Here at Wikimetal we've strongly defended Nickelback as an important band for current rock . We've even shown that they're a hard rock band with really heavy songs . They've even Dimebag guitar solo in their music.
Taking advantage of the band's visit to Brazil, we spoke with bassist Mike Kroeger about all the criticism the band receives. We also talked about the influences of metal on his life and career and discovered that he is a big fan of Slipknot .
Check it out:
– WM: First, we need to get this subject out of the way. A lot of people say Nickelback is the worst band in history. Why do you think people say such bad things?
(laughs) I don't know. Actually, I don't know why people say bad things in general, it seems kind of pointless to me. I think the problem we have is that we get along really well and a lot of people respect us. But, I can't explain it exactly.
WM: Do you think this criticism could be positive for the band?
It depends. Not all criticism is the same. There's positive and negative criticism. If someone wants to tell us how we can be better, I'd love to listen. But I think in this case it's just criticism delivered in a malicious way.
– WM: Do you think this criticism comes from people who judge them without actually listening to the band first?
Yes, what I've noticed is that a lot of people say they don't like it because it's the same as everything else they hear on the radio. If you don't like what you hear on the radio, then stop listening to the radio! (laughs)
– WM: And despite that criticism, Billboard named you the Best Band of the Decade in 2009. How do you feel about that?
I think it's nice to be recognized in that way, but I think, like negative opinions, it's just an opinion. We can't really get attached to it. It's nice, but it doesn't mean that much.
– WM: I was reading some YouTube comments on the “Feed The Machine” video. One guy said, “I can’t believe this is the same band that did ‘Photograph.’ Do you think Nickelback is more of a ballad or hard rock band?”
(laughs) We're both! We've always been both. If you listen to our music on the radio, you'll say that's what we are, that we play ballads. If you listen to our albums, you'll find hard rock and heavy metal songs on all of them. You need to dig deeper and research more to know who we are. We play hard rock and much more melodic music.
– WM: I know you're a guy who likes metal, right? What do you listen to?
Lately I've fallen in love with Slipknot all over again. I've always loved them, but when they release something new, I go back and listen to it all over again. I'm falling in love with Iowa once more. I still feel it's the angriest and heaviest album ever.
– WM: Are you thinking of making a metal album, say, as a side project?
I personally would love to do it, with or without Nickelback. I don't know if they'd be interested. I just don't have enough time. But I would definitely do it as a side project.
– WM: Feed The Machine is a great album. Do you think your metal influences are more present on this record?
Yes! Me and Chad [ Kroeger , vocalist] have always had metal in our background. The four of us listened to Megadeth, Metallica , the Big Four. I don't know if they're still into that vibe. But it's part of us.
– WM: Nickelback has been around for almost 25 years. What has changed for you as a band in all these years?
Over time, Chad has become an increasingly better writer. We've also become better at live performances, which is very important to us. To have strong performances…
– WM: And personally? No more "Rockstar" style for you?
No! (laughs) I stopped drinking, I stopped using drugs, I don't even stay up late anymore. I just go to the gym and work.
– WM: What moves you as a musician?
What drives me musically is heaviness. I like heavy stuff. It could be Meshuggah , or another heavy band. Even Bob Marley has heavy songs. That heavy foundation is what keeps me going.
– WM: You'll be performing at Rock In Rio soon. What are your expectations for the show?
We've had this experience before, and the Brazilian audience is great! I really want to reconnect with them.
– WM: Is there any unforgettable experience you've had as a musician?
I think the most unforgettable time was the first time I heard our music on the radio. I remember who I was with, where I was, and what I was doing. It was special because it was at a Christmas party for a job I was doing. I didn't want to be there, but I had to earn money to be able to play my music. And people put it on the radio and we heard Nickelback playing. I realized that maybe I didn't need to do that job anymore. And, thank God, that's what happened.
– WM: And what about the future? Any new music or albums coming soon?
Chad is working on some songs and I'll be going to Canada to hear them soon. Let's see how it goes!