By John Johnson, Photos by Chaz Dykes of Chaz D Photography
This past Saturday, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater celebrated their 60th anniversary. The pristine performing arts venue, perched on the St. Pete side of Tampa Bay, rang in this momentous occasion with a performance by Rock and Roll Hall Famers Cheap Trick. The pre-party for the festivities kicked off relatively early, at 5:30, with only a couple hundred people taking advantage of the beautiful lobby. Owner Bill Edwards could be seen milling about and pressing flesh with a few attendees, present company included. Along with Mr. Edwards, it was a personal pleasure to run into theater director Jim Beeman, who had several pieces of Cheap Trick memorabilia displayed for the event. One was a signed drum head for the bands Sgt. Peppers performance, that I had done the design for several years ago. I jokingly told Jim that if it goes disappearing that he should just call me in the morning, and I’ll return it promptly. For the record, I begrudgingly held off pilfering the piece and assume no responsibility if it did end up missing.
The iconic band, celebrating their own impressive feat of having been together for 50 years, tore through a 21-song set to the delight of the mostly sold-out show. Founding members Rick Nielsen and bassist Tom Petersson, 76 and 74 respectively, were joined by the “almost original” singer Robin Zander at a spry 72 years young. Daxx Neilsen, who replaced Bun E. Carlos nearly 16 years ago, was throned on drums, while the last position was occupied by Robin Taylor Zander on guitars and backing vocals. Neilsen, who practically plays a different guitar every song, still works a mob into a frenzy simply by appearing under a spotlight.
Although he does show some signs of slowing down, he rarely trudges around with the heavy five neck guitar anymore, he still has that better dressed Bowery Boy enthusiasm. The fifth song in “He’s a Whore”, Neilsen humorously dedicated to his lovely wife of an impressive 54 years. Although both are cover tunes, “California Man” and “Ain’t that a Shame”, are still played by the Tricksters as if they had created them themselves. The somewhat disco-esque tune “Need Your Love” showcased the Zander gentlemen’s ability to harmonize flawlessly. The twelfth number in had the younger Zander, Z as we in the know like to refer to him as, taking over on lead vocals. The crunchy blues based “Cry, Cry” from their debut album, was given new life by Z, who was dressed in all black from bolero to boots.
After a Velvet Underground enthused bass solo, Petersson sang his signature tune from 1979’s Dream Police, “I know What I Want”. In black velvet jacket and distressed cowboy hat, Petersson perfectly picked and plunked his twelve string basses with pertinent panache. How’s that for alliteration? Donning a bedazzled Dream Police inspired hat and literal star studded trousers, the senior Zander took center stage with acoustic guitar in tow. Having mostly been backed by his son on vocals throughout the event, he now proved why he is referred to as one of the greatest rock vocalists of a generation. Starting with a snippet of “It All Comes Back to You”, he then proceeded into the crowd pleasing ballad, and the bands number one hit from 1987, “The Flame”. Having blown away the congregation with the songs final notes, the attendees barely had a chance to catch their own breath he immediately stated the iconic phrase “I Want You…to Want Me!”
The almost packed house was brought to their feet to sing along to the song of the same phrase, having Zander remind the horde that we are in fact “All Alright”. With only a moments rest, the band followed it with closing number “Dream Police”. Knowing that there was at least one quintessential ditty not performed yet no one left, or had hardly sat down for that matter, before the band returned. The encore had the group ripping into the aforementioned classic “Surrender”, followed by “Auf Wiedersehen” and the show ender, “Goodnight”.
The very appreciative assemblage, a mix of longtime fans and newer generations, responded with enthusiasm throughout the night, standing, cheering, and singing along. It was more than just a concert—it was a shared moment of musical history that honored the past while proving rock and roll is very much alive. Beyond the music, the concert felt like a celebration of both Cheap Trick’s storied legacy and the Mahaffey’s impressive milestone.
Now, go out and See, Hear and Feel live music. And if you can, do so at the Mahaffey.
