nickelBack

www.sweetbob.com, Sunday, April 14 2002

We recently chatted on the telephone with Mike Kroeger, the bass player from Nickelback. Nickelback’s videos can be seen on MTV, MTV2, and many other stations across the world. Mike, during the interview, was playing golf on a course in L.A with the rest of the band. If I may be so bold, I believe the man deserves a Grammy for this accomplishment.

Bobby Roberts- How long have the members of Nickelback been playing with each other?

Mike Kroeger- A total of 4 and a half years, but the correct lineup is 2 years.

Bobby- I read that 3 people in Nickelback, including yourself, are related. Were you guys jamming a young age, or did music come a little later?

Mike- Well, I as was about 18 and Chad was about 16, but everything was experimental. Our grandma was a drummer and my uncle was a bass player. So it was in our blood. They encouraged us a lot.

Bobby- How did your parents take it when you guys decided to go out touring? Were they worried that the road and the US would warp your fragile little minds? Or were they already a bit warped at that age?

Mike- No, because we were traveling around Canada, but touring is touring. We were already a bit warped. The damage is done.

Bobby- I see you guys are from Canada eh? Are you guys a bit paranoid that the media and the fans will label Nickelback as a Canadian band?

Mike- Not really because we are a Canadian band. As long as we are speaking English, I don’t know how much it really matters. We aren’t a Canadian Eskimo band or anything.

Bobby- I heard that you worked at a Starbucks in Vancouver, BC, before you quit to pursue a music career. I would like to know what makes their coffee so darn expensive? Any Starbucks secrets you wish to reveal on our site?

Mike- U want to know what makes coffee so expensive, Greed my friend! Also whatever they put in it to make it addictive. They give you coffee for free and then you are a steady customer. It’s pretty much like the hardcore crack dealer on the street. The first one is free.

Bobby- Was it hard trying to break into the US as a touring act? I watched the “Barenaked Ladies: Behind the music” a couple weeks back and half of that show was about their struggles to be appreciated in the States?

Mike- Dude, you know what, the struggle to be noticed in the states was easy. America treated us with open arms.

Bobby- I really like the new album, “The State,” I really enjoy “Leader of Men” and “Breathe” enormously. Luckily both of those tracks are released as singles. Did it take awhile for “Leader of Men” to catch on in the US? Because about a week after I viewed the video on MTV, I heard the single, “Breathe,” on the radio.

Mike- It was one of them slow builders, but it has a huge staying power.

Bobby- Was the concept for the video, “Leader of Men,” the band’s creation or the director’s?

Mike- The basic concept came from the director

Bobby- Do you have any regrets so far as an artist that maybe you would change a second time around?

Mike- Not yet, everything has been blessed and the breaks that we get. Being at the right place at the right time. We are fortunate.

Bobby- What is the worst thing about touring besides being away from loved ones?

Mike- Develop expensive taste, I am addicted to golf. That’s about the worst thing eh? Do you play golf?

Bobby- No, I have hit around on the driving ranges, but that’s the extent of my expertise. What cd is in your stereo at the moment?

Mike- Deftones- Adrenaline

Bobby- Any acts that maybe you haven’t had a chance to tour with, but you sure would love to?

Mike- We have played with all of our favorite bands, so far.

Bobby- If you had to choose one purpose to why you are a musician, what would it be?

Mike- Woo Hoo!!! I made this putt one-handed while I was answering that question. Guys get in it for the chicks. I can’t lie.

I would like to thank Mike and the band for letting me interrupt their competitive game of golf to talk with us. We would like to wish the band the best of luck with their music as well as their golf.