Article Contributed by L. Paul Mann
Published on 2026-04-30
Cheap Trick | Paso Robles, CA | April 22nd, 2026 - photos by L. Paul Mann
Watching a band after 50 years that’s still having a blast is exhilarating for longtime fans. Cheap Trick arrived at Vina Robles Amphitheatre on a crisp April night, proving they’re more than a legacy act—they’re power-pop’s blueprint
Central Coast’s B & The Hive set the tone, led by the magnetic Brianna “B” Hails. Their soulful, high-energy set bridged indie rock and classic blues.
Cheap Trick later launched into “Hello There,” locking in the crowd from the start—a tradition. What followed was a masterclass in setlist pacing, blending classics like “Come On, Come On,” “Baby Loves to Rock,” and “Stiff Competition” with deeper cuts and newer material from 2025’s All Washed Up.
Vina Robles’ open-air setting proved a perfect backdrop for the tour, with sharp acoustics capturing Rick Nielsen’s gritty guitar and the band’s signature vocal harmonies.
“Heaven Tonight” stood out with Tom Petersson’s 12-string bass providing a swirling, psychedelic foundation, while “Downed” added a darker, more reflective moment mid-set. The inclusion of “Taxman” gave a nod to the The Beatles, fitting seamlessly into the band’s DNA.
Later, the transition from “The Flame”—with Robin Zander’s vocals impressively clear—to the punchy “I Want You to Want Me” felt like a victory lap. “Dream Police” followed with its soaring chorus, building toward a finale that never really let up.
The lineup’s generational punch is clear. Daxx Nielsen on drums and Robin Taylor Zander on guitar and vocals give the band fresh energy, allowing the original members to shine without carrying the full load.
Rick Nielsen, ever the showman, swapped guitars frequently—including his five-neck—showered picks into the crowd, and swaggered impressively at 77. Petersson delivered his signature intricate bass solo during “I Know What I Want,” a reminder of just how much his playing defines the band’s sound.
Robin Zander, in his trademark police outfit, shifted easily from the snarl of “Stiff Competition” to the soaring “Dream Police,” demonstrating remarkable vocal endurance.
The night closed with the stadium anthem “Surrender,” followed by “Goodnight,” proving Cheap Trick isn’t driven by nostalgia—they play because they still command the stage.
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Setlist – April 22, 2026
Hello There
Come On, Come On
Baby Loves to Rock
Hot Love
Stiff Competition
I Can’t Take It
If You Want My Love
She’s Tight
The Riff That Won’t Quit
Taxman (Beatles cover)
Heaven Tonight
Downed
I Know What I Want (including Bass Solo)
The Flame
I Want You to Want Me
Dream Police
Surrender
Goodnight
