The Get Rollin’ Tour Can Determine Whether Nickelback Actually Sucks

A few months ago when Nickelback was teasing the Get Rollin’ album I was talking to a friend in England about the band (hi, Lyndz 👋🏽). She said that in England they are known as a “marmite band” meaning that people either love them or hate them. (It seems like that’s the universal take on Nickelback.) I, having been a long-time fan, tried unsuccessfully to convert my friend to my point of view. I mean, how could a dear friend with whom most of my musical tastes overlap, not see their talent? But who ever thought that just a few months later Nickelback would escort me to Lyndsay’s camp?

In January 2023 Nickelback announced the Get Rollin’ Tour. Once dates and locations were announced, several friends asked if I would be going to their show. My first thought was “Do you have to ask? Of course I’ll be there!” but then I took a step back from the excitement to think about if I could go. I did some inquiring about what the lighting situation would be like and as of January 24, 2023, it was confirmed that there would be pyro and extensive lighting. Cool, sounds great! But since the set design was still in progress it was not known whether there would be strobe lights. Bummer.

So now I’m thinking that maybe Nickelback can’t carry a show based only on vocals, instruments, and talent. I’m sure that the crew on the International Space Station would enjoy a strobe light show, but is all that necessary to keep a stadium entertained?

I mean, come on, boys. We came to see you play your instruments and sing your maple syrup-coated Canadian hearts out, not to be blinded by a thousand flashing lights. We want to see you, not the freaking light show you’ve got going on behind you.

Sure, I get it. You want to create a certain atmosphere for your performance. You want to give your fans an experience they’ll never forget. But does that really require blinding us with strobes? I don’t think so.

I know you might be thinking, “But Jaaaaannnnnice, what about Pink Floyd’s epic light shows?” To which I say, yeah, they were cool…in the 70s. We don’t need to relive the 70s every time we go to a Nickelback concert. And remember, before Pink Floyd there was Jimi Hendrix whose guitar mastery was almost trance-inducing. Seriously, I was laying in bed listening to Voodoo Child and I slipped into an altered state of mind, in the best possible way! That man could entertain any crowd with just his guitar and talent. In a world full of cheap tricks used as entertainment, be a Jimi!

So, Nickelback, here’s a thought: Why not focus on the music instead of the migraine-inducing lighting? Play some great songs, engage with your fans, and put on a show that’s truly memorable because of the talent and passion on display. Who knows, you might just surprise yourselves and realize that you don’t need all that flashy nonsense to be amazing.

I’m not asking you to change the format of your show or your set design just for moi. I’m not subjecting you to a life of doing only acoustic shows. I’m just asking to be entertained by the four of you and your music. I want to see the musicians, not strobes. I want to hear the music, not be blinded by lasers. Let’s focus on what really matters: The music. The music is what made you successful, the haters are the ones who keep you so popular (as you yourself admit). But the haters aren’t buying concert tickets and you’re benching your photosensitive fans around the globe if you tell us that we’re not welcome at the shows because you’d rather have strobe lights. If for no other reason than selling tickets (i.e., making more money for yourselves) decide to not use strobe lights.