Editing Mike Kroeger

{{Short description|Canadian musician (born 1972)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}

{{Infobox musical artist
| name           = Mike Kroeger
| image          = Mike Kroeger live with Nickelback in 2023.jpg
| caption        = 
| background     = non_vocal_instrumentalist
| birth_name     = Michael Douglas Henry Kroeger
| birth_date     = {{birth date and age|1972|6|25}}
| birth_place    = [[Hanna, Alberta]], [[Canada]]
| genre          = {{flatlist|
* [[Alternative rock]]
* [[Post-grunge]]
* [[Hard rock]]
* [[Alternative metal]]
* [[Metalcore]]
}}
| occupation     = {{flatlist|
* [[Musician]]
* [[Songwriter]]<ref name="KROEGER MICHAEL DOUGLAS HENRY - BMI SONGVIEW DATABASE">{{cite web |title=KROEGER MICHAEL DOUGLAS HENRY - BMI SONGVIEW DATABASE |url=https://repertoire.bmi.com/Search/Catalog?num=%252bd0H3Hz3FqTPU9bEOI7w9g%253d%253d&cae=aR8oDTiglhl1jFflt9UA7Q%253d%253d&partType=WriterList&search=%7B%22Main_Search_Text%22%3A%22Nickelback%22%2C%22Sub_Search_Text%22%3A%22%22%2C%22Main_Search%22%3A%22Catalog%22%2C%22Sub_Search%22%3Anull%2C%22Search_Type%22%3A%22all%22%2C%22View_Count%22%3A100%2C%22Page_Number%22%3A1%2C%22Part_Type%22%3A%22PerformerList%22%2C%22Part_Id%22%3A%228qCUp9nFBRD97TI2PZG9kA%253d%253d%22%2C%22Part_Id_Sub%22%3Anull%2C%22Part_Name%22%3Anull%2C%22Part_Cae%22%3Anull%2C%22Original_Search%22%3A%22Performer%22%2C%22DisclaimerViewed%22%3Anull%7D&resetPageNumber=True&partIdSub=YO0HedHMatLb45JzS23DVw%253d%253d |website=BMI Songview Database |publisher=BMI |access-date=16 May 2025}}</ref>
}}
| instrument     = {{flatlist|
* [[Bass guitar]]
}}
| years_active   = 1995–present
| label          = {{flatlist|
* [[Roadrunner Records]]
* [[EMI]]
* [[Atlantic Records]]
* [[Republic Records]]
}}
| associated_acts = [[Nickelback]]
}}

'''Michael Douglas Henry Kroeger''' (born June 25, 1972), known professionally as '''Mike Kroeger''' is a Canadian musician, best known as the bassist and a founding member of the rock band [[Nickelback]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback - Canada's Walk of Fame |url=https://www.canadaswalkoffame.com/inductee/nickelback |website=Canada Walk of Fame |publisher=Staff |access-date=1 January 2007}}</ref> Formed in his hometown of [[Hanna, Alberta]] in 1995 with his younger brother [[Chad Kroeger]], cousin Brandon Kroeger, and good friend and schoolmate [[Ryan Peake]]. ''[[Nickelback]]'' rose to international prominence in the early 2000s, most notably after the release of their third studio album ''[[Silver Side Up]]'' which featured the 2001 single ''[[How You Remind Me]],'' which was awarded the title of "most-played song" of 2002 and "most-played" song of the decade that received [[radio airplay]] from the years 2000-2010.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback’s ‘How You Remind Me’ Was One Of The Biggest Hits Of The 2000s–And It’s Still Debuting On Charts |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2024/07/10/nickelbacks-how-you-remind-me-was-one-of-the-biggest-hits-of-the-2000sand-its-still-debuting-on-charts/ |website=Forbes |publisher=Hugh McIntyre |access-date=10 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback: Making Music ‘For All the Right Reasons’ |url=https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/20060613nickelback_nickelback_making_music_for_all_the_right_reasons |website=BMI |publisher=Bruce Britt |access-date=17 May 2025}}</ref> Kroeger has remained a core member over the course of his band's career, being featured on every release since the group's inception in 1995 that includes ''[[The State (album)|The State]] (2000),'' ''[[Silver Side Up]] (2001),'' ''[[The Long Road]] (2003),'' ''[[All the Right Reasons]] (2005),'' ''[[Dark Horse (Nickelback album)|Dark Horse]] (2008),'' ''[[Here and Now (Nickelback album)|Here and Now]] (2011),'' ''[[No Fixed Address (album)|No Fixed Address]] (2014),'' ''[[Feed the Machine]] (2017),'' ''[[Get Rollin]]'' (2022).<ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback named group of the decade by Billboard |url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/music/nickelback-named-group-of-the-decade-by-billboard/article_a762309b-546b-5205-9e54-882fc944bda5.html |website=Toronto Star |publisher=STEVE RUSSELL |access-date=15 December 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback Albums Ranked Worst To First |url=https://loudwire.com/nickelback-albums-ranked/ |website=Loudwire.com |publisher=Chad Childers |access-date=16 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Billboard Artists of the Decade |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/artists-of-the-decade-266420/ |website=Billboard |publisher=Billboard Staff |access-date=17 May 2025}}</ref>

