Classic rock band’s longevity secret: Not being friends for 50 years
Up the Fire,” deeper cuts like “He’s a Whore,” and mega hits “The Flame,” “I Want You to Want Me,” “Dream Police” and “Surrender.” The lineup featured Rick’s son, 45-year-old Daxx Nielsen, on drums, who took over as the drummer in 2010 from the original drummer Bun E. Carlos and has contributed to the band’s last five albums.
Known for their eclectic mix of rock, power-pop, and an array of covers, Cheap Trick has maintained a loyal fan base. Their cover songs range from artists such as Fats Domino, The Move, Elvis Presley, the Velvet Underground, to Big Star’s “In the Street” which served as the theme song for “That ‘70s Show.” With over 20 million records sold and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, Cheap Trick has solidified its place in music history.
As they embark on their 50th year together as a band, Cheap Trick continues to thrive by staying true to their musical roots. Singer Robin Zander affirms that the key to their enduring success lies in their professional relationship rather than personal friendships. Zander revealed in a recent interview that the band members were never close friends, which ensured that their focus remained on the music. According to Zander, “It was musical glue that held us together. We have a lot of respect for each other musically.”
Looking ahead, Cheap Trick’s 2026 tour dates promise to be exhilarating for fans as they plan to perform their classic 1978 album “Cheap Trick at Budokan” in its entirety at two special shows in Las Vegas. Zander emphasized the importance of keeping their live performances fresh and exciting for both the band members and their audience. He shared, “Keeping it fresh can be hard… I’ve always thought: ‘Let’s turn them on to some Cheap Trick music that they don’t know we do, and see what happens.’” Despite differing opinions within the band on song selection, they work together to create unique setlists for each show, ensuring a dynamic and engaging live experience for all.
Cheap Trick’s iconic status in the music industry is further solidified by their ability to blend new tracks with classic hits seamlessly in their live performances. The band’s set at the New York State Fair in 2025 perfectly encapsulated this approach, offering a diverse selection of songs ranging from newer releases like “Light Up the Fire” to fan favorites like “I Want You to Want Me” and “Surrender.”
As Cheap Trick continues to captivate audiences around the world with their electrifying performances, their unwavering dedication to their craft and commitment to musical excellence remain at the core of their success. With five decades of musical innovation and countless hits under their belt, Cheap Trick’s legacy as one of the greatest rock bands of all time is secure.