Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen had a minor medical procedure a few weeks ago. It was unsure whether the guitarist, who is still in the recovery process, would play with the band whose concerts are still ongoing. Cheap Trick announced on its official Twitter account that Nielsen will not take the stage with them, and Robin Taylor Zander will be taking the lead guitar instead.
“Six weeks ago, Rick had a procedure that has required him to stay off the road until fully recovered,” they wrote, referring to the operation that Rick Nielsen underwent a few weeks ago. “Unfortunately, Rick still needs a little bit more time and will not be out with us this week. Robin Taylor Zander will be moving to lead guitar for the next two shows.”
Robin Taylor Zander is the son of Cheap Trick frontman Robin Wayne Zander. This will not be the 28-year-old’s first time playing with the band, as he occasionally enjoys performing with his father and his bandmates. The multi-instrumentalist musician had played drums, bass, and lead guitar when other band members were absent before.
For instance, in 2016, Bun E. Carlos had to take time off for the birth of his child, and he replaced him on the drums. In 2021, when bassist Tom Petersson was out due to heart surgery, he took over the bass duties. When Rick Nielsen’s prior health difficulties forced him to stop performing, he stepped in for him a few times. As the wildcard member of the band, his chemistry has been very good with all the members.
The band had previously postponed their concerts due to Rick’s health condition. This time, however, they will continue performing without him. Details on what the ‘minor operation’ Nielsen went through were not shared, but it was noted that he was quickly recovering. Zander will be with them as Cheap Trick plays in Arizona on December 9 and California on December 10.
Six weeks ago Rick had a procedure that has required him to stay off the road until fully recovered. Unfortunately, Rick still needs a little bit more time and will not be out with us this week. Robin Taylor Zander will be moving to lead guitar for the next two shows.
— Cheap Trick (@cheaptrick) December 7, 2022
