Review: Nickelback, Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle

May 27 2009 by Simon Rushworth, The Journal

THEY’VE got the big hits, the big budget, the big lights and the big fireworks. But have Nickelback got the big game to bring to the British arena crowds who deserted the band in their droves five years ago?

On this evidence the answer is yes.

Back in vogue on the back of summer 2008 smash hit Rockstar, the Canadian crew can do no wrong these days.

Maintaining their arena-filling credentials in the comfort zone of North America might have lined the pockets of Chad Kroeger and his hard gigging buddies, but reclaiming the rock high ground in the UK must be even more satisfying.

One look at Nickelback’s stunning stageshow proves this is an act with money.

And they’ve used it wisely. At times the giant high-definition screen, pyrotechnics, lasers and lights meant many of the band’s lesser hits became no more than background music. Excellent background music at that.