Charlotte, NC (9/12/23) – Nickelback has returned to the road for the first time in 5yrs with their “Get Rollin’” tour. Making their way to the Queen City of Charlotte, NC with guest Brantley Gilbert and Josh Ross it was sure to be a good night. For those wondering why the mix of these artists, as I had been, those doubts quickly subsided as the show began. From cowboy hats and boots to those decked out in all black it was one big musical family come show time.
The opening set was delivered by upcoming Canadian country artist Josh Ross. Currently on his first American tour and promoting his latest single “Ain’t Doin’ Jack” Ross also mixed in a cover of “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls. Working the stage, along with his band mates, Josh drew in the crowd making new fans showcasing a variety of upbeat and softer country songs. The 30min set was well put together to show the versatility of Josh’s vocal abilities and song styles.
With a little more flare Brantley Gilbert emerged on stage with lights and flames brandishing a Dale Earnhardt “Intimidator” shirt. “Kick it in the Sticks” was the set opener followed by “The Weekend” and “My Kinda Party.” Originally just a songwriter Brantley’s set was mixed with many popular songs that many associate with other artists that he actually wrote. The powerhouse band provides more of a southern rock edge than just straight up country therefore bridging the gap between the show opener and Nickleback. Not forgetting his roots Gilbert did tone it down a bit for songs such as “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do.” Brantley took time to acknowledge veterans during his time on stage before jumping down to the floor to shake hands, take pics and sign autographs with fans as he and the band closed out with “Read Me My Rights.”
Nickelback may have been on a hiatus from the road but their return came back with a literal bang. As the set opener, “San Quentin” came to an end with 2 percussive blasts it was clear the band was here to make their presence known and have a good time. With a set list that spanned years of hit songs from anthemic ballads to hard hitting rock ‘n’ roll riffs the four piece never let off of the gas. Nickleback revisited many of their albums with with pleasant surprise with the inclusion of the lesser known song “Worthy To Stay” from their “The State” album. Between songs, and shots of jager bombs, frontman Chad Kroeger took time to make jokes with the crowd, many at the bands expense. Introducing “Figured You Out” he stated that “if we had released this song today we’d be canceled in 10mins…but they’ve been trying to cancel us for 20yrs and it hasn’t worked yet.”
A stripped down acoustic version of “Photograph” was performed by Chad and guitarist Ryan Peake before bringing a local contest winner on stage to do some “Nickelback Karaoke” to “Rockstar” with the band. Supporting their latest album, that lends its name to to current tour, the band performed “Those Days” as loyal fans already familiar with the words sang along. Mid Set found the return of Josh Ross and Brantley Gilbert to the stage joining Chad, Ryan, Mike Kroeger (bass) and Daniel Adair (drums) for a rocking rendition of the Steve Earle classic “Copperhead Road.”
The show ended with a 2 song encore of “Gotta Be Somebody” and “Burn It To The Ground”
The Get Rollin’ Tour runs through October 5th, 2023 ending in Fargo, ND.
Do not altar photos
Copyright Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography
