2024-05-23 – Nickelback – Utilita Arena, Birmingham
Review & Photos: G. Rossington.
Nickelback’s concert at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena in 2024 was a powerful display of their enduring appeal and ability to connect with fans. With an audience of 16,000, the band kicked off their set with “San Quentin,” setting a high-energy tone for the night. Their performance showcased a mix of their classic hits and newer material, ensuring a balance that pleased both long-time fans and newer listeners. The band’s setlist included crowd favorites like “Photograph,” “How You Remind Me,” and “Rockstar,” which saw enthusiastic sing-alongs from the audience. Notably, they also performed a cover of Oasis’ “Don’t Look Back In Anger,” featuring support act The Lottery Winners, which was a highlight of the evening.
Nickelback’s frontman, Chad Kroeger, engaged with the crowd through playful banter and fulfilling song requests, adding a personal touch to the show. His acknowledgment of the band’s critics and their perseverance over the years resonated with the audience, reinforcing their status as a beloved live act despite past controversies. Kroeger’s interaction with the fans included moments like singing a rarely performed song on request and giving a hug to a fan celebrating her 40th show, which showcased the band’s genuine connection with their audience.
The support act, The Lottery Winners, opened the show with a set that warmed up the crowd effectively, performing songs like “Worry” and “Burning House.” Their energetic performance set the stage perfectly for Nickelback’s headlining set. The band’s ability to engage a large arena crowd with their indie anthems and heartfelt lyrics added a fresh dynamic to the evening and demonstrated their growing popularity and stage presence.
As the night progressed, Nickelback’s performance maintained its momentum with a blend of rock anthems and ballads. Songs like “Savin’ Me” and “Far Away” highlighted their softer side, while tracks such as “Animals” and “Burn It to the Ground” kept the energy levels high. The audience’s response was particularly enthusiastic during the band’s biggest hits, proving that their music still resonates deeply with fans.
The concert also featured a moment of nostalgia with “Those Days,” accompanied by an 80s-themed backdrop, which further showcased the band’s ability to blend different eras and styles into their performance. This variety in their setlist, along with the inclusion of a fan on stage to sing “Rockstar,” added layers of engagement and entertainment, making the concert experience memorable for all attendees .
Overall, the concert was a testament to Nickelback’s staying power and their ability to deliver a memorable rock show filled with hits, engaging performances, and a connection with their audience that remains strong after decades in the industry. The band’s resilience and commitment to their fans were evident throughout the night, leaving little doubt about their continued relevance and popularity in the rock music scene.
Whether or not they headline major festivals in the future, Nickelback’s performance in Birmingham showed they are still more than capable of captivating large audiences and delivering a top-tier rock concert experience
