Cheap Trick Dream Police show (current)

gearHed289 · October 11, 2011, 08:59:09 AM

Took the wife up to Milwaukee this past weekend to see Cheap Trick perform the Dream Police album in its entirety, with a small orchestra. They were outstanding! Original members Rick, Tom, and Robin were joined by Rick's son Daxx on drums (he's been filling in for Bun for a while), his other son Miles on backing guitar and vocals, their usual touring keyboardist (don't recall his name), small string and horn sections with conductor, and 4 backup singers. I'm usually not a fan of the "adding lots of extra people to the 4 piece rock band" (the Who, Pink Floyd), OR the rock band + orchestra thing, but this really worked and made complete sense. Everyone sounded GREAT! Nielsen's guitars, Tom's 12 strings, and Robin's voice - wow! There are very few that can sing like this guy EVER, and here he is at 58 years old knocking it out of the park. I've seen some recent YouTube clips that sounded like he might be losing it, but Saturday was near flawless. Tom played most of the first set (Dream Police) on the Electrical aluminum 12er, with a couple on the rhinestone encrusted Waterstone 12. Most of the second set (misc. hits and favorites) was a Lull T-bird with a neck pickup instead of a bridge pickup, and a reverse headstock. This one was less spectacular sounding than the 12ers. I love the neck pup concept, but I think it could benefit from a third one in the stock bridge position. Bottom line - if you're anywhere near one of these shows, GO! It was a great time, and there's not a bad seat in the house.

Highlander · October 11, 2011, 11:50:08 AM

Neat...

I only got to see them the once (circa 1980 - non TP) - nice encore with Brian May and an extreme low was a drunk Alex Harvey was dragged on to do C'mon Everybody...

I know how you feel about orchestras (although my exception is Metallica's S&M) - I saw the Hotel California show over here and turned to talk to a friend saying how much I did not enjoy the version of Wasted Time saying "The only thing worse would be them playing it with an orchestra", and up went the back drop...

Mind you, seeing Hotel California live was something else...

Bionic-Joe · October 13, 2011, 07:26:46 AM

Going with the Mrs. on Saturday!!

Pekka · October 14, 2011, 05:34:07 AM

Quote from: BUFF on October 11, 2011, 11:50:08 AM
an extreme low was a drunk Alex Harvey was dragged on to do C'mon Everybody...

It's on one of "Bun E's Bootleg" series CD's. The song was "Shakin' All Over" and it resembles slightly the version Alex did on his "The Mafia Stole My Guitar" album. Poor Alex, he was losing it at that time. Big hero for Rick Nielsen I believe and when he was in shape he was brilliant.

Highlander · October 15, 2011, 11:34:34 AM

I was close... (not)

well, it was some time back... it was a standard, at least...

Took a while but I dug out the negatives - first off they gave him one of RN's guitars, which ended up round his ankles, then he tried to wrap the strap round his neck a few times, then someone finally sorted it out for him... Not great but I like these ones...

I was lucky and got to see SAHB when he was very much on form at a footie ground show in '76... preceded by Little Feat and supporting JAE's band...

Bionic-Joe · October 16, 2011, 07:21:41 PM

IT WAS A KILLER SHOW LAST NIGHT!!!!!! I love those guys!!!!!!

gweimer · October 16, 2011, 08:55:53 PM

I saw Cheap Trick every other week at Haymaker's or Night Gallery before they got signed. Always a great show, but brutal in the clubs. I was worn out by the second set, and always knew they would be better in a one hour concert setting.

Saw the SAHB open for The Tubes on Halloween night in Chicago. It was a surreal night to remember.

Bionic-Joe · October 20, 2011, 06:22:06 PM

We'll see how they mix up the set on Saturday!!

Bionic-Joe · October 23, 2011, 04:12:24 PM

Fantastic set on Saturday!!!! These guys don't stop!!! They seem to be better than they EVER were.