Rock collision
Nickelback, Trapt and Default draw thousands of fans to Dome
Nickelback, Trapt and Default collided to rock the Fargodome Tuesday night, playing to a sold-out crowd of more than 8,000.
In an explosion of pyrotechnics and fireworks, Nickelback opened with “Animals,” the beat-driven single from its most recently released album and tour namesake, “All the Right Reasons.”
It went on to play past hits and new favorites, like “Photograph,” a song reminiscent of small town life, friends and getting in trouble.
The last time Nickelback was in Fargo was the fall of 2001, again with Default, at Playmakers Pavilion. Then promoting “Silver Side Up,” the band’s third album, Nickelback has since released both “The Long Road” and “All the Right Reasons.”
The group didn’t shy away from older songs Tuesday night.
“ We should probably play the little diddy that put us on the map,” Chad Kroeger, lead vocals and guitar, said before launching into “How You Remind Me,” the top-ranked single from 2001.
Energy in the venue reached a peak with “Too Bad,” the 2002 single about Kroeger’s absentee father and younger life, and “Someday,” about a troubled love.
“ I just had a moment,” Kroeger said at one point, after looking across the arena at thousands of screaming fans. “We are so lucky to be able to play music for you guys.”
The performance ended with “Rockstar,” about over-the-top lifestyles, and “Figured You Out,” the lyrically graphic hit from early 2004.
Before Nickelback took the stage, Default and Trapt primed audience energy.
With “Made of Glass,” Chris Brown, vocals and guitar for Trapt, got the crowd moving as one. The song was followed by “Echo,” with its emotional melody, and songs from the band’s most recent album, including “Disconnected,” “Skin Deep,” “Stand Up” and “Waiting.”
Trapt released “Someone in Control” in September. The record has been hailed for its “haunting guitar atmospherics, rhythmic dynamism and alternately tender and explosive vocals,” and the band did not disappoint performing live.
“ Every song (on the record) is either about losing control or trying too hard to have control,” Chris Brown, vocals and guitar, has said. “There’s a fine line between allowing yourself to be vulnerable and closing yourself off to everything.”
Trapt wrapped up Tuesday night’s performance with “Headstrong,” the 2003 rock heavy hit that may be its most well known.
Before Trapt took the stage, Default opened with songs from its new album “One Thing Remains,” including “All is Forgiven,” “I Can’t Win,” “Count on Me” and the title track.
“ Wasting My Time,” from the band’s 2001 debut “The Fallout,” received major radio airplay for its edgy rock sound and was even more compelling performed live.
Nickelback’s “All the Right Reasons” tour continues in the United States through February (with Trapt and Default) and March (with Trapt and Chevelle). For a complete listing of dates, go to www.nickelback.com.