Live: Cheap Trick @ Forum Kentish Town

Rick Nielsen, Cheap Trick (Geoff.D)

Having just released their 18th studio album, We’re All Alright it’s pretty clear how influential Cheap Trick are within the rock industry. Spanning a history of over 40 years it was no surprise to walk into the Forum Kentish Town to find what can only described as a more mature audience ready for a night of guilty rock pleasure. In fact it took me about 10 minutes of being in the venue before a rather friendly couple tried to ask me a questions about the venue’s history because “sorry darling, you looked a bit young for a cheap trick fan so we figured you worked here” in their defence I was wearing my usual gig camouflage of all black attire… haha.

Stone Broken @ o2 Kentish Town supporting Cheap Trick 27/06/2017 (geoff.D Photography (http://geoffdphotos.com))

Stone Broken @ The Forum supporting Cheap Trick (Geoff.D)

Before the main acthit the stage the crowd was treated to the sounds of support act, Stone Broken. If you’re yet to hear of this band, their a UK based breakthrough rock group who definitely know how to work a crowd. It’s quite clear that the subpar weather outside The Forum has not deterred the crowds tonight and each song that Stone Broken dish out is greeted with unison head bobbing and nods of appreciation.

Stone Broken @ o2 Forum Kentish Town supporting Cheap Trick (Geoff.D)

When announced that one member of the audience had travelled from US just to see them play (Wes if you read this you’re a true legend dedicated to the rock and roll cause!) the band was so impressed they dedicated song Wait For You to their American friend.

Daxx Nielsen, Cheap Trick (Geoff.D)

After what seemed like a lifetime of waiting, rock legends Cheap Trick hit the dimly lit stage as crowd erupted with applause, Opening the show with Hello There, the band wasted no time in strumming through a set of rare gems, hits and even covers of classic rock songs.

Cheap Trick @ O2 Kentish Town Forum, London 27/06/17 (geoff.D Photography)

Robin Zander, Cheap Trick (Geoff.D)

When the band erupts into Top Of The World we get our first mass sing along for the night, with the crowd drowning out lead singer Robin Zander‘s own lyrics chanting “Tonight, Tonight, Tonight,” if it made one thing clear it showed the cheap trick fans were definitely here tonight.

Tom Petersson, with his amazing 12 string Gretsch guitar (Geoff.D)

As I hike my way up to the bar at the top of the forum staircase I get chased by security, once again I’ve been mistaken for a member of staff. After a hilarious exchange I grab my beer and plant myself against the rail upstairs with a group of lads who seem to cheers their beers every song. As Trick bursts into crowd favourite Ain’t That A Shame I cant help but get lost watching the various dance moves that break out in the crowd below me.

Cheap Trick (Geoff.D)

Tonight’s show is low on crowd banter, with a few small exceptions including the band talking about the time Michael Jackson tried to sue them for releasing their cover of Magical Mystery Tour’that he commissioned them to create. I have to admit that before tonight I hadn’t heard the Cheap Trick cover and I must way I was mighty impressed

Robin Zander, Cheap Trick with his beat up Rickenbacker guitar (Geoff.D)

As the band arrives at the tail end of their set we’re hit with a pretty succinct burst of hits as they work their way through When I Wake Up Tomorrow, I Want You To Want Me and Dream Police all in succession. They even spontaneously add in The Flame to please the song’s writer whojust happens to be in the audience tonight, “We better play it, otherwise he might sue us to!” gets a pretty unanimous applause.

Rick Nielsen, Cheap Trick (Geoff.D)

The band head off and quickly re-emerge to play personal favourite Surrender as an encore and its at this point I finally see (well hear) a kid in the audience cheer and scream “Yay the Guardians Of The Galaxy song”, did I not mention how influential Cheap Trick have been across their 40 year career!

Robin Zander, Cheap Trick (Geoff.D)

It is quite incredible to think that I was exposed to these rock legends at a young age through my parents vinyl collection and now we have another generation being exposed through the wonderful word of cinema.

After two more songs, we all make our way out of the Forum and I can’t help but think at this stage we’ll probably still be rocking out with these guys for another 40 years.

Rick Nielsen, with one of his many Gibson Flying V guitars (Geoff.D)

Live Review & Photography by Geoffrey D’Unienville of CheapTrick at Forum Kentish Town on 27th June 2017

Geoff has his own great photography site here: https://500px.com/geoffdphotos

https://rockshotmagazine.com/9872/live-review-haim-forum/

Wolf Alice Return With Euphoric New Single ‘Bloom Baby Bloom’

London’s genre-defying quartet Wolf Alice have returned in full bloom with their new single, Bloom Baby Bloom—a vibrant, effervescent track that signals a fresh chapter for one of Britain’s most dynamic modern rock bands. Released after a period of relative silence since their Mercury Prize-winning 2021 album Blue Weekend, the single has sent ripples through the alternative scene, sparking excitement about what might be next for the group.

Pet Needs Are Primetime Entertainment At The Old Church

It’s lunchtime in sunny Stoke Newington, the part of London that really feels like a village. Most of the crowd lined up outside the historic Old Church are making this the first stop on their weekend, and as they mingle among the old tombstones with beers in hand, the anticipation is fizzing in the air. For the fourth year in a row, Pet Needs are about to kick off their Fractured Party weekender, and we’ve so far beyond ready for it.

Alice Phoebe Lou Enchants London At The Roundhouse

On Friday, 2nd May, 2025, the Roundhouse in London played host to a spellbinding performance by South African-born...

Lizzie Esau Unleashes Explosive New Single ‘Bugs’ — A Dark, Defiant Step Forward From A Rockshot Favourite

Rockshot Magazine favourite Lizzie Esau continues her rapid ascent through the UK’s alt-rock landscape with the release of her most accomplished single to date, Bugs. A darkly euphoric track filled with emotional grit and lyrical nuance, Bugs sees the 25-year-old Newcastle native confront the chaos of creative self-doubt with ferocity — and catharsis.

EMMMA Finds Power In Heartache With Stirring New Single ‘Wednesday’s Child’

EMMMA is no stranger to vulnerability — but with her latest single, Wednesday’s Child, the rising UK-based alt-pop artist turns raw emotion into a seismic act of self-empowerment. Released as the next step toward her second EP, the track is a defining moment in her artistic evolution: darker, bolder, and more emotionally fearless than anything she’s released before.

Jon Allen Unearths Gritty Past Of 18th Century London With Immersive New Album ‘Seven Dials’

British singer-songwriter Jon Allen invites listeners into the fog-shrouded streets and shadowy corners of 18th century London with his latest album, Seven Dials. Known for his earthy blend of folk, blues, and Americana, Allen trades modern-day themes for a haunting historical portrait that’s as cinematic as it is emotionally raw.

Josh Groban Shines Bright With New Career-Spanning Album ‘Gems’

Josh Groban is entering a new era of reflection and celebration with the release of Gems, a deeply personal,...

Sophie Grey Is Not Waiting Anymore — She’s Putting You ‘On Hold’

Rising electro-pop artist Sophie Grey. is back with a brooding new single, On Hold, and it’s everything we’ve come to expect from the multi-talented producer, performer, and provocateur — shimmering synths, bold visuals, and an anthem for the digitally disenchanted. Out now with an equally cinematic music video, On Hold is a hypnotic blend of retro-futurism and raw emotion, delivered with Grey’s signature flair and fiercely independent spirit.