AXS TV Concerts Season 1 Episode 55 Cheap Trick: At Budokan the 35th Anniversary Performance Live From The El Rey Theatre

Cheap Trick: At Budokan is one of the most iconic live albums of all time. Recorded in Tokyo in 1978, the album catapulted the Illinois-based band to international stardom. To celebrate its 35th anniversary, Cheap Trick performed At Budokan in its entirety at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles, and AXS TV Concerts was there to capture it all.

The show starts with a high-energy performance of "Hello There," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the evening. Singer Robin Zander sounds as powerful as ever, hitting every high note with ease, while guitarist Rick Nielsen dazzles with his signature checkerboard guitar and playful stage presence.

The band plays through the entire At Budokan album, with highlights including "I Want You to Want Me," "Surrender," and "Ain't That A Shame." The songs sound just as fresh and exciting as they did 35 years ago, and the crowd is clearly loving every minute of it.

After finishing At Budokan, Cheap Trick launches into a set of fan favorites and deep cuts, showing off their versatility and range as a band. "Voices" and "Dream Police" get the crowd singing along, while "California Man" and "The Flame" showcase the band's softer side.

Zander takes a moment to introduce a new song called "No Direction Home," which he dedicates to "anyone who's ever felt lost." The slow-burning ballad is a clear highlight of the evening, with Zander's vocals dripping with emotion and the rest of the band providing a haunting musical backdrop.

Nielsen is front and center during a section of the show where he plays snippets of classic rock riffs, including "Satisfaction," "Day Tripper," and "Smoke on the Water." He even brings out a five-necked guitar for a mind-bending performance of "Goodnight Now."

As the show comes to a close, Cheap Trick saves some of their biggest hits for last. "The Flame" and "I Want You to Want Me" both get huge responses from the crowd, and the band ends the night with a raucous version of "Surrender."

Overall, Cheap Trick: At Budokan the 35th Anniversary Performance Live From The El Rey Theatre is a must-see for fans of the band and anyone who loves classic rock. The band is in top form, playing with energy and passion throughout the entire show. Zander's vocals are as strong as ever, and Nielsen's guitar playing is as inventive and fun as ever. This is a performance that will leave you with a smile on your face and a newfound appreciation for Cheap Trick's enduring legacy.