This summer is bringing us some amazing classic rock tours. This self-proclaimed “Rock Chick” is psyched to see three of my all-time favorite bands in concert. Each playing huge venues to fans of multiple generations.
Tickets are going for big bucks and are in high demand. Rush, AC/DC, Iron Maiden. All coming—and all still cool. Let’s face it. Rock and Roll has always been about cool. You can be a great classic band. But cool? That’s different.
But who is the coolest in my opinion? Cheap Trick from Rockford, Illinois. The rockers who invented the ‘70s power pop, hard-banging guitar rock sound. They creates an arsenal of anthems, ballads, covers, and decades of new music. They are probably the coolest classic band.
From their 1977 debut to their most recent 21st album—All Washed Up—they remain one of the most in-demand touring bands. They are still so cool, and certainly not All Washed Up.
Three out of the four original members still actively touring (Robin Zander – vocals, Rick Nielsen – guitar, and bassist Tom Petersson). I’ve seen Cheap Trick dozens of times since the early 1980s. I booked them when I was program director at WDHA for radio shows in the 2000s. Every young band wanted to play on a bill with Cheap Trick, because they are so cool.
I’ve always noticed how current artists I’ve interviewed continue to mention Cheap Trick. Even their simple logo is cool. They still sound great, their catalog is epic—and they are still cool.
Two weeks ago, I headed to Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey, for a Cheap Trick underplay with some of my NJ Rock Coalition Concert buddies. My boys who have been industry and radio partners—and more importantly, pals—for over 20 years. Tyson Haller from Shelter Music (Cheap Trick’s management company), and Gary Jay and Rob Baldwin from Landshark Promotion Studio.
When Cheap Trick hit the stage, it was instantly cool. Robin’s vocals are still spot on, and still looks great. Rick has always been a cool character and master showman. His arsenal of custom guitars swinging everywhere, and the band’s catalog is beyond impressive.
Cheap Trick is also known for designing the perfect setlist. Mixing their mega classics that are still heard daily on rock radio everywhere, with deeper cuts that you never hear on the radio. My personal favorites include I Can’t Take It, Hello There, and Auf Wiedersehen, and a sprinkling of new tunes from their latest albums.
You feel cool watching them. Cheap Trick shirts everywhere—from 18 to 65. Everyone was representing the iconic yet simple logo. It still looked cool.
I caught up with the coolest member of the band—guitarist Rick Nielsen. Not long ago, I asked him if he understood that the band was still one of rock’s coolest acts.
*Editor’s Note: Answers have been edited for clarity and length.*
Terrie Carr – You are a humble guy. Do you still feel like one of the coolest bands, because you are still one of the coolest bands?
Rick Nielsen – I’m 30 and I feel like 16. That was on our first album. I’m 130 now and I feel like 16 until I look in the mirror. So, I tore all of the mirrors out of my house.
TC – Are you looking forward to getting out there and touring again? You are a touring band, a working band, and a working rock and roll band.
RN – That’s what we like to do. Thank God we have fans that come to see us, promoters that want to book us, and other bands that still want us to play with them. It’s great. It’s the life that I wanted my whole life. I didn’t want to be anything else. This is what I do.
Rick discusses Robin Zander as his “favorite singer,” and how the band is “too dumb to quit” while never trying to be “something they were not.” Watching the entire crowd two weeks ago in New Jersey chant, “We’re all alright” during Surrender over and over was a moment. Doing what rock does: transporting us and making us feel cool.
What does it take for a classic band to still be cool? Massive catalog. At least two original members. A killer logo. Overall, it has to feel cool, something you just can’t fake.
Cheap Trick’s All Washed Up tour runs through September 2026. If they are playing near you, don’t miss them. It’s a cool night that’s good for the soul.
Set List – Sayreville, NJ – 3/20/2026
Dream Police
Elo Kiddies
Stiff Competition
Big Eyes
Heart On The Line
Twelve Gates
Ain’t That A Shame
That ‘70s Song
High Roller
Downed
I Know What I Want
The Flame
I Want You To Want Me
Surrender
Never Had A Lot To Lose
Auf Wiedersehen
Goodnight
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