Rick Nielsen Leaves Cheap Trick Stage After Breathing Trouble During Illinois Concert

Cheap Trick fans experienced a tense moment during the band’s concert at RiverEdge Park in Aurora, Illinois, on September 10, when guitarist Rick Nielsen was forced to leave the stage after appearing to experience difficulty breathing.

The 77-year-old guitarist had performed through the opening portion of the show, which included “Hello There,” “Heart on the Line,” “Come On, Come On,” and “Lookout.” During “Big Eyes,” however, Nielsen walked offstage, leaving the rest of the band to continue without him.

It soon became clear that the guitarist was dealing with a health issue. Singer Robin Zander addressed the audience and explained that Nielsen was having trouble breathing and needed to take a break.

Cheap Trick continued with “Ain’t That a Shame,” with Zander’s son, Robin Taylor Zander, helping cover the guitar parts while Nielsen remained backstage. A roughly 10-minute break followed as the band waited for Nielsen to recover.

Nielsen eventually returned during “High Roller.” A chair had been placed near his usual position in front of his trademark checkerboard amplifier setup, allowing him to perform while seated. Witness accounts indicated that he still appeared to be struggling, and he did not play throughout the entire song.

The veteran guitarist remained onstage for several more numbers before once again leaving during “Surrender,” just as the opening sirens of “Dream Police” began. Cheap Trick continued the performance, ultimately shortening the set and omitting “The Riff That Won’t Quit” and “Heaven Tonight” from the planned performance.

Despite the frightening interruption, Nielsen eventually returned to the stage for the band’s final bow. His appearance provided some relief to fans who had spent much of the evening wondering about his condition.

No specific diagnosis or additional details about Nielsen’s health have been publicly announced.

The incident comes as Cheap Trick continues its 2026 touring schedule. The Rockford, Illinois, legends remain on the road for their All Washed Up Tour, with upcoming performances scheduled across the United States. The band’s official setlist archive confirms that Nielsen performed at the Aurora show and lists the songs performed that evening.

For a musician who has spent more than five decades onstage, Nielsen's presence has always been central to Cheap Trick’s live identity. While the circumstances surrounding Thursday’s performance were undoubtedly concerning, his return for the closing bow gave fans at least one encouraging moment to take away from an otherwise unsettling night.