The classic rock band’s appearance Monday at Meijer Gardens also featured an impressive opening set from Serita’s Black Rose. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Beating the Heat: Robin Zander and Cheap Trick at Meijer Gardens. (Photo/Jamie Geysbeek)
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It was yet another hot night at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park on Monday as classic rock outfit Cheap Trick said “Hello There” to fans who were more than happy to greet them, even with an unrelenting sun beating down on their heads.
Formed in 1970 in Rockford, Ill.’, the band still boasts three original members –- lead singer Robin Zander, guitarist Rick Nielsen and bassist Tom Petersson. (Original drummer Bun E. Carlos has been replaced by Nielsen’s son, Daxx, who did a bang-up job on the skins.)
If fans were there for the band’s three biggest hits, they would have to wait until the show’s final numbers. The bulk of the concert was filled with the band’s less melodic, dense, gritty/garage-y songs.
“California Man” was lightened up a bit with its rockabilly groove, while “Big Eyes,” a song they don’t usually play, was impenetrable and full of swirling smoke.
One highlight was the masterful bass solo by the band’s most consummate musician, bass player Petersson, who showed the crowd a few tricks on his 12-string bass.
Opener: Grand Rapids’ own Serita’s Black Rose. (Photo/Jamie Geysbeek)
The 76-year-old Nielsen did all the talking, hailing his Kalamazoo-made Gibson guitar and the venue. “This is a nice place,” he said, addressing the sold-out crowd. “We’ve never been here before.” He also alluded to the heat. “If nudity didn’t offend you, I would take all my clothes off,” he quipped.
At 72, Zander’s voice showed some wear, although he could still hit some pretty high notes on “Dream Police” in particular.
Interestingly, it took the band 11 years to score a No. 1 hit, 1988’s power ballad “The Flame,” and fans were all in from the opening strums of Zander’s acoustic guitar, swaying along to the ultimate cigarette lighter song.
Naturally, everyone was spring-loaded to hear “I Want You to Want Me,” and Cheap Trick did not disappoint. The crowd loved singing along with gusto to every last lyric of the power pop ’70s banger.
Even better for this reviewer’s money? “Surrender,” with its infectious, melodic chorus, punchy drumming, and mesmerizing electric guitar, stole the show.
Grand Rapids’ own Serita’s Black Rose graced the stage with a shimmering set of 1970s covers and funky blues-infused originals such as “Out to Sea.”
Singer Serita Crowley paid tribute to Bad Company’s guitarist Mick Ralphs, who died in June at age 81, with a rousing rendition of “Ready for Love,” made distinctive with Crowley’s little growl and hot harmonica. “A little Bad Company but good company,” she said.
Crowley, with her mighty, passionate and tender vocals, and partner Jon Hayes on acoustic guitar, were right at home on the big stage and easily won the crowd over with their 45-minute show.
UP NEXT AT MEIJER GARDENS FOR FIFTH THIRD BANK SUMMER CONCERTS: String Cheese Incident performs at 6 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 14). The concert is sold out. The Tuesday Evening Music Club show tonight (Aug. 12) features Franklin Park.
PHOTO GALLERY: Cheap Trick, Serita’s Black Rose at Meijer Gardens
Photos by Jamie Geysbeek
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