The name for the rock group Nickelback originated from the change Michael Douglas Henry Kroeger handed to customers while working at a Vancouver Starbucks. As a founding member of the band, he has anchored the rhythm section on every studio album released since the group formed in his hometown of Hanna, Alberta, in 1995.
Early Musical Foundations
Born in 1972, Kroeger grew up in Alberta with his younger brother, Chad. His interest in music was sparked by his grandfather, a former bassist in a local band. Kroeger adopted his grandfather's 1978 Fender Precision Bass rather than traditional guitar, finding that the instrument resonated with him. This decision helped him establish a distinct musical identity before he helped organize the group that would bring him global recognition.
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Kroeger established the band alongside his brother Chad, his cousin Brandon Kroeger, and his friend Ryan Peake. Initially performing as a cover band called Village Idiots, the group transitioned to original compositions. To fund their debut seven-track EP, Hesher, released in 1996, the band borrowed CA$4,000 from the Kroegers' stepfather. Following this, the group signed with EMI Canada in 1998 for their second album, The State, which utilized Canadian content regulations to gain early radio traction.
International Commercial Success
The band reached global prominence following the 2001 release of Silver Side Up. The single How You Remind Me became a primary driver of the album's success, eventually being recognized as the most-played radio track of the decade between 2000 and 2010. Kroeger remained a constant presence throughout subsequent multi-platinum releases, including The Long Road in 2003 and the diamond-certified All the Right Reasons in 2005.
Personal Life and Residence
Kroeger holds dual citizenship in Canada and the United States and currently resides in Los Angeles. He married Angela Marie Papp on January 23, 2000. The couple has two children, Dawson and Avalon. Outside of his professional music career, Kroeger is a noted fan of the Detroit Red Wings hockey team.
Fast facts
- Born: 1972, Hanna, Alberta
- Primary Instrument: Bass guitar
- Band Formation: 1995
- First EP: Hesher (1996)
- Marriage: Angela Marie Papp, January 23, 2000
- Children: Dawson (born 2001), Avalon (born 2003)
- Residency: Los Angeles
- Citizenship: Canada and United States
Questions readers ask
How did the band get its name?
The name came from Mike Kroeger’s time working at a Starbucks in Vancouver, where he would tell customers who received change from two dollars, 'Here's your nickel back.'
Which instruments does Mike Kroeger play?
He is primarily known as a bassist, specifically utilizing a 1978 Fender Precision Bass.
Achievements
- Instruments: bass guitar
- Genres: post-grunge, hard rock and pop rock
