Nickelback Gets Rollin in Wheatland
The Toyota Amphitheater was buzzing with excitement on the evening of July 8 as Canadian rock band Nickelback took the stage as the headliner. The venue was packed with fans, many of whom had dressed up in cowboy hats, boots, jeans, tank tops, and crop tops, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
As attendees made their way through the entrance gate, they were greeted by a large water fountain, which proved to be a welcome respite from the sweltering summer heat. The fountain provided a refreshing mist that helped cool down the concertgoers, adding to the overall enjoyment of the night.
The opening act for the evening was Nashville country artist Josh Ross. Sporting a backward hat, a T-shirt, jeans, and brown boots, Ross kicked off his set with lively performances of "Tall Boys" and "Before I Loved You." He even paid homage to the band Goo Goo Dolls by covering their hit song "Iris," inviting the crowd to join in and sing along. Ross closed his set with the soulful ballad "On A Different Night," leaving the audience eagerly anticipating what was to come for the young artist. Gallery for Joss Ross’s set can be found here.
Next up was Georgia county rocker Brantley Gilbert, who took the stage with his band, exuding raw energy and passion. Dressed in a black hat featuring an American flag, a black tank top, and jeans, Gilbert ignited the crowd with his opening song, "Kick It In The Sticks." Explosions of fire added a badass touch to his performance, setting the stage ablaze both figuratively and literally. Gilbert's interaction with the audience was remarkable, rallying them with his energetic presence and even encouraging them to raise their arms and display the middle finger during the song "Small Town Throwdown." He also expressed gratitude towards the military, removing his hat and thanking the veterans for their service before launching into the heartfelt anthem "One Hell of an Amen." Concluding his set with the anthemic "Read Me My Rights," Gilbert bid farewell to the fans, leaving an indelible mark on the night. Gallery for Brantley Gilbert’s set can be found here.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for: Nickelback's entrance. As the crowd roared with excitement, the venue filled with the thunderous sounds of "Walk" by Pantera, followed by sirens and dogs barking, setting the stage for the rock extravaganza. A video appeared on the screen, depicting the yellow van from Nickelback's latest album “Get Rollin” being pursued by the police. Each band member's face appeared on a virtual "Wanted Dead or Alive” poster, intensifying the anticipation in the audience.
With the crowd at a fever pitch, Nickelback burst onto the stage, commencing their set with the energetic "San Quentin" and the fan-favorite "Savin' Me." Front man Chad Kroeger sported a black and white flash symbol shirt, captivating the audience with his commanding presence. Addressing the cheering fans, Kroeger expressed his delight at being back in California, building anticipation for the next song.
Before launching into "Animal," the screen behind the band came alive once again, showcasing a flaming bird closing in on the yellow van on the road—an exhilarating prelude to the song. In a memorable moment, Kroeger brought a video camera on stage and recorded the crowd, projecting the footage onto the screens, creating a sense of unity and connection between the band and their devoted fans.
Taking a moment to appreciate the enthusiastic audience, Kroeger raised a red cup and took a shot of Jägerbomb, playfully remarking,
"This is a fine-looking audience we have here tonight! The middle of America does not look like this."
The camaraderie between Nickelback and their fans was palpable throughout the performance.
Undoubtedly, one of the highlights of the night was when Nickelback surprised the crowd with a cover of Steve Earle's iconic hit "Copperhead Road." To make the moment even more extraordinary, both Josh Ross and Brantley Gilbert joined the band on stage, creating a unique and unforgettable collaboration among the three artists. It was a testament to the power of music to bring people together.
During the exhilarating performance of "High Time," the backdrop video displayed a point-of-view perspective of a driver cruising through the desert, reminiscent of a scenic journey through Nevada or Arizona. This added visual element enhanced the immersive experience for the audience, transporting them into the heart of the song.
As the evening drew to a close, Nickelback saved a special surprise for one lucky fan. TJ, the winner of a contest held by a Sacramento radio station, was invited on stage to sing "Rockstar" alongside Chad Kroeger. TJ showcased impressive vocals, seamlessly harmonizing with Kroeger and flawlessly delivering every lyric. It was a heartwarming moment that exemplified the band's appreciation for TJ.
With their final bow and words of gratitude to the crowd, Nickelback bid farewell to Toyota Amphitheater, leaving behind a trail of electrifying performances and unforgettable memories. The night had been a testament to the power of live music, bringing people together, and creating a shared experience that would be cherished by fans for years to come. Gallery for Nickelback’s set can be found here.