They shared the stage with such rock acts as Foreigner and Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience.
Cheap Trick opened their set accordingly with “Hello There,” and from the first note they were able to lure the New York audience in their rocking show. It was followed by the upbeat “Come On, Come On” and the spitfire “You Got It Going On.” The audience knew that they were in the presence of living rock and roll legends.
“Southern Girls” was more fun and nonchalant, while the powerhouse “Long Time Coming” was an instrumental masterpiece. They showed some attitude on such classic by The Velvet Underground as “I’m Waiting for the Man” and “Heroin,” where they were able to make them their own. The highlight vocal of the evening was Robin Zander nailing the power-ballad “The Flame,” with his timeless voice. Equally infectious was “I Want You to Want Me,” with its killer guitar solos.
After “Dream Police,” they closed with “Surrender” and “Goodnight Now,” where they left their classic rock fans yearning for more.
The Verdict
Overall, Cheap Trick was amazing at Jones Beach Theater in New York. They are such charismatic performers, and they prove to only get better with age and experience. Robin Zander is a true force of nature, and Rick Nielsen and Tom Petersson were equally exceptional. Musically, they are in a league of their own. Their live set at Jones Beach earned an A rating.
