Cheap Trick Proves The Show Must Go On At RiverEdge Park After Brief Health Scare On Stage

Sep 11, 2026 admin_bitlc Features, Music News, Reviews 0

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By James Currie

Rock n Roll royalty Cheap Trick came to Aurora last night for their “All Washed Up Tour,” but nobody in the crowd expected the evening to turn into a genuine scare involving guitarist Rick Nielsen.

The show was already a little unusual. This was a makeup date for the band and the final concert of RiverEdge Park’s 2026 season, giving the night a built-in sense of occasion. Then, after just a few songs, things took an unexpected turn. During “Big Eyes,” Nielsen walked offstage.

At first, there was no explanation. He remained offstage for the next couple of songs, leaving the audience wondering what was happening. Then Robin Zander addressed the crowd. “Rick’s going to take a break. He’s having a hard time breathing but will be back soon.” With that, Zander and the band launched into “Ain’t That A Shame.”

Zander’s son, Robin Taylor Zander, who has been touring with Cheap Trick as a backup guitarist for years now, stepped forward and filled the space left by Rick. It was an impressive moment, particularly under circumstances nobody had planned for.

Then came “High Roller.” Near the end of the song, Nielsen returned. A chair was brought onto the stage and placed in his usual spot in front of his checkerboard amps and next to his pick studded mic stand. Nielsen was handed a guitar and joined the band again, but something clearly wasn’t quite right. He appeared dazed and didn’t play throughout the song, instead contributing where he could. Bassist Tom Petersson moved over and stood behind him as they finished the number.

Petersson then launched into a bass solo, giving Nielsen another moment to regroup. Nielsen remained onstage for a couple more songs before leaving again during “The Dream Police.”

The band eventually took a roughly ten-minute break, with Zander telling the audience, “We’re going to take a 5 maybe 10 minute break. Go have a beer or two and we’ll be right back.”

When Cheap Trick returned, they pushed through a couple more songs, but the atmosphere had changed. The performance felt rushed and slightly discombobulated. It was clear that whatever was happening backstage had become the elephant in the room.

And you couldn’t help but wonder what was going through Rick’s son Daxx Nielsen’s mind behind the drum kit. Watching your father and bandmate go through something like that while you’re onstage performing has to be an entirely different kind of pressure.

Still, this is Cheap Trick. They kept going.

The band eventually brought the night to its familiar conclusion with their customary “Goodnight.” And then, in a moment that felt like the biggest relief of the evening, Rick Nielsen returned to the stage for the final bow.

True to classic Nielsen form, he flashed those familiar wild smiles, goofy waves and a few comically rude gestures toward the crowd. It was Rick being Rick. And judging by the reaction from the audience, that’s exactly what everyone wanted to see giving cheers and rhythmic chants of Rick! Rick! Rick!

Nobody came to RiverEdge Park expecting a medical scare. They came to hear Cheap Trick crank out the songs that have made them one of rock’s great survivors. But rock ’n’ roll rarely follows the script. Nielsen has always been a professional, and Saturday night was another reminder that, for Cheap Trick, the show must go on.

Whatever happened to Rick, we hope he gets some rest and gets well soon. Because despite the tour’s ominous name, there is one thing I don’t believe: Cheap Trick will never be washed up.

For more on Cheap Trick, click here

For photos from the show, click here

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• 2026, Aurora Illinois, Cheap Trick, Chicago, Health Scare, Incident, live, Rick Neilson, RiverEdge Park, Rock n Roll, rockford, Washed Up Tour

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