My memory of the first time I saw Cheap Trick is pretty blurry and I can’t even remember who I was with. It was in the spring of 1976, when I was a senior in high school and they were playing at some bar outside of Peoria.

I remember being impressed by the band and I was up at the bar during one of their breaks when lead singer, Robin Zander came up and got a beer and was standing next to me.

I was 18-years-old at the time and Robin would’ve been 23.

“You guys are great,” I told him as we both stood there drinking our beers.

“Thanks, I appreciate that!” Robin answered back.

“Are those original songs you’re playing?” I asked since I didn’t recognize any of them, but I really liked them.

Robin smiled and said, “Yeah, Rick our guitarist writes most of them. Okay, I have to get back up there, thanks for coming out tonight!” He said as he made his way back on stage for another set.

If you’d have told me back then that 47-years later, I’d be getting ready to go see them again, I’d have thought you were nuts! But a week ago last Tuesday that’s exactly what happened as Cheap Trick played the Civic Center Theater and I was there!

And I was armed with the MBIP Camera, so I have photos from the show in case you missed it! Or in case you were there and want another encore a week later!

Here we go!

Okay, we’re headed towards the Civic Center Theater, which I haven’t been to in decades. I think the last time I saw a show here was in 1989, when Joan Jett and the Blackhearts played here. I guess I’m overdue for a show!

Signpost ahead…Cheap Trick is that-a-way, so away we go to Cheap Trick land!

The stage is all set and ready to go! I can’t wait! Last time I saw them was about six years ago at The Limelight, I can’t believe it’s been that long!

As you can see, it looks like they sold the joint out!

Somewhere in this photo is WMBD radio host and personality, Craig Collins pointing at me!

He told me he saw me taking this and pointed at me. If you can find him, let me know and you’ll win some sort of prize, maybe WMBD will chip in for it, they have more money than me!

Okay…it’s showtime…ladies and gentlemen, please welcome…

Cheap Trick!

They came out ready to rock! They opened with the traditional Cheap Trick opening tune, “Hello There.”

Then they tore into “Hot Love” and never looked back!

Here’s the entire set list for the show.

I think Rick Nielsen used a different guitar for every song!

Robin Zander turned 70-years-old this year, but you’d never guess that hearing him belt out these Cheap Trick classic songs!

Tom Petersson always impresses on the twelve string bass! I don’t know of any other bass player that plays a twelve string bass guitar!

Daxx Nielsen took over on the drums when original drummer, Bun E. Carlos stopped touring with the band in 2010. Thirteen years later he’s the official Cheap Trick drummer and he does a great job.