The rock band Nickelback formed in 1995 around a core group including Chad Kroeger, his half-brother Mike Kroeger, and Ryan Peake. Since those early years in Canada, Kroeger has maintained a consistent career as a composer, singer, and guitarist, contributing to over two decades of production and songwriting within the global music industry.
Early Development and Nickelback
Born in Hanna, Alberta, in 1974, Kroeger began playing guitar at age 13. During the early 1990s, he participated in a grunge cover project called Village Idiot alongside his cousin Brandon Kroeger and future bandmates. This foundation transitioned into the formation of Nickelback in 1995. Kroeger has since remained the primary songwriter and frontman for the group, sustaining a career that has spanned more than 25 years of recording and touring.
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In 2001, Kroeger established a band titled The Suits XL, which included members such as Sam Loubier-Demers and Yohann Gosselin. The group eventually released an album in 2006. Concurrently, Kroeger expanded his professional reach in 2002 by co-founding the Vancouver-based 604 Records. The Suits XL earned a nomination for a Canadian Indie Award in 2007.
Collaborative Output
Kroeger has pursued extensive work outside his primary band, appearing as a guest musician and producer for various artists. In 2002, he performed the theme song 'Hero' for the film Spider-Man, an effort that secured him an International Achievement Award at the 2003 SOCAN Awards in Toronto. His writing and production credits include work for artists such as Santana, Bo Bice, Travis Tritt, Tim McGraw, and Daughtry. He also collaborated on projects with Timbaland and Steel Panther.
Personal Life and Health
Kroeger married singer Avril Lavigne in the south of France on July 1, 2013, following a relationship that began during their professional collaboration on her fifth studio album. The couple separated in 2015. Throughout his career, Kroeger has faced legal and medical challenges, including a 2008 conviction for drunk driving and a 2015 medical intervention requiring surgery for a cyst on his larynx, which necessitated the cancellation of multiple tour dates.
Fast facts
- Born: 1974, Hanna, Alberta
- Primary band: Nickelback
- Occupations: Composer, singer, musician, songwriter, guitarist
- Education: Wilkes Central High School
- Citizenship: Canada
- Marriage: Avril Lavigne (2013–2015)
- Languages: English
Questions readers ask
Was Chad Kroeger always his name?
No, he was born Chad Robert Turton but began using his mother's maiden name, Kroeger, after his father left the family when he was two years old.
Did Chad Kroeger have other bands besides Nickelback?
Yes, he was a member of the grunge cover band Village Idiot in the early 1990s and later founded the band The Suits XL in 2001.
Achievements
- Instruments: guitar and voice
- Genres: post-grunge, hard rock and pop rock
