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 As far as grunge bands go, the well seems to have generally dried up as far as mainstream coverage is concerned. Nostalgic references of ‘the golden age’ echo every now and then as magazines and alternative television programs reference the likes of Nirvana and to a lesser extent Pearl Jam; but who is burning the candle these days? Foo Fighters? Gritty enough in parts, they are what the future of grunge sounds like. That is… when it’s not grunge anymore. So when Nickelback started making noise from their sleepy little Canadian hide away, it’s no wonder people were a little startled. Well… I say startled, when clearly I mean interested. They aren’t playing London for no reason. They are a long way from home, with a hell of a lot to prove. Let’s see exactly what the hype is about. First on stage tonight are ‘The Parkinsons’ – aptly named considering their general movements and stage ‘show’. Punkish and brash, this band clearly have a message, but left the majority of the crowd quite puzzled as to what that message was. An interesting opener but a general confusion to the majority. Next up are Backyard Babies. Met with a warm response (although it’s hard to see who wouldn’t after the first band) they pleased the majority of people in the venue with their modest style of rock and roll. Sweden has produced a few acts worth following recently… Hardcore Superstar being a prominent one, but ever in the background lurking with a catchy bit of the RnR is the Backyard Babies. Thoroughly enjoyable and downright addictive. The show, is getting better. Quite strangely tonight, four bands were playing, and RIVAL SCHOOLS, one of the most hyped bands of the year were on third. ‘Used For Glue’ their current single is hovering around in the alternative charts and frankly is an exception from their album ‘United by Fate’ which borders on downright dull. They looked, in all fairness very promising when striding onto the stage and confidently introducing themselves as if they were on top of the world, but unfortunately for us they simply couldn’t cut it. Yeah, a few people were interested… I dare say a few fans were converted; but for the most part they were a let down. Especially considering the amount of coverage they have been having hailing them as the next big thing. The next thing, maybe. Big? I’ll believe it when I see it. At last, after what feels like forever waiting, Nickleback, tonight’s headliners grace the stage. The drum kit is raised at the back of the stage, and two “ego stands” flank it on either side at the front. This band, is poised to play a stadium. Had they looked at the venue from the stage before, they would have realized that, hey, we’re not in Kansas anymore. This is London. This is a 1500 capacity venue. The band are quite literally going to get onto their high horses; and frankly, not one person in the venue is going to stop them. This is their first UK show. Are they bothered? I doubt that very much. The Canadian rockers treat this like a stadium concert, Chad Kroeger bounds onto the stage and excitedly exclaims "Hello London, how the F**k are you!" Any inhibitions he may have had about playing their first show in the UK are gone as the ecstatic venue blows the ceiling off with a roar of appreciation. Nickelback have landed. They then launch into an ear blistering set, which goes something along the lines of.. 1. Woke Up This Morning 2. One Last 3. Too Bad 4. Breathe' 5. Hollywood 6. Hangnail 7. Worthy To Say 8. Never Again 9. Old Enough 10. Next Contestant 11. Leader Of Men 12. Mistake 13. How You Remind Me With a swift guitar change after EVERY song, Kroeger and his boys keep the crowd beyond happy and in fact evokes the kind of reaction one would expect from rock royalty. They are, tonight, untouchable; and no one is going to argue about that. A band who undoubtedly are going to get bigger this year, Nickelback need to be watched. They’ve an exciting edge to them. It’s not about being new, and it’s certainly not about being original, it’s about knowing what you are doing and doing it well. Something these guys need little encouragement to do. How You Remind me, is a sure fire hit, and if this doesn’t go to number one… I’ll eat my hat. Nickelback – THE band to watch of 2002. Remember, you heard it here first. * Gary Lancaster - glancaster at teenspot dot biz
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