==Early life, personal life==
Mike Kroeger was born on June 25, 1972, in [[Hanna, Alberta, Canada]] to Debbie Kroeger, and is the older brother of his band's lead singer, [[Chad Kroeger]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Mike Kroeger reveals difference of personalities between him and his brother Chad Kroeger |url=https://musicfeeds.com.au/features/nickelback-mike-kroeger-band-dont-take-themselves-too-seriously/ |website=Music Feeds |publisher=Jade Kennedy |access-date=8 November 2018}}</ref> Raised by their mother, the brothers shared a close relationship despite differing personalities. [[Chad Kroeger|Chad]] began playing guitar around the age of 13, which influenced Mike’s interest in playing music himself. However, instead of learning to play regular guitar, Kroeger decided to try playing a 1978 [[Fender Precision Bass|Fender Precision Bass guitar]] that belonged to his grandfather, who was a bassist in a local band. Kroeger later stated that the bass guitar "just spoke to me," and he found it appealing to choose an instrument less commonly played among his peers.<ref>{{cite web |title= Interview With Mike Kroeger From Nickelback|url=https://forbassplayersonly.com/mike-kroeger/ |website=For Bass Players Only |access-date=May 16, 2025}}</ref>

Kroeger married his longtime girlfriend Angela Marie Papp on January 23, 2000. The couple has two children: son Dawson Kroeger, born on May 6, 2001, and daughter Avalon Kroeger, born on June 6, 2003. Upon turning 18, Dawson launched his own music career, forming an [[indie rock|indie]] [[alternative rock]] band called "The Props."<ref>{{cite web |title=THE PROPS SIGN TO BLUE GRAPE MUSIC - RELEASE TWO NEW TRACKS: “Echoes” is about feeling isolated. Thinking back on your memories like they are echoes in an empty space. The opening lyric sort of sets up the perspective that you’re in the middle of nowhere talking to yourself, says The Props Dawson Kroeger |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250516221721/https://bluegrapemusic.com/news/the-props-sign-to-blue-grape-music-release-two-new-tracks |website=bluegrapemusic.com |publisher=Blue Grape Music |access-date=16 May 2025}}</ref>

Kroeger is a passionate fan of the [[National Hockey League]] team the [[Detroit Red Wings]].<ref>{{cite web |title=How Nickelback’s Mike Kroeger became a die-hard Detroit Red Wings fan |url=https://www.mlive.com/life/2023/06/how-nickelbacks-mike-kroeger-became-a-die-hard-detroit-red-wings-fan.html |website=MLive |publisher=Edward Pevos |access-date=15 June 2023}}</ref>

Kroeger obtains [[dual citizenship]] from both [[Canada citizenship|Canada]] and the [[United States citizenship|United States]] and currently resides in [[Los Angeles]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback’s Mike Kroeger puts down stakes in former haunt of Dracula in his move to Los Angeles |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/hot-property/la-fi-hotprop-mike-kroeger-bela-lugosi-house-20180614-story.html |website=Los Angeles Times |publisher=Jack Flemming |access-date=14 June 2018}}</ref>

==Career==
===1995-1999: Forming Nickelback, early releases===
He co-founded the band in his hometown of [[Hanna, Alberta]] in 1995 with his younger brother [[Chad Kroeger]] as lead singer, his cousin Brandon Kroeger as the drummer, and long-time, close friend [[Ryan Peake]] as the lead guitarist.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback bassist Mike Kroeger talked about tackling the low end for the gang since the band started back in 1995, telling Bass Guitar Magazine about the general approach: |url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/mike_kroeger_how_i_approach_playing_bass_in_nickelback.html |website=Ultimate Guitar |publisher=Jomatami |access-date=27 June 2018}}</ref> Originally named "Village Idiots" and performing as a cover band, frustrated with playing covers, the band began writing and performing their own original material, prompting the band to choose a more original name, eventually settling on ''"[[Nickelback]]".'' Later on in the band's career after achieving widespread fame and global recognition, Kroeger revealed in an interview that he came up with the name during a period of time while he was working at a [[Starbucks]] in [[Vancouver]] where coffee would cost $1.95 and people would pay $2.0, stating that he would frequently hand customers their change back after paying for their purchase and would frequently say to them, ''“Here’s your nickel back.”''<ref name="Nickelback fans are just realizing band name meaning after 30 years">{{cite web |title=Nickelback fans are just realizing band name meaning after 30 years |url=https://www.themirror.com/entertainment/music/nickelback-fans-just-realising-how-1135295 |website=The Mirror US |publisher=Jess Flaherty |access-date=17 May 2025}}</ref> 

