that this gig was a fan club special, da Trick playing a whole tranche of more obscure oldies from their canon of work, which the hardcore devotees around us lapped up. Despite unfamiliarity, we were still bowled over by this set, as it lived up to the Trick's usual high level of sheer rocking entertainment. And there was still the usual faves - a breathlessly fast "I Want You To Want Me", an epic, soaring "Tonight It's You", the inevitable 5-necked guitar during an awesome "Surrender" to close the set, and encore "Dream Police". In the meantime we had Rick's usual monologues, and the sight of Nielsen getting some dumb bloke chucked out for throwing beer on him. Quite right too! Counterpoint this with the supreme cool of Robin Zander, and once again the veteran Trick showed age is no barrier to greatness.

So, well worth the car-mare here. Of course, the journey home took half as long and we were home by midnight. Right result!