Cheap Trick - Manchester Academy - 28th June 2017
Setlist: Just Got Back / Long Time Coming / Clock Strikes Ten / He's A Whore / Need Your Love / Taxman, Mr. Thief / You Got It Going On / If You Want My Love / No Direction Home / Never Had A Lot To Lose / Stop This Game / I'm Waiting For The Man / I Know What I Want / Voices / I Want You To Want Me / Dream Police // Surrender / Gonna Raise Hell / Goodnight
I think that anyone who knows me, may have detected that, in the few days before this gig, I was rather excitable. 'Tis true. What can I say?
Time for a Scooby-Doo moment…
I think that anyone who knows me, may have detected that, in the few days before this gig, I was rather excitable. 'Tis true. What can I say?
- I'd been waiting 39 years for this!
- I'd only found out I was going the week before!
- I'VE BEEN WAITING 39 YEARS FOR THIS!
Time for a Scooby-Doo moment…
A devilishly handsome, 15 year old God of Thunder (a work in progress) bought a copy of Cheap Trick 's At Budokan album, on yellow vinyl, no less. Now, I'd grown up on some very strange musical influences.
Firstly, my sister's Motown and soul collection. Then, I'd been introduced to bands like ELP, King Crimson, Alex Harvey, and Alice Cooper by acquaintances and relatives, and I'd discovered bands like Nazareth, ELO, and Mott the Hoople, all by myself, watching Top Of The Pops. Amongst my mates, we were getting heavily into Deep Purple and the bands that came out of that. Throw in the fact that Punk and 'Alternative' had arrived on the scene, and NWOBHM was just emerging, it was a very lively time. AC/DC and Motorhead had come along and really shook up the rock music scene, every bit as much as punk had. In fact, outside London, punk was not at all mainstream where I lived, just a few weird freaks who stuck safety pins through their faces, and got tutted at a lot on the street.
I was DJing at a biker hangout. So, when I was with bikers, I played Van Halen, Led Zep, Sabbath, Yes, etc. When I was with my punk friends, we'd listen to Stiff Little Fingers, UK Subs, 999, Alternative TV, Television, and so on. When I was with the my rock and prog friends, it was Deep Purple, Jethro Tull, Be Bop Deluxe, ELP, Crimson, and we were starting to explore the '60s San Francisco scene, having read Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. However, liking Cheap Trick was not something I was about to admit to anyone, it just didn't fit in with any of the peer groups I was a part of. And, it seems silly writing this now but, at that age, liking the wrong band could single you out, for the wrong reasons. Whilst I wasn't trying to be popular, I wasn't unpopular. I was intelligent, quick-witted, and played on the school rugby, hockey, and volleyball teams. I got good grades by doing as little as possible, and was not hideously ugly. Being a teenager, I had decided to rebel. Having very little to actually rebel against, I chose everything that was considered 'normal' so, I grew my hair down to my waist, wore jeans that had rips in the knees, had impossibly huge flairs, but were very snug in the important places (well I was 15!), played loud music and, generally, was a real pain in the arse. Cheap Trick was a guilty secret that I kept to myself. But, I did love that album, and I still do.
Firstly, my sister's Motown and soul collection. Then, I'd been introduced to bands like ELP, King Crimson, Alex Harvey, and Alice Cooper by acquaintances and relatives, and I'd discovered bands like Nazareth, ELO, and Mott the Hoople, all by myself, watching Top Of The Pops. Amongst my mates, we were getting heavily into Deep Purple and the bands that came out of that. Throw in the fact that Punk and 'Alternative' had arrived on the scene, and NWOBHM was just emerging, it was a very lively time. AC/DC and Motorhead had come along and really shook up the rock music scene, every bit as much as punk had. In fact, outside London, punk was not at all mainstream where I lived, just a few weird freaks who stuck safety pins through their faces, and got tutted at a lot on the street.
