Devin Townsend and Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger are Friends Now
Sometimes it takes first-hand experience in order for someone to gain appreciation for what another person does for a living, even when one’s detractors/detractees are concerned. For example, the winners of our annual “Run MetalSucks for a Day” contest always tell us afterwards how difficult it was to produce 15 original pieces of content in a single day (despite having had weeks to prepare). Likewise, I respect the hell out of bands whose music I really dislike (let’s say Asking Alexandria, as one example) because I’ve seen first hand what it’s like being a professional recording and touring musician (whereas before MetalSucks existed I had no idea) and that shit ain’t easy by any means.
Such is the case with Devin Townsend, who recently admitted in a series of tweets that he’s come to have a huge amount of respect for the music world’s greatest punching bag, Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger, after previously expressing disparaging words about his fellow Canadian. And why not? Nickelback’s music may be waaaaay different than anything any of us enjoy, but writing as many massive hits as Kroeger has is an undeniable skill. According to Devin, Kroeger is quite a nice fella as well, and not only have the two become chummy of late but they even attempted to work on some music together, although that didn’t go too far.
Here are Devin’s tweets about Kroeger, illuminated by Canadian countrymates The PRP:
As you progress in any field, eventually the ‘lifers’ in a profession find they have a lot more in common than they may have anticipated. For years I was critical of Nickleback for a number of reasons, not the least of which jealousy and falling into the negative public sentiment
— Devin Townsend (@dvntownsend) August 27, 2018
In part, I had heard through the grapevine that the singer (who came up in the same scene I did) was critical of me as well, so when he and I unexpectedly became friends, I took some time to reflect on my thoughts on his band. I saw them play a few years back and it was great
— Devin Townsend (@dvntownsend) August 27, 2018
Over the past few months him and I have spent some good times together, hanging out, playing guitar, and talking. He became a big help to me in that there’s no competition between us, and a lot of things I was struggling with professionally theres no real resource for advice
— Devin Townsend (@dvntownsend) August 27, 2018
Chad is a real person. He’s exceptionally talented at what he does and he’s above all a good dude who helped me when I needed help. He gets a ton of shit, but I have immense respect for the guy now. In fact, Ive met very few brilliant people in this industry, but he’s one of them
— Devin Townsend (@dvntownsend) August 27, 2018
We tried writing together a bit but it seems we’re on very different planets from each other musically, same passion, but it’s coming from a different place. Regardless, Whatever anyone may think of the guy he’s not full of shit in my opinion and I’m glad to know him. Respect.
— Devin Townsend (@dvntownsend) August 27, 2018
Empath recording starts tomorrow. It’s been a journey this process… it’s a very complicated statement, but the point I hope it makes is worth the effort. It’s not particularly easy listening I’m afraid…
— Devin Townsend (@dvntownsend) August 27, 2018