After Kroeger and the band had written enough original material for their debut release, in late 1995, [[Chad Kroeger]] convinced his and Mike's stepfather to loan them CA$4,000 (approx. US$3,000 at the time) to fund the recording of their first release—a seven-track [[EP]] that would become their 1996 debut, ''[[Hesher (Nickelback album)|Hesher]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback Play 'Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?' |url=https://loudwire.com/nickelback-wikipedia-fact-or-fiction/ |website=Loudwre |publisher=Graham Hartmann |access-date=23 August 2017}}</ref> In later interviews, the band revealed that only half of the loan was used for recording expenses, while the other half was used by Chad to purchase [[psilocybin mushroom|magic mushrooms]], which he planned to resell to fund future band activities.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback Reveal How They Funded First EP |url=https://loudwire.com/nickelback-first-ep-funded-magic-mushrooms/ |website=Loudwire |access-date=May 16, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback Used To Deal Drugs |url=https://www.thegauntlet.com/article/287/11934/Nickelback-Singer-Used-To-Deal-Drugs |website=thegauntlet.com |publisher=Staff |access-date=10 March 2008}}</ref>

The band independently released their debut ''[[Hesher (Nickelback album)|Hesher]]'' on March 10, 1996, which was soon followed up by their first full-length album ''[[Curb (album)|Curb]]'' a few months later in 1996. The band signed a record and distribution deal with [[EMI|EMI Canada]] in 1998 and released their sophomore album titled ''[[The State (album)|The State]]'' that same year which gained traction on Canadian radio due to new [[Canadian content|Can-con regulations]], which contributed to the success of his band's singles from 2000, ''[[Worthy to Say]]'' and ''[[Breathe (Nickelback song)|Breathe]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=When A Gamble Took Nickelback To The Top |url=https://www.thisisdig.com/feature/how-you-remind-me-nickelback-song-story/ |website=This Is Dig |publisher=Connor Winyard |access-date=17 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback: Mainstream Rock Chart History (Billboarrd) |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022092533/http://www.billboard.com/artist/312256/Nickelback/chart?page=2&f=376 |website=Bilboard |publisher=Billboard |access-date=17 May 2025}}</ref>

=== 2000–2002: Mainstream breakthrough, ''Silver Side Up'' era ===
Upon the success of his band's sophomore album, [[Roadrunner Records]] signed them to a international [[record deal]] in early 2000 and opted to [[reissue|re-release]] ''[[The State (album)|The State]]'' worldwide later that year on March 7, 2000. The band toured extensively and gained exposure by opening for acts such as [[Creed (band)|Creed]] and [[3 Doors Down]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The State – Nickelback (Roadrunner Reissue) |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-state-mw0000054217 |website=AllMusic |access-date=May 15, 2025}}</ref> The reissue introduced the band to a wider audience and included the single ''"[[Leader of Men]]"'', which became their first charting track on the [[Billboard Hot 100]] and received [[airplay]] on rock radio stations across North America. The commercial success of the reissue helped establish his band [[airplay]] in the U.S. and global radio markets.<ref>{{cite web |title=2000: The Year in Music: Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ehEEAAAAMBAJ&pg=RA1-PA33#v=onepage&q=Nickelback&f=false |website=Billboard |publisher=Billboard Magazine |access-date=17 May 2025}}</ref> 