I was DJing at a biker hangout. So, when I was with bikers, I played Van Halen, Led Zep, Sabbath, Yes, etc. When I was with my punk friends, we'd listen to Stiff Little Fingers, UK Subs, 999, Alternative TV, Television, and so on. When I was with the my rock and prog friends, it was Deep Purple, Jethro Tull, Be Bop Deluxe, ELP, Crimson, and we were starting to explore the '60s San Francisco scene, having read Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. However, liking Cheap Trick was not something I was about to admit to anyone, it just didn't fit in with any of the peer groups I was a part of. And, it seems silly writing this now but, at that age, liking the wrong band could single you out, for the wrong reasons. Whilst I wasn't trying to be popular, I wasn't unpopular. I was intelligent, quick-witted, and played on the school rugby, hockey, and volleyball teams. I got good grades by doing as little as possible, and was not hideously ugly. Being a teenager, I had decided to rebel. Having very little to actually rebel against, I chose everything that was considered 'normal' so, I grew my hair down to my waist, wore jeans that had rips in the knees, had impossibly huge flairs, but were very snug in the important places (well I was 15!), played loud music and, generally, was a real pain in the arse. Cheap Trick was a guilty secret that I kept to myself. But, I did love that album, and I still do.
Over the years Cheap Trick has released great albums at regular intervals. Although some are considered better than others, each has its moments and they have amassed a back catalogue that is loaded with great songs. I have followed their story, hoping to, one day, see them live. He mid '1980s to mid 1990s was taken up with raising Firstborn and Secondborn girlchildren and I didn't go to many gigs. Then, in the last years of the old century and the early years of the new one, I found myself working abroad quite a lot. I started going to gigs again and, ticking off the 'bands I hadn't seen live'. Journey, Cheap Trick, Dave Matthews Band, Mott the Hoople, Living Colour, Nazareth, Golden Earring, and Johnny Clegg, are the ones that became a bit of an obsession and, it seemed, the harder I tried, the less chance I had of seeing them. Cheap Trick never seemed to come over to the UK or, if they did, I knew nothing about it. In 2006 (and 2009), I ticked off Journey. In 2009 (and 2010), Dave Matthews Band. I'd seen Living Colour, Nazareth, Bill Nelson in 2004 – 2006 and, I finally saw Mott the Hoople in 2009. Johnny Clegg and Golden Earring, I nearly saw in 2009 but didn't quite make it. Still, I hold out hope. Cheap Trick I was convinced would never happen.
When I saw that they were touring in 2017, I had posted on my Face de bouc page that I'd love to go but circumstances prevented it. Unbeknownst to me, a couple of friends and my own offspring had connived and conspired behind my back to purchase a ticket for me (and also for the Ian Hunter gig) as a surprise. Whilst they had been hatching this vile and traitorous scheme since about March, like a teenage girl, I was Clueless.
By early June, I hadn't mentioned anything about going to either gig so, my friend, asked if I'd received any interesting post. As I hadn't, I was told about the fiendishly clever, underhanded plan. Now, the game was afoot. As I hadn't received tickets, physical or e-wise - the postal service in the UK post tory firesale, is at best, random. A few emails were exchanged and the tickets would be available for me to collect before the gig. Sorted.
When I saw that they were touring in 2017, I had posted on my Face de bouc page that I'd love to go but circumstances prevented it. Unbeknownst to me, a couple of friends and my own offspring had connived and conspired behind my back to purchase a ticket for me (and also for the Ian Hunter gig) as a surprise. Whilst they had been hatching this vile and traitorous scheme since about March, like a teenage girl, I was Clueless.
By early June, I hadn't mentioned anything about going to either gig so, my friend, asked if I'd received any interesting post. As I hadn't, I was told about the fiendishly clever, underhanded plan. Now, the game was afoot. As I hadn't received tickets, physical or e-wise - the postal service in the UK post tory firesale, is at best, random. A few emails were exchanged and the tickets would be available for me to collect before the gig. Sorted.
