Bang, Zoom, Crazy…Hello

After 40 years and 16 albums, founding Cheap Trick members Robin Zander, Tom Petersson, and Rick Nielsen (whose son, Daxx, fills in on drums) keep doing what they do best—sticking close to their ‘60s rock foundation and exceeding fans’ expectations. The first three *Bang, Zoom, Crazy…Hello* songs are pure Cheap Trick—all meaty, power-pop glory, Zander in fine vocal form and Nielsen reinforcing his stature as one of rock’s most consistently entertaining guitarists. “Blood Red Lips” is equipped with hearty T Rex touches. “The ‘In’ Crowd” is a supple Ramsey Lewis cover. By maintaining status quo, *Bang, Zoom, Crazy…Hello* has the elements and personality of a Cheap Trick classic for a new generation.

This year is poised to be a banner one for Cheap Trick—or at least, that’s how it’s been planned. The arena-ready power-pop pioneers from Rockford, Illinois are very deservedly being inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame on April 8, ideally alongside estranged drummer Bun E. Carlos, who has been feuding with—and…