Robin Zander of Cheap Trick

Robin Zander of Cheap Trick

Chances are if you were born in the 70’s or 80’s, and liked rock music, you know who Robin Zander is. Or as many know him, Cheap Trick Robin Zander. The man of 1000 voices and when you see him in concert he uses all of them. A man that in my opinion never ages, even though he just turned 70.

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Who is Robin Zander

Let’s dig into who Robin Zander is. Born January 23, 1953 in Beloit Wisconsin but grew up in Loves Park, Illinois. Robin started playing guitar at the young age of 12. Robin played in his high school band and later joined up with Brian Beebe. Together with Brian they formed the folk duo Zander and Kent in the early 70’s.

Robin joined the band Cheap Trick in 1974 and well, the rest is history! Blessed with the looks, the voice, the talent and the charm, Robin became a sought after front man. Sought after by many women all over the world (myself included).

Robin has been married two times. He and his first wife Karen Zander have 2 beautiful children. Ian Zander and Holland Zander Jutras. Both of them are musicians. Ian Zander has his band called Yes Factory and Holland Zander Jutras has her band The Sensations.

Pamela Stein Zander is Robin’s second wife and they also have 2 beautiful children. Robin Taylor Zander and Robin-Sailor Zander. Robin Taylor Zander is a musician and also now plays with Cheap Trick as rhythm guitar and harmony vocals. Check out Robin Taylor Zanders new single High n Low.

One year at the Robin Zander and Family events in Wisconsin Dells I was lucky enough to catch Robin Taylor Zander performing High n Low. Check it out.

Robin and Pam are still married and reside in Clearwater, Florida.

One can learn lots of tidbits about Robin on Wiki.

Robin Zander Love at First Sight and Listen

Growing up I had a gal that lived across the road from me. She actually was the babysitter for my sister and I. Her and I became friends and she is the reason I have the love I do to this day for Robin Zander and Cheap Trick. She was a huge fan of Cheap Trick and often had their albums playing when I’d go visit her. I honestly can’t remember the first song that sucked me in, because I loved them all.

Take Me I’m Yours is one of my favorites and it’s actually the first song I learned to play on guitar. Yes, I too play guitar. Not only do I play guitar, but I play Robin Zander in a Cheap Trick tribute band. Wanna see my band? Check us out on Facebook at Cheap Trixx.

My love of Robin Zander started when I was about 12 and has never gone away. I might have lost track of Cheap Trick for a bit, but never lost my love of their music. Raising my son and having a busy life took me away from music for a bit. I never stopped listening, but we just didn’t do much concert going. Until Rock Fest in Wisconsin. The first year we went was 2005, and Cheap Trick played that year. That started my obsession all over again!

Meeting Robin Zander of Cheap Trick

From the age of about 12 I dreamed of meeting Robin. Never did I ever think that dream would come true. Through my 20’s, 30’s and 40’s life was busy. Between raising my son, being in my own bands, working, animals, etc., life just never allowed for much concert going. Well, that is except for our big 5 day vacation every year to Rock Fest in Cadott Wisconsin. 2005 was our first year going to this concert event, and was also the rebirth of my obsession with Cheap Trick. Like I said, I never lost my love of Cheap Trick, just got sidetracked.

Cheap Trick performed that year and I then remembered what their music meant to me and the feelings it gave me. Even though I didn’t get to meet Robin that year, I put it on my bucket list.

Since then we have seen Cheap Trick many times. I know there are people who have seen the band way more than us but that’s ok, because the memories we have made will last a lifetime.

Aside from seeing them in concerts, my husband and I have sprung for the meet n greet package a couple times. While those are great, it’s just a quick photo and hello and then you are shuffled off so the next person can get their chance. I’ve got a few great meet n greet pictures to forever remind me of my first meetings with Cheap Trick. While a meet n greet is fine, nothing can compare to having a private or semi private meet n greet, or a chance to meet up with any of the band members after a show.

Cheap Trick Concerts

Now that concerts are back in full swing after the pandemic, Cheap Trick is back touring hard. They are the hardest working band ever and sure love to tour. Even though Robin, Tom and Rick are in their 70’s, they just won’t quit. I’m very thankful for the fact they love doing what they do, because I want to see them as much as I can. It’s not easy to get to shows as their tour dates and cities are just not aligning with my life. But, even if I can’t see a show, I’m just so happy they are still touring.

Recently we saw them in Fort Myers Florida. The only reason we saw them so far from home was because we were already planning to be in Florida for our winter travels. Luckily I scored front row seats and that sealed the deal as to where we would head first. The seats and show were amazing!!

The energy, smiles, sounds and sheer vibes at a Cheap Trick show are just mind blowing. If you are a fan and have been to a show you know what I mean. Especially if it’s a show they headline. They are amazing!!

Here is Robin playing his signature Dream Police Schecter guitar.

Tour Dates

If you want to get out and see Robin Zander here are the Cheap Trick Tour Dates so you can see what shows might be near you. Check out Robin performing The Flame at one of the shows we attended. It tends to be a staple at all shows, and I’m ok with that as I love it. I know many who are not a fan of this song, so I say, to each their own.

Cheap Trick Tribute

So, here is a shameless plug for my band, Cheap Trixx. Because of our (my husband and I) love of Cheap Trick and my obsession with Robin, we started a Cheap Trick tribute band. We don’t play a lot, mostly due to scheduling conflicts and the area we live isn’t huge on tribute stuff. But when we play we have a blast!!

Cheap Trixx is on Facebook and Instagram. If you want, please follow us and check out some of our stuff.

I also run a Facebook group to share all things to do with Cheap Trick and their families. Come join at We’re all Alright.

Final Thoughts on Robin Zander of Cheap Trick

Seeing Robin in concert is amazing, but meeting Robin in person is mind blowing. He is kind, funny, attentive, caring, easy to talk to and not bad to look at either. (girls you get me, right?)

I will forever hold close to my heart the times I’ve been able to chat with Robin. As I said before, I am not one who has seen dozens of shows, or followed Cheap Trick all over the world. The definition of a fan varies and everyone has their own ideas. In my opinion, the number of albums you own, or the number of shows you’ve attended doesn’t make you any bigger of a fan than a person who has no albums and been to zero shows. It’s all how one feels in their heart towards a band or musician that makes them a fan.

As a young girl I thought I’d only be a fan that had a few albums. However, years later I am a woman who has been able to meet someone they have admired for many years and for that, I am very thankful.

For those who love concerts, here are some graphic apparel Tee’s and Tanks I make.