On the morning of the night of the gig, I played two hours of Cheap Trick on my radio show (Morning Coffee with The God of Thunder – Mon – Fri 10am UK – Noon www.nusakan.media #iTunes #TuneIn #iTuner ), based on the setlist they had played in London, the night before:
Hello There / Long Time Coming / Elo Kiddies / Big Eyes / California Man / On Top of the World / Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace / The House Is Rockin' (With Domestic Problems) / Baby Loves to Rock / Ain't That a Shame / The Ballad of T.V. Violence (I'm Not the Only Boy) / You Got It Going On / The 'In' Crowd / Magical Mystery Tour / I'm Waiting for the Man / The Flame / When I Wake Up Tomorrow / I Want You to Want Me / Dream Police // Surrender / Auf Wiedersehen / Goodnight
I would have been happy with that setlist, no doubt about that. And, to be perfectly frank, I was expecting it.
By gig time, I was trying to find a decent spot to watch from. The support band, Stone Broken, sounded fine and were receiving some good audience feedback. I can't say it was my kind of thing so I shall not pass judgement. I didn't pay them much attention. Sorry guys.
And, then, the lights went down…
Hello There / Long Time Coming / Elo Kiddies / Big Eyes / California Man / On Top of the World / Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace / The House Is Rockin' (With Domestic Problems) / Baby Loves to Rock / Ain't That a Shame / The Ballad of T.V. Violence (I'm Not the Only Boy) / You Got It Going On / The 'In' Crowd / Magical Mystery Tour / I'm Waiting for the Man / The Flame / When I Wake Up Tomorrow / I Want You to Want Me / Dream Police // Surrender / Auf Wiedersehen / Goodnight
I would have been happy with that setlist, no doubt about that. And, to be perfectly frank, I was expecting it.
By gig time, I was trying to find a decent spot to watch from. The support band, Stone Broken, sounded fine and were receiving some good audience feedback. I can't say it was my kind of thing so I shall not pass judgement. I didn't pay them much attention. Sorry guys.
And, then, the lights went down…
'Cheap Trick, the best fucking band you've ever heard!' announced the leader tape…
Just shy of two hours later, I had to agree.
Just shy of two hours later, I had to agree.
In forty years of gig-going I have seen an awful lot of artists, from many different genres. In fact, I've tried to go to as many gigs as money and time would allow. I've seen most of the ones that I wanted to. Yeah, a few died before I got into them, a few have died before I got the chance to see them but, on balance, I'm pretty satisfied with my track record. However, after a long time of waiting, the expectation is not always met. I was prepared for that. What I was not prepared for was that they would exceed my lofty expectations. Yet, they did just that from the moment that they launched into the first song, Just Got Back. Not only is it one of my favourites, it was not what I expected. By the time Rick mentioned that this was a completely different set to the previous night, I'd already figured that out. Besides the two tracks from the new album, only four of the back catalogue had been in the London set. It was totally different. That is impressive. I've seen the Dead, Bruce Springsteen, Man, for example, bands that are known for changing it around but I don't think I can pinpoint an occasion where I've seen such different sets on two consecutive nights.
The selection of songs was just sublime. Yes, I would have loved the set from London but I was overjoyed with the set in Manchester. They played Taxman, Mr Thief! FFS! Even I wasn't expecting that.
The selection of songs was just sublime. Yes, I would have loved the set from London but I was overjoyed with the set in Manchester. They played Taxman, Mr Thief! FFS! Even I wasn't expecting that.
nother concern, when you go to see bands that have been around a while (you know, when you first got into them they were the knew kids, the revolutionaries, the ones shaking things up) is that they may have got old and just ain't that good any more…
I knew that Tom Petersson had invented the twelve string bass and I've been hearing it for years. Seeing him play it live is another thing. The sound of that beast is incredible. It is the only occasion that I have ever seen a twelve string bass played as a lead instrument. If you don't get my excitement at this, you never will… Just awesome. And, he sings the Velvet Underground cover, too.
Robin Zander has one of the best voices in rock. I've always thought so. He still has.
