After 34 years, Cheap Trick finally returned to play a recent concert in Victoria at the Farquhar Auditorium. The last time they made a trip onto the island was in August of 1980. Consider that for a moment. In 1980, a ticket to their show cost about $10. I’m not even going to say how many times more it cost in 2014.
The astounding longevity of Cheap Trick speaks volumes about their songwriting and performances. For over four decades, the band has been releasing albums and touring around the world.
Their particular sound of power-pop mixed with hard rock has influenced countless other musicians. Johnny Ramone, Guns ‘n’ Roses, and even Nirvana have all cited them as influences.
The thing that makes Cheap Trick so likeable is they never take themselves too seriously. Rick Nielsen, the band’s guitarist and main songwriter, is probably the only performer I have ever seen who’s able to casually pick up a five-necked guitar, play the shit out of it, then pick up another guitar built to look exactly like him (seriously, with a face, body, and with the double necks as his legs) for the next song.
Nielsen’s multiple guitar changes and stage personality was definitely one of the highlights of the show. The singer, Robin Zander, who I think I probably would’ve had a huge fan-girl-crush on if I happened to have a time machine and was 18 years old in 1978, has the most underrated and versatile voice in music. (Go listen to “I Want You to Want Me,” then try “Gonna Raise Hell.”)
Zander’s vocals carried the band through the middle of their set. And during the encore, when the first notes of the band’s hit “Surrender” started, he didn’t disappoint.
UVic’s Farquhar Auditorium isn’t the ideal venue for a loud, fast, rock ‘n’ roll band to play, but Cheap Trick kept the atmosphere and momentum going throughout the show.
In between songs, Nielsen jokingly asked why we hadn’t asked them back in 34 years. Someone in the audience yelled, “It’s not our fault!” and everyone laughed.
Take this as an invitation, guys: Victoria would be happy to have you guys back much sooner next time around.