Football fans who tuned in to watch the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ to play the Washington Commanders in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs on Sunday, January 12, got to see a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer belt out the national anthem. Cheap Trick frontman Robin Zander sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
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Before introducing Zander, the stadium’s announcer encouraged fans to contribute money to relief efforts for those affected by the devastating wildfires that have caused so much damage in the Los Angeles area.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the NFL family is heartbroken by the loss of life and devastation caused by the wildfires in Southern California,” the announcer added. We salute the brave first responders and everyday heroes who continue to support their neighbors.”
Zander, who lives in the Tampa area, donned a Buccaneers jersey and scarf while performing. As seen in fan-shot video, the 71-year-old vocalist was in strong voice as he sang a strong and no-frills version of the national anthem without any musical accompaniment. When Robin sang the line “and the rockets’ red flare, the bombs bursting in air,” fireworks were shot off from the top of the stadium.
Tonight’s national anthem performed by Cheap Trick musician Robin Zander pic.twitter.com/EI61yxeZeF
— 𝒥𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝒯𝑒𝑒𝓃⚡️| Fan Account (@Rlop1234Goat) January 13, 2025
Unfortunately for Zander and the Bucs’ other fans, the Commanders won the game 23-20 on a last-second field goal.
According to multiple sources, Zander previously sang the national anthem before a Buccaneers game on December 24, 2023, when the team played the Jacksonville Jaguars.
[RELATED: The Story and Meaning Behind “The Flame,” Cheap Trick’s First-Ever No. 1 Single]
Fans React to Zander’s Performance of the National Anthem
Video of Zander’s recent performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” has been posted on various social media pages, including the Why Trending Videos YouTube channel.
Judging by the reaction of fans who posted in the comments section of the Why Trending Videos YouTube channel, many thought Zander did a great job singing the anthem on January 12.
“He sounded great,” one fan wrote. “Sang the National Anthem honorably.”
A second commented, “One of the best singers in rock, but he pulled this off in a very straightforward way.”
A third fan enthused, “Robin Zander could sing ‘Row, Row, Row Your Boat,’ and I’d still get chills. Seriously, this is a beautiful, respectful rendition.”
Cheap Trick’s 2025 Tour Plans
Zander has a very busy 2025 planned with Cheap Trick.
According to CheapTrick.com, the band has 40 confirmed concerts lined up in the U.S. and Canada. The veteran rockers’ itinerary is plotted out from a January 31 show in Newkirk, Oklahoma, through an August 15 performance in Maryland Heights, Missouri.
Cheap Trick’s concerts include headlining gigs and separate series of dates supporting Heart and Rod Stewart.
Tickets for Cheap Trick’s concerts are available now via a variety of outlets, including StubHub.
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