"The worst thing to happen to rock n roll."
"All their songs sound the same."
"Overrated."
"[insert name of politician here] voted for Nickelback."
"Trash."
These are some of many, many critiques people have made about rock band Nickelback. Nickelback has been around since the late 1990's and is the second best-selling foreign act in the U.S in the 2000's, behind the Beatles. They've sold over 50 million albums, multiple number one hits, sold out concerts, they've been clear of scandals, and have a loyal fan base.
So why all the hate?
I'm biased, I admit it; I'm a huge fan of Nickelback, listening to them religiously since middle school (2006). I recently saw them in concert for the first time and it only made me love them even more. I will defend them and continue to listen to them.
This article is not to bash anybody, but more of an opinion. There's plenty of articles and videos that openly bash Nickelback and I figured I write this article to offer insight into this topic. I'm mostly writing this because Nickelback is one of my favorite bands and it's my way of expressing my love for them. If loving Nickelback is wrong, I don't want to be right.
1. They put on amazing concerts
Source: Lindsey Daggett
This seems to be the one thing even the haters can agree on. I've had friends that dislike Nickelback but have since respected the band after seeing them live. After seeing Nickelback live for the first time this past summer, I can see why so many people watch them again and again. I felt like I was in a different world: sick drum solos by Daniel Adair, dirty jokes by Chad Kroeger, and even Chad inviting fans on stage to sing with him. I was in heaven. I will be seeing them again, this will not be my last time.
2. They can make fun of themselves
Nickelback has become a meme. From "you're the Nickelback" of terrible things (Nickelback of painting), to my favorite "Look at this graph" meme.
Source: Google
Nickelback is self-aware of the hate and jokes. They don't care. In fact, they laugh at it.
On Thanksgiving 2011, Nickelback performed at a halftime game in Detroit. Because the band is Canadian, and because they're Nickelback, naturally, controversy followed. Nickelback made fun of the situation in this hilarious Funny or Die skit:
3. They care about their fans
I'm somebody that reads about stories of fans meeting musicians. Based on fan stories, Nickelback is known for being kind to their fans, unlikely to reject autographs or pictures. They're also known to laugh and talk with fans, and even meeting fans through charity events. I've never met Nickelback, but I've always dreamed of it, especially meeting Chad Kroeger. Until that day comes, I will continue to admire them from afar...and I'll use this response from Nickelback to hold me over. I will fangirl over this tweet forever.
4. Chad Kroeger is a hell of a songwriter
Lead singer Chad Kroeger writes all of Nickelback's songs. He's also written songs with other artists like Daughtry, Bo Bice, Avril Lavigne, Timbaland, and Tim McGraw to name a few. Call Nickelback generic, call them unoriginal, call them dirty, but never call them "song stealers", because like or hate their music, it's their work, work they created themselves. From songs to get your freak on, to the party hits, to lovey-dovey songs, Nickelback does it well.
Source: imgrum.net
Even if this article doesn't change your opinion of Nickelback, I hope it does give you some things to consider. There's plenty of artists I don't like that I respect, and artists I don't like and don't respect (that's an article for another day). Now excuse me while I play my Nickelback albums on loop.
