Concert Reports
Cheap Trick
07/26/2024, California Mid State Fair
The California Mid-State Fair hosted rock legends Cheap Trick in concert Friday, July 26 at 7:30 pm. An Evening of Music & Wine with Cheap Trick took place in the Chumash Grandstand Arena at the Paso Robles Event Center and is part of Michelob Ultra Concert Series.
All Photos: Ray Soto / Central Coast Rocks
“Hello there ladies and gentlemen, Hello there ladies and gents, Are you ready to rock, Are you ready or not.” These words were the first out of Robin Zander’s mouth as his band Cheap Trick blasted out their signature opener “Hello There,” on the Chumash Grandstand Arena Stage at The California Mid State Fair in Paso Robles, Calif. No strangers to touring ( the band plays hundreds of shows yearly,) the band from Illinois can still rock with the best of them, while approaching their 50th anniversary. “He’s a Whore.” “California Man,” and “Baby Loves To Rock” followed in a hit laced set list that had the Wine Night crowd at the Fair on their feet for the majority of the night.
Combining High Energy Rock with a sense of humor has put Cheap Trick at the forefront of the rock scene for decades and earned them a spot in The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with record sales that top 20 Million. Guitarist Rick Nielsen’s quirky on stage persona captivated the crowd not only with his impressive arsenal of guitars, including his famous checkerboard standard as well as his famous five neck Hamer guitar, but also with his guitar pic throwing skills as many an audience member went home with more than one souvenir from the night.
The second half of the set was loaded with mega hits such as “The Flame,” “I Want You to Want Me,” and “Surrender,” while “Surrender,” “Auf Wiedersehen,” and “Goodnight” closed out the evening. Look for the band to hop on the Def Leppard/Journey Tour starting July 30th and closing out the year overseas with Journey through November.
Currently gearing up for their 50th anniversary year, Cheap Trick remain an indisputable, indispensable rock ’n’ roll institution, beloved everywhere for their instantly identifiable, hugely influential union of mischievous wit and maximum melodies, powerhouse pop hooks and razor-sharp riffs. Established almost half a century ago by Robin Zander (vocals, rhythm guitar), Rick Nielsen (lead guitar), Tom Petersson (bass guitar), and Bun E. Carlos (drums), the Rockford, IL-based band, with Daxx Nielsen on drums for the last 14 years, has become part of the very fiber of American music, with more than 40 international Gold and Platinum certifications, myriad awards and industry honors, featured appearances on over 20 movie soundtracks, and total record sales now well in excess of 20M. Five decades on, Cheap Trick remains the same at its core as ever – four great guys, three great chords, and an unparalleled canon of tunes that will last an eternity, from “He’s A Whore,” “California Man” and “Dream Police” to “Surrender,” “I Want You To Want Me” and the worldwide #1 hit single, “The Flame.
The 2024 California Mid-State Fair takes place in Paso Robles, CA and runs July 17 through July 28. Connect with us online at www.MidStateFair.com, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.