Cheap Trick at Budokan Live in Las Vegas presale codes

Cheap Trick came up in Rockford, Illinois, blending British Invasion melody with Midwestern bite.

From Rockford to the Strip

This Vegas run nods to the landmark At Budokan era, the live record that turned club grinders into radio fixtures. The big change since those days is on drums, with Daxx Nielsen now handling the seat once held by Bun E. Carlos on the road. Expect a set built around punchy singalongs like I Want You to Want Me, Surrender, Dream Police, and their take on Ain't That a Shame.

What the crowd feels like

You will see guitar swaps nearly every song and plenty of dry banter, with pockets of power-pop diehards next to casual rock fans and families. Trivia fans note that the original Budokan cuts were edited from two April 1978 nights, and that Rick Nielsen's checkerboard craze predates the album art. Another deep cut fact is that Tom Petersson helped popularize the 12-string bass, which gives those choruses a glassy roar live. Set list and production details here are inferred from recent shows and the Budokan theme, not from any official sheet.

Cheap Trick Fans: Checkerboards and Big Choruses

You will spot checkerboard hats, vintage tees from the Dream Police era, and a few homemade five-neck guitar nods.

Checkerboards and choruses

There is a mix of long-time fans trading setlist stories and younger kids learning the chants from parents. Group claps land on the backbeat in Surrender, and the call-and-response in I Want You to Want Me turns the room into a choir. Posters and shirts lean on the At Budokan theme, with some fans bringing small flags or signs that nod to Tokyo history.

Traditions that travel

Rick's guitar pick showers spark friendly scrambles, but most people just smile and pass them along. Pre-show playlists tend to dip into 70s power-pop, which sets a social, low-drama tone.

How Cheap Trick Makes It Hit Hard Live

Robin Zander's tenor now carries a touch of grit, which works well against bright, chiming guitars.

Hooks first, flash second

Rick Nielsen favors tight, down-picked riffs and ringing open chords, changing guitars to match each song's color. Tom Petersson anchors with a throaty low end and often brings a 12-string bass for extra shimmer on sustained notes. Daxx Nielsen plays with crisp kick and snare patterns that keep tempos brisk but not rushed.

Small tweaks, big lift

They like to stretch outros by a few bars so the crowd can carry the hook, especially on Surrender and Dream Police. A lesser-known move is starting I Want You to Want Me with a dry, count-off feel before the full band jumps in, echoing the Budokan vibe. Lighting is clean and color-blocked, letting the guitars and vocals lead while accent hits punctuate the bigger choruses.

If You Like Cheap Trick, You'll Like These

If you live for tight hooks and classic guitar crunch, Heart fans will feel at home thanks to big choruses and polished vocals.

Fans of big hooks, line up

Def Leppard pulls a similar arena-ready sheen, mixing pop instincts with loud, bright guitars. Melody-first rock diehards who follow REO Speedwagon will recognize the singalong pacing and clean harmonies. ZZ Top should appreciate the no-fuss grooves and sharp rhythm section.

Where scenes overlap

All four acts prize concise songs, friendly stage craft, and a set arc that builds energy without dragging.