Daxx Nielsen has taken over from Bun E. Carlos, on drums, due to the latter's back problems. He's a great replacement, keeping it 'in the family'. It feels right.
And, then, we come to Rick Nielsen. Until tonight, I really hadn't appreciated just how good this guy actually is. You see, I'd always loved his sound but never been sure where he fit in the list of great guitarists. He doesn't fit the traditional guitar hero mould in any way. I'd always just assumed he was good but not, you know, great. F'rexample, the solo in Dream Police. I suppose I just figured that on live recordings, it never matches the studio recording and he just messed it up a bit. I know. I feel a moron just typing that. But, you get these ideas in your head and you just accept that you're right, until something comes along to question it. That can, of course, take decades or, may never come along. In the days before the gig, I had played a lot of CT on my radio show, and had listened to pretty much the entire back catalogue. I realised that on Dream Police, the solo was, pretty much, always played 'wrong', but never in the same way. It suddenly hit me that this was deliberate. How could I have not figured that out before now? On Wednesday night, it hit home just how good a guitarist he is. I'm a dumbass, I know. I've already given myself a good slapping. Not only that, he's a funny guy. Yes, he's weird. Then again, I'm weird. I always like to go back to the words of that great thinker, Douglas Wambaugh. who pointed out that “The world needs characters. I'm a character!” Rick Nielsen is a character. It's that simple. Oh, and one helluva guitarist! Sorry it took me long to get to that conclusion.
I knew that Tom Petersson had invented the twelve string bass and I've been hearing it for years. Seeing him play it live is another thing. The sound of that beast is incredible. It is the only occasion that I have ever seen a twelve string bass played as a lead instrument. If you don't get my excitement at this, you never will… Just awesome. And, he sings the Velvet Underground cover, too.
Robin Zander has one of the best voices in rock. I've always thought so. He still has.
Daxx Nielsen has taken over from Bun E. Carlos, on drums, due to the latter's back problems. He's a great replacement, keeping it 'in the family'. It feels right.
And, then, we come to Rick Nielsen. Until tonight, I really hadn't appreciated just how good this guy actually is. You see, I'd always loved his sound but never been sure where he fit in the list of great guitarists. He doesn't fit the traditional guitar hero mould in any way. I'd always just assumed he was good but not, you know, great. F'rexample, the solo in Dream Police. I suppose I just figured that on live recordings, it never matches the studio recording and he just messed it up a bit. I know. I feel a moron just typing that. But, you get these ideas in your head and you just accept that you're right, until something comes along to question it. That can, of course, take decades or, may never come along. In the days before the gig, I had played a lot of CT on my radio show, and had listened to pretty much the entire back catalogue. I realised that on Dream Police, the solo was, pretty much, always played 'wrong', but never in the same way. It suddenly hit me that this was deliberate. How could I have not figured that out before now? On Wednesday night, it hit home just how good a guitarist he is. I'm a dumbass, I know. I've already given myself a good slapping. Not only that, he's a funny guy. Yes, he's weird. Then again, I'm weird. I always like to go back to the words of that great thinker, Douglas Wambaugh. who pointed out that “The world needs characters. I'm a character!” Rick Nielsen is a character. It's that simple. Oh, and one helluva guitarist! Sorry it took me long to get to that conclusion.
You can see the setlist, everything came as a pleasant surprise, and I welcomed each song, and sang 'til I was a little hoarse. Neigh, you say. No, 'tis true. I behaved like a teenage girl at a Beatles concert. Short of throwing my underwear on stage, I was nothing more than another hysterical fan.
You know what, I'm proud of that.
I'm a Cheap Trick Fan.
Cheap Trick: The best band I've ever fucking heard.
Mark L. Potts
The God of Thunder
July 1st 2017
You know what, I'm proud of that.
I'm a Cheap Trick Fan.
Cheap Trick: The best band I've ever fucking heard.
Mark L. Potts
The God of Thunder
July 1st 2017