After nearly 50 years together, power-pop legends Cheap Trick are still making music, touring and proving that — whatever critics might say — they’re far from “washed up.” Frontman **Robin Zander recently spoke to Classic Rock about the band’s 21st studio album All Washed Up, the group’s creative dynamic and why their half-century run works even when the members don’t socialize offstage.
The name of the new album, All Washed Up, could sound like a self-deprecating joke or an admission that the band’s best days are behind them. But as Zander makes clear, that tongue-in-cheek title was intentional — he insisted on it because it captures both perspectives: a wink to the past and a statement of renewed energy.
On record number 21, Cheap Trick serve up power-pop hooks, anthemic choruses and audacious riffs that underline they’re still creatively invested and enjoying the process.
Zander explained that All Washed Up was created a bit differently from past albums. The band laid down basic instrumental tracks first, then added melodies and vocals in subsequent sessions in studios across Nashville, Los Angeles and Florida. That multi-location approach gave the songs room to breathe and evolve.
Despite decades on the road and in the studio together, the band isn’t close in a personal sense — and that’s not a liability, Zander says. “We were never friends,” he says bluntly, noting that mutual respect and “musical glue” is what’s kept Cheap Trick together even when they don’t socialize offstage.
Zander discussed several tracks from the album, illustrating how Cheap Trick balance breadth and depth:
- “Twelve Gates” — The lead single captures an upbeat, almost biblical sense of optimism and unity, reflecting broad themes rather than simple nostalgia.
- “Bad Blood” — Another standout, conceived as a companion piece to the single with its own emotional edge.
- “All Wrong Long Gone” — A nod to classic rock influences like AC/DC, born out of long-ago tour memories and camaraderie with fellow bands.
- “Love Gone” — A more personal piece inspired by human hardship and emotion.
- “Wham Boom Bang” — A quirky throwback that reminded Zander of his father and provided a rare opportunity to share a deeply personal piece of songwriting.
Zander also noted how influences like David Bowie and early British Invasion bands still inform Cheap Trick’s sound and creative choices decades later.
Despite their long career, Cheap Trick still relish playing live — even if setlists sometimes need negotiation. Zander prefers mixing deeper cuts with hits rather than sticking only to crowd favorites, keeping shows fresh for both band and audience.
The band kicked off a U.S. tour in late January, with Zander expressing hope to return to touring Europe and the UK soon — territories they haven’t visited in some time.
