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Tonight's meeting of Nickelback Anonymous is now in session. I'm Paul and I'm a Nickelback fan. I first started listening to Nickelback in 2001 when they released breakthrough album 'Silver Side Up' and I've been a fan ever since. I know that this isn't a popular decision; after all they are constantly awarded such titles as number one musical turnoff. There was even an online petition proposing that Nickelback be removed from performing during the traditional NFL Thanksgiving Day games halftime show in 2011.
Despite the continued criticism and abuse, Chad Kroeger and co have persevered to release seven studio albums during their lengthy career. These albums consistently hit the tops of charts around the world, and the band continually fills arenas across the globe. But these facts simply appear to fuel the hatred of the Canadians, forcing their fans further into hiding.
But I'm not hiding because I'm Paul and I'm a Nickelback fan and on a wet night in October I headed to the NIA Arena in Birmingham, because Nickelback were packing out yet another arena. Support on the evening was provided by American Idol finalist Chris Daughtry and his inventively named band Daughtry. I must admit that they did little for me as I anticipated the arrival of the headliners.
Expectation was high as Nickelback took to the stage, and as they opened with 'This Means War' and 'Something In Your Mouth', this expectation was met. Nickelback are a great live act and deserve to be shown more respect than they do for it. It seems that it's popular to dislike Nickelback, which is unfair. Let's face it, Nickelback aren't perfect, but then who is?
Yes, they do waste a lot of time talking and shooting T-shirts into the crowd; when they could have played two or three more songs, but their set list is still packed full of hits. They have after all released a string of radio friendly unit shifters, which is another thing that tends to annoy people. But any group that can include quality songs like 'How You Remind Me', 'Rockstar' and 'Photograph' in their set deserves praise for their song writing.
The band have been back in the studio and new album 'Here And Now' was featured prominently in their set, as you would expect. But, 'This Means War', 'Bottoms Up', 'Trying Not To Love You', 'Lullaby' and 'When We Stand Together', just go to show that there is no let up in their conveyor belt of hit singles.
Front man Kroeger was in his usual jovial mood which was as always encouraged by his co-conspirator Ryan Peake. Along with Mike Kroeger, they have been in the band together since 1995 and practice makes perfect. The band appeared tight on stage and along with drummer Daniel Adair, who himself gives an impressive drum solo, are the finished article.
Their hit laden set was completed with songs such as 'Far Away', 'Too Bad', 'Animals', 'Someday', 'This Afternoon' and 'Figured You Out', before the band left the stage. This had been a perfect demonstration of how to put on a rock show and it wasn't quite over, as Nickelback returned to the stage for an encore of 'Gotta Be Somebody' and 'Burn It To The Ground'.
But as a card carrying member of Nickelback Anonymous, you shouldn't take my word for it. People should actually go out and buy a Nickelback album, or better yet, go to a Nickelback show; rather than just jump on the Nickelback suck bandwagon. Thank you for listening; I will be back next tour!
Voice your opinion in the eGigs forums...
article by: Paul Barnes
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| published: 03/10/2012 17:56 |
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