Nickelback is a famous band that started in the late 90s, but it often refers to its leader and vocalist, Chad Kroeger. Here’s more about his life and Nickelback net worth.
Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger picked up music as an outlet to get him through a difficult phase, much like Melanie Martinez, and eventually making a career out of it. The Canadian rock band has come a long way from their humble beginnings, as the group called “Village Idiot.”
Today Nickelback is known as the most successful band in Canada,
Nickelback’s net worth is estimated at $80 million, making Chad Kroeger the wealthiest within the group. They dominated the Canadian and US charts from 2003 onwards with hits like How You Remind Me, The Long Road, All The Right Reasons, and Dark Horse. They’ve also collaborated with famous names like Carlos Santana and Chris Daughtry.
Nickelback – Short Bio
Born on November 15, 1974, Chad Robert Turton was raised in Hanna, Alberta, Canada, a small farming town. He had an early interest in music; Chad picked up the guitar and taught himself how to play it at 13. He realized early on that it was something he was good at, but he was also going through a challenging phase. The song Photograph told a short story about it.
Chad became a persistent troublemaker. He caused enough problems like breaking into his school to steal, and for that, he got sent to a juvenile institution for some time. After being released, he took music a little more seriously and decided to form the band Village Idiot.
Nickelback’s Career
The group, Village Idiot, started as a cover band. It consisted of half brothers Mike Kroeger and Chad Turton, their cousin Brandon Kroeger, and friend Ryan Peake. They found some success singing cover songs for famous rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Metallica.
Beginning of Nickelback
The name came from Mike Kroeger, who used to work at Starbucks. Whenever he hands over nickel for a change, he would often say, “here’s your nickel back.” After some time, Chad asked his step-father for $4,000, so the band could record a demo tape. In 1996, they produced Hesher.
During the same year, Nickelback released their first album, Curb. But before the band could start to make a name for themselves, they were met with a dilemma. Drummer Brandon Kroeger left the group in 1997 and was replaced by Mitch Guindon later that year. Unfortunately, Guindon also left because he decided to go for a stable profession and experienced some health issues.
The band’s search for a drummer that would stick with them through the uncertain phase of their career ended when they met Ryan Vikedal in 1998. Everything was fine until a few years later, their search for a drummer continued after Vikedal left in a much messier fashion.
The details have been hushed, but if you’re curious, keep reading.
Nickelback caught a break in 1999 when Senior VP for the record label Roadrunner A&R Ron Burman received the band’s self-released demo tape and was immediately impressed. He contacted HitQuarters and built up the group as potential hit-makers.
After three months of persistence, Burman finally convinced his company to sign Nickelback into their label. It did prove a good move for the company because the band’s success became the company’s ticket into the world of mainstream music.
Finding Fame
With labels EMI Canada and Roadrunner Records, Nickelback successfully released their third album, The State, which later became certified gold, then later platinum in 2008. Two of its singles, Breathe and Leader of Men, landed spots on the Top 10 Rock hits of 2001.
The State also peaked at number 6 in the Billboard Top Independent albums charts.
Nickelback’s third album, Silver Side Up, was a collaboration with record producer Rick Parashar. The album peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and sold over 170,000 copies in just a week. The song How You Remind Me was undoubtedly the most popular single of the album, and it peaked at number one on the Mainstream Rock and Pop music charts in 2001.
In 2002, the band’s fame continued to reach more heights after collaborating with Josey Scott for the Spider-Man theme song Hero. This was followed by their 3x platinum album The Long Road in 2003. Three of its most popular singles were Someday, Feelin’ Way Too Damn Good, and Figured You Out. The last two being Billboard 200 chart-toppers for weeks at a time.
Nickelback’s Infamy
For some time, the band gained some dislike for their rude behavior in front of crowds and the rather misogynist lyrics found in a number of their songs. It went as far as getting stoned off the stage while performing at the heavy music festival in Ilha do Ermal, Portugal, in 2002. People of Detroit also tried to petition Nickelback from performing at the Thanksgiving game.
Nickelback’s infamy grew worse when drummer Ryan Vikedal was forced to leave the group at the end of 2004 to replace ex-3 Doors Down drummer Daniel Adair. According to Vikedal, Kroeger simply kicked him out, claiming that the drummer no longer had his heart in their music. Kroeger also sued him for past and future royalties.
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Nickelback Net Worth – Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is Nickelback Net worth?
Nickelback net worth for the current year is $80 million. Many refer to leader and vocalist Chad Kroeger as Nickelback because he does everything for the band, from writing lyrics to musical arrangements and most of the significant decisions that have to be made for the group.
What Is Nickelback’s Greatest Hit?
The single How You Remind Me from their album Silver Side Up is considered as the group’s most successful song, which peaked at #1 in both Billboard and Canadian singles charts.
Is Nickelback Still Together?
The band Nickelback is still together, making music and touring. The last member who exited the group was drummer Ryan Vikedal in December of 2004.
Nickelback Net Worth – Final Thoughts
Nickelback net worth for the current year is estimated at $80 million. Despite the infamy he has received throughout the years, Kroeger and his group have no plans of slowing down. But after over two decades in the industry, can Nickelback still top the charts with mostly similar songs?
Nickelback songs have been either hits or misses during the last decade, but it’s undeniable that Chad Kroeger hasn’t lost his touch in songwriting and musical arrangements. He meticulously deconstructs every hit song they have and studies what made them so great.
Critics have pointed out many times before how Nickelback’s style and sound have not matured or changed at all. But on the flipside, Kroeger successfully created an essential signature for Nickelback. They wouldn’t be touring now if it was such a negative thing.
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