Nickelback sold 67,000,000 records. So, how come everyone hates them?

Nickelback became one of the best-selling rock bands of their era, yet their music and public image also made them a frequent target of ridicule. The article argues that their commercial success and widespread mockery have coexisted for years, leaving fans’ apparent reluctance to identify themselves as fans part of the puzzle.

The band formed around brothers Chad and Mike Kroeger, released their debut album in 1996 and broke through internationally with 2001’s *Silver Side Up* and the hit “How You Remind Me”. That song received 1.2 million US radio plays from 2001 to 2009. The article links the backlash to criticism that the band’s music is formulaic, comparisons between Chad Kroeger’s vocals and James Hetfield’s, and public jibes including Corey Taylor’s 2002 remarks; it also mentions a 2011 petition opposing Nickelback’s appearance at a Detroit Lions half-time show.