CHEAP TRICK's RICK NIELSEN To Sit Out Shows After Undergoing 'Minor Procedure'

CHEAP TRICK guitarist Rick Nielsen will miss the band's shows this weekend after recently undergoing a "minor" medical procedure. He will be temporarily replaced by Robin Taylor Zander, the 28-year-old son of CHEAP TRICK's frontman Robin Wayne Zander.

Earlier today, the legendary rockers released the following message via social media: "A few days ago Rick had a minor procedure that requires him to stay off the road for this week and not travel. Robin Taylor Zander will be stepping up this weekend. We look forward to Rick rejoining the guys on the west coast later next week."

CHEAP TRICK is scheduled to play Port Huron, Michigan on Friday, November 4 and Kalamazoo, MI on Saturday, November 5, before taking a few days off and picking things up again on Thursday, November 10 in Auburn, Washington.

Robin Taylor Zander has played drums, bass, and lead guitar in CHEAP TRICK when other members weren't available. In 2016, he played drums for CHEAP TRICK when Daxx Nielsen, who replaced Bun E. Carlos, had to take time off for the birth of his child. He also in for bassist Tom Petersson in 2021 when Petersson was sidelined by heart surgery. Robin Taylor Zander also filled in for Nielsen a handful of times in the past when Rick's previous health issues forced him off the road.

"If anyone knows about this band, they know that a lot of the personality is through Rick," Robin Taylor Zander told Rolling Stone this past summer. "He's the main entertainer. He's the guy who runs across one side of the stage to the other. I'm never going to be that, because I'm standing. I have to sing most of the night. I'm not going to run around and throw guitar picks into the audience like Rick. I just had to focus on getting the guitar parts right. All I could do was my best."

Founded in 1974, CHEAP TRICK is an indisputable American institution, beloved around the globe for its instantly identifiable, hugely influential, brand of pop-rock 'n' roll. The bandmembers are true pioneers with an unparalleled streak of certifiably classic tunes, from "He's A Whore", "California Man" and "Dream Police" to "Surrender", "I Want You To Want Me" and the worldwide No. 1 hit single "The Flame".

2016 saw CHEAP TRICK inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, a long-overdue acknowledgment of a nearly five-decade career that has earned them more than 40 international gold and platinum certifications, myriad awards and industry honors, featured appearances on over 20 movie soundtracks, and total record sales well in excess of 20 million.

CHEAP TRICK's current lineup includes three of its original members: Zander, Nielsen and Petersson. Carlos stopped touring with the band in 2010 and was replaced by Nielsen's son Daxx.