Cheap Trick at The Orpheum Theatre in Omaha, Nebraska on October 3rd, 2023.
Photos and Review by The Pit Magazine Contributor, Dean Birkheimer Photo.
“I LOVE TO BE THE LOUDEST THING IN THE ROOM” – RICK NIELSEN of CHEAP TRICK
Cheap Trick wanted me to want them and on October 3rd 2023 at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Omaha, and I got them. From “Hello There” to “Goodbye Now”, the entire set was a reminder of days gone by when rock and roll was raw and loud. The man of a thousand voices, Robin Zander was in great form. The man of a thousand guitars, Rick Nielsen was his typical comical self. The man of a thousand stringed bass (o.k. it’s only 12 strings), Tom Petersson was perfect as the straight man. Bun E, as always, was missed, but Daxx Nielsen is an impressive replacement. The addition of Robin Taylor Zander as 2nd guitar and occasional vocalist really gives the band a richer and fuller sound. There is a reason this band is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
They know how command a stage and they know how to entertain a crowd. No band works harder than Cheap Trick. They take advantage of their expansive list of LP’s and songs and rarely play the same set twice. There is a scene in “Smoky and the Bandit” when Sheriff Justice kicks a would be thief in the ass and says, “That’s what we call an attention getter.” Well, Cheap Trick on stage is a continuous kick in the ass. When they perform, you pay attention. The bands energy is mesmerizing, forcing you to watch and listen in awe at the level of talent the band possess. Cheap Trick ripped through songs the same way Rick ripped through guitars, but missing was the five neck monstrosity he is known for.
When listening to Cheap Trick I have to explain to my 10 year old Taylor Swift loving granddaughter that grandma and grandpa are alright, it’s just that the band is a little bit weird. The entire evening was a huge dance and sing-a-long party. Nobody left there wanting and everybody left there humming their favorite Cheap Trick song. I think it’s time to wind this review up and go listen to some more Cheap Trick. I don’t know where you’ll be, but I know I’ll be in “Heaven Tonight.”
SET LIST
Hello There – You Got It Going On – Lookout – Hot Love – Big Eyes – On Top of the World – California Man – Ain’t That A Shame – She’s Tight – Anytime – Boys & Girls & Rock ‘n Roll – Downed – I Know What I Want – The Flame – I Want You to Want Me – Dream Police – Never Had A Lot to Lose – Surrender – Goodnight
Photos by The Pit Magazine photographer, Dean Birkheimer Photo in Omaha, Nebraska. ©2023.
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Cheap Trick brings it every evening. So glad you enjoyed their show! I’ve seen them about 85 times…they never disappoint!