Rockin' out loud at Taste of Syracuse 2016: Cheap Trick amps up the energy
Rock and roll legends Cheap Trick made a triumphant return to their hometown of Syracuse, New York, as the headliners at the Taste of Syracuse festival in April. The band, led by founding members Rick Nielsen and Robin Zander, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame just a month prior, and they showed no signs of slowing down as they roared onto the main stage at 9:02 p.m.
The energetic performance featured a mix of classic hits and covers, with Zander's powerful vocals and little apparent effort hitting high notes on songs like "I Want You to Want Me" and "Dream Police." Nielsen, known for his onstage antics, struck dramatic poses and frequently changed guitars, while bassist Tom Petersson showcased his skills with a solo and a cover of "I'm Waiting for the Man," a Velvet Underground song that has become a staple in Cheap Trick's live sets.
The crowd became more friendly and started dancing as the show progressed, with Nielsen adding to the excitement by throwing guitar picks, records, and drumsticks into the crowd. The band closed the night with an encore of "Surrender," "Auf Wiedersehen," and "Goodnight."
In addition to their hometown show, Cheap Trick will perform at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Darien Center, N.Y. on July 27. Daxx Nielsen, the drummer and Rick Nielsen's son, bounced behind his father on the drums and seemed comfortable in his role.
While there is no direct evidence that Cheap Trick performed Velvet Underground songs for the first time at the Taste of Syracuse in 2016, it is known that they have incorporated Velvet Underground material into their live sets prior to that year. A 2018 review of a Poison concert where Cheap Trick covered "I'm Waiting for the Man" indicates that they had been playing Velvet Underground songs before 2016.
Regardless of when they first started performing Velvet Underground songs, Cheap Trick's Taste of Syracuse show was a testament to their enduring talent and the lasting impact they have had on the world of rock and roll.
The energetic performance by Cheap Trick at the Taste of Syracuse festival included covers of Velvet Underground songs, such as "I'm Waiting for the Man." Their captivating live set showcased how their music, a blend of classic hits and covers, continues to resonate in the realm of entertainment.
