Nickelback and Creed Have an Unlikely (and Major) Fan in SZA

2023-12-01

Composite image of Chad Kroeger, SZA and Scott Stapp

Chad Kroeger, SZA and Scott Stapp – Author Anne Erickson – Chad Kroeger photo via Ken Settle, SZA photo via Jacob Webster, Scott Stapp photo via Chuck Brueckmann

Nickelback and Creed have a huge collection of rock radio hits, and both bands are considered some of the most successful bands of their era. So, why all the hate? If you bring up Nickelback or Creed to any rock fan, chances are, they’ll say something negative about the bands. But, these guys know how to make No. 1 hits. It’s always baffled me how people dis on Nickelback and Creed. Who are all these people listening to them, then? They must be closet fans.

Well, now Nickelback and Creed have an unlikely fan in R&B superstar SZA. She has something in common with both bands, in that she’s also sold tons of records and is an internationally known musician.

SZA was just named Variety magazine’s “Hitmaker of the Year,” and in their interview with SZA, she opened up about the kind of music that she loves listening to. It’s not all R&B. In fact, it might really surprise you.

“The other day, you know what I pulled up? Creed, Nickelback, Train ‘Drops of Jupiter,’ just a whole bunch of that,” SZA said. From there, the interviewer reportedly did a facepalm and started laughing. But, SZA wasn’t joking. She was for real.

SZA continued, “I know, I know! Wait, you know what’s crazy? Do white people hate Creed and Nickelback?” Hey, it’s an honest question.

She added, “Black people love them! They rock! That s*** is bomb! Why do you all hate it so much? … I like Creed so much — ‘Higher’? Why are you hating on it? Have you ever felt more inspired and uplifted in your life? I’m in the car and I’m blasting ‘Higher,’ I feel like it’s a gospel song, the vocals are going crazy and it’s also somehow slightly romantic, it just feels so fun. Because even if it’s cliche, he’s so f***ing dead a**!”

Okay, so calling “Higher” a gospel song might be a bit of a stretch. But, the 1999 single off Creed’s “Human Clay” album is certainly inspiring.

SZA ended that section of the interview by once again professing her love for Creed and Nickelback. “I will be a Creed fan forever,” she said. “Like, it started just on a whim in the shower, ‘Oh, let’s play this,’ and then it became a week of Creed and Nickelback.”

If SZA wants to see Creed live, she’ll have the chance. The band recently announced a lengthy 2024 reunion tour that will bring Scott Stapp and the band together for their first tour in more than a decade. The tour also features support from bands of Creed’s era, such as Finger 11 and 3 Doors Down. Nickelback, on the other hand, recently wrapped up a North American tour. They’ll travel overseas for a U.K. and European run in 2024.

In conclusion, there’s nothing embarrassing about loving Creed and Nickelback. In fact, deep down, perhaps everyone loves those bands. They just don’t want to admit it to themselves. Now, we just need a Creed and Nickelback tour, so SZA can kill two birds with one stone.

Anne Erickson
Posted by Anne Erickson | Music, Rock, Rock News

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