Nickelback
Article by Brittany Ormiston
“It's just us. One big f****** singalong,” shouted Chad Kroeger, Nickelback’s lead vocalist and lead guitarist. The sold-out Noblesville crowd showed off this Saturday evening, and did not let up for a single second. Close to 25,000 concert-goers packed the amphitheater to remind Nickelback how hardcore they truly are. From its formation in the early 90s to present day, Nickelback has become one of the most successful Canadian rock bands. Their ‘Get Rollin’ Tour’ painted a crystal clear picture of why Nickelback deserves this title.
From the get-go, Nickelback enticed the crowd with extravagant animated visuals and effects. The opening visual depicted the band being wanted by the law, and each member in a square mugshot with the text “dead or alive” written beneath them. This theme was taken even further with the drum platform built as a car with headlights. On the screen during ‘High Time,’ you were placed in the driver seat of the get-away car with dice dangling from the rearview mirror, and the band’s current performance appeared in the reflection. Aside from adrenaline junkie central, Nickelback scattered nostalgia and bliss throughout the set. Attendees were launched into a snow globe during ‘Far Away,’ and into the past during ‘Those Days’ with old movie clips. The iconic fist pump from The Breakfast Club was the perfect way to close out the track.
The crowd was nice and cozy in this time capsule, and Nickelback kept the party going. The acoustic version of ‘Photograph’ rang throughout the venue as phone flashlights swayed about. Positive energy burst from many as they sang the lyrics that reminded them of a time so long ago. It truly was such a sentimental moment. The band’s performance of ‘Gotta Be Somebody’ took you to another world. Several die-hard fans who have supported Nickelback for 10+ years were absolutely gleaming. For ‘Rockstar,’ the band usually picked a fan from the crowd at each tour stop. Since Noblesville was such a highly-anticipated show, Chad encouraged his friend and musician from the UK to attend and perform with him on stage. “Hey, hey I wanna be a rockstar!” cheered the crowd. The raspy vocals heightened the experience, and had everyone itching for more.
Nickelback did not miss a beat with their exceptional instrumentals, smooth vocals with husky edges, and chaotic humor. They were on fire, and the crowd matched their energy from the second they stepped on stage until the very end. It was evident each band member loves and cherishes the time they spend on stage, whether they are playing old or recent tracks. You can always count on Nickelback to give every show their all, and burn it to the ground.
Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville, IN on August 19, 2023
Photos by Everly Ormiston
