There’s something about a Cheap Trick summer show that feels like a rite of passage. The sun dipping behind the trees at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, the heat lingering in the air, and thousands of fans ready for a night of guitar crunch, big hooks, and pure rock ’n’ roll energy—it’s exactly the kind of environment where the band thrives. Cheap Trick has been doing this for decades, but what makes them special is how fresh they still sound, how much fun they still seem to have, and how easily they can turn a massive venue into a giant sing-along. Their June 2018 show in The Woodlands was all of that and more: loud, playful, tight, a little chaotic in the best way, and a reminder that some bands are built for the long haul.
The night started fast with “Hello There,” the classic opener that wastes zero time. As soon as those first chords hit, the crowd was on its feet. Robin Zander walked out in his signature white jacket and hat, sounding almost shockingly strong—his voice still clear, powerful, and able to hit the notes with the kind of ease most singers half his age would envy. Rick Nielsen, naturally, was grinning, pointing, tossing picks by the handful, and looking like the happiest troublemaker in Texas.
From there, the band launched into “You Got It Going On,” a newer track that already feels like it belongs in the Cheap Trick catalog from way back. It’s punchy, loud, and full of that glam-punk swagger that the band seems to have tattooed on their DNA. The Pavilion’s sound system did the band justice—sharp guitars, booming drums, and a crowd singing along with surprising enthusiasm for a relatively new tune.
They kept the momentum going with “California Man,” the Move cover they’ve practically made their own by now. It brought a little extra groove to the set, with Nielsen bouncing around the stage, swinging his guitar like it weighed nothing, and Robin leaning into the vocal with that blend of charm and grit he does so well.
“Long Time Coming” followed, another modern Cheap Trick track that fits seamlessly alongside the hits. The song’s riff shot across the Pavilion, and you could feel the energy tightening and rising—this was one of those moments where the band’s longevity really clicked. They’re not a nostalgia act. They’re a legacy band that still has something new and relevant to say.
Then came one of the night’s biggest crowd-pleasers: “Ain’t That a Shame.” Their Fats Domino cover is a staple at this point, but hearing it live never gets old. The entire Pavilion was singing, clapping, and dancing along, and the band seemed to feed off every word. Tom Petersson’s bass tone rumbled through the venue, giving the classic tune a heavier, more muscular edge.
“Never Had a Lot to Lose” was a nice deep-cut addition—tight, punchy, and delivered with the kind of punk-leaning attitude that Cheap Trick often slips into effortlessly. It’s one of those songs that reminds you just how deep their catalog really goes.
The energy softened slightly with “The Summer Looks Good on You,” a melodic newer song with a breezy feel that fit the warm evening perfectly. Zander’s vocals sounded genuinely smooth, and the Pavilion lights gave the whole moment a relaxed glow.
Things took an unexpected turn with Tom Petersson’s bass solo, a surprisingly atmospheric moment that helped set the stage for one of the night’s standout performances: “I’m Waiting for the Man.” Cheap Trick covering the Velvet Underground is already cool, but having Petersson take the lead vocals elevated it. His low, gritty tone gave the song a hypnotic feel. The band even wove in a snippet of “Heroin” mid-performance, a subtle nod that made the crowd erupt with recognition. It was raw, moody, and one of the show’s most intriguing stretches.
The mood then shifted sharply as the band eased into “The Flame.” It’s a song that has followed them for decades, both a blessing and a weight, but Zander treated it like it was brand new. His voice soared, emotional and controlled, and the audience sang along in full force. It was one of those “everybody knows this one” moments, and the Pavilion felt unified in a way only a great power ballad can create.
After the emotional peak of “The Flame,” Cheap Trick blasted into pure, joyful chaos with “I Want You to Want Me.” The Pavilion transformed into a giant karaoke session instantly. Nielsen was having a blast, interacting with fans, throwing out picks, and dropping into that iconic riff with total confidence. Daxx Nielsen’s drumming kept the song tight but full of personality—he nails the Bun E. Carlos vibe while still adding his own flair.
The next stretch of the set was pure adrenaline: “Dream Police” followed by “Surrender.” Each one turned the venue into a celebration. “Dream Police” had the crowd chanting along, pumping fists, and laughing at Rick’s exaggerated expressions. “Surrender” felt loose and wild, with the band clearly energized by the crowd’s enthusiasm. There’s something magical about thousands of people shouting “Mommy’s alright, daddy’s alright!” together, and Cheap Trick knows it. They leaned into the moment, stretching it out, letting the audience completely take over parts of the chorus.
The main set wrapped up with “Auf Wiedersehen,” a chaotic, theatrical closer that showed the band still knows how to leave a room buzzing. Zander’s vocals took on a sneering, dramatic tone, and Nielsen tore into the guitar parts like he was trying to out-shred himself. It was the perfect “end before the end,” the moment that pushes the excitement to a peak before the final goodbye.
Cheap Trick returned for one final punch: “Goodnight.” It’s a simple, smart encore choice—short, energetic, and a perfect bookend to “Hello There.” The band delivered it with a wink and a final blast of energy, waving to fans, tossing more picks, and soaking in the applause as the Pavilion lit up with cheers.
Here’s the full setlist from the show:
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Hello There
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You Got It Going On
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California Man (The Move cover)
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Long Time Coming
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Ain’t That a Shame (Fats Domino cover)
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Never Had a Lot to Lose
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The Summer Looks Good on You
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Bass Solo
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I’m Waiting for the Man (The Velvet Underground cover; with snippet of “Heroin”)
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The Flame
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I Want You to Want Me
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Dream Police
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Surrender
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Auf Wiedersehen
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Goodnight
By the time the final notes rang out and the band left the stage, the crowd was buzzing. Cheap Trick had delivered exactly what people came for: big hits, deeper cuts, playful chaos, tight musicianship, and that special blend of charm and attitude that has kept them beloved for more than four decades.
There’s something uniquely satisfying about seeing a band with this kind of history still having so much fun. Cheap Trick never phones it in—they hit the stage like they have something to prove, but they play like they’re just happy to be there. And that enthusiasm is infectious. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion show felt like a celebration not just of the band’s past, but of their present and their continued ability to draw fans of all ages.
Even after all these years, Cheap Trick remains a band that can turn any night into a party. And on that warm June evening in 2018, they delivered a show that left everyone smiling, singing, and remembering why these songs still matter.
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