On [[September 11, 2001]], the band released their third studio album, ''[[Silver Side Up]]''. Its lead single, "[[How You Remind Me]]", quickly became a global [[phenomenon]], topping the [[Billboard Hot 100]] and reaching number one in multiple countries, including [[Canada]], the [[United Kingdom]], and [[Ireland]]. The song was later named the most-played radio song of the decade (2000–2009) by [[Nielsen SoundScan]] and became one of the defining rock singles of the early 2000s.<ref name="exclaim_chad_kroeger">{{cite web |title=Chad Kroeger Reflects on 'Silver Side Up' Releasing on 9/11 |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/chad_kroeger_looks_back_on_releasing_nickelbacks_silver_side_up_on_9_11 |website=Exclaim |access-date=May 15, 2025}}</ref> Additional singles from the album included "[[Too Bad (Nickelback song)|Too Bad]]" and "[[Never Again (Nickelback song)|Never Again]]", both of which received significant radio and video rotation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Album History: Silver Side Up - Nickelback |url=https://www.rhino.com/aod/silver-side-up-nickelback |website=rhino.com |publisher=Rhino Staff |access-date=17 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Retrospective Reviews: Nickelback’s ‘Silver Side Up’ |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/retrospective-review-nickelback-silver-side-up/#:~:text=Silver%20Side%20Up%20was%20the,10%20million%20freaking%20copies%20worldwide. |website=Vice |publisher=Ivan Raczycki |access-date=30 September 2014}}</ref>

In 2002, Kroeger appeared in the band’s first official concert DVD release, ''[[Live at Home]]'', filmed during a hometown show in Edmonton, Alberta. The performance captured the band at the height of their early success, with Kroeger notably wearing a cowboy hat throughout the concert — a visual trademark he frequently adopted during the band’s early years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Beneath the wide brim of his signature white cowboy hat, bassist Mike Kroeger pushed the rhythm section with tight syncopated riffs, freeing brother Chad to flail on guitar and deliver the vocals. |url=https://www.saratogian.com/2002/06/25/nickelback-trips-on-classic-rock/ |website=saratogian.com |publisher=Thomas Dimopoulos |access-date=25 June 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback Invade Michigan Campus, Have A Good Ol' Time – Review |url=https://idobi.com/news/nickelback-invade-michigan-campus-have-a-good-ol-timereview/ |website=idobi.com |publisher=Lance Fiasco |access-date=18 April 2002}}</ref>

=== 2003–2004: ''The Long Road'' era ===
Nickelback released their fourth studio album, ''[[The Long Road]]'', on September 23, 2003.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Formation of Nickelback |url=https://www.thelongroad.uk/formation-of-nickelback |website=The Long Road |access-date=May 15, 2025}}</ref> The album produced several successful singles, including "[[Someday (Nickelback song)|Someday]]", "[[Figured You Out]]", "[[Because of You (Nickelback song)|Because of You]]", and "[[Feelin' Way Too Damn Good]]". The album was certified multi-platinum in both Canada and the United States. Kroeger continued to tour extensively with the band during this period and participated in promotional appearances across North America and Europe in support of the release.
<ref name="exclaim_chad_kroeger"/>

=== 2005–2007: ''All the Right Reasons'' era ===
In 2005, Nickelback released their fifth studio album, ''[[All the Right Reasons]]'', marking the first appearance of drummer [[Daniel Adair]], who joined the band following the departure of Ryan Vikedal.<ref>{{cite web |title=All the Right Reasons – Overview |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/all-the-right-reasons-mw0000174382 |website=AllMusic |access-date=May 15, 2025}}</ref> The album became the band’s most commercially successful release to date, eventually being certified Diamond by the [[RIAA]] in the United States and 7× Platinum by [[Music Canada]]. It debuted at number one on the [[Billboard 200]] and remained on the chart for over 100 weeks.<ref>{{cite web |title=Certifications For Nickelback – All the Right Reasons (RIAA) |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Nickelback&ti=All+the+Right+Reasons&format=Album&type=#search_section |website=riaa.com |publisher=Staff |access-date=17 May 2025}}</ref>

The album produced multiple successful singles, including "[[Photograph (Nickelback song)|Photograph]]", "[[Savin' Me]]", "[[Far Away (Nickelback song)|Far Away]]", "[[If Everyone Cared]]", "[[Animals (Nickelback song)|Animals]]", and "[[Rockstar (Nickelback song)|Rockstar]]". "Photograph" reached number two on the [[Billboard Hot 100]] and became one of the band’s most recognizable songs.<ref>{{cite web |title=The true story behind Nickelback's smash hit, 'Photograph' |url=https://www.cbc.ca/radio/q/blog/the-true-story-behind-nickelback-s-smash-hit-photograph-1.4157104 |website=CBC |publisher=Jesse Kinos-Goodin |access-date=13 June 2017}}</ref> "Rockstar" achieved international success, charting in the top ten in the UK, Ireland, and Australia, and later received renewed popularity following a 2007 re-release in Europe.<ref>{{cite web |title=INTERVIEW: Mike Kroeger – Nickelback: Chatting about the band's monumental success of 2005's 'All The Right Reasons' album and its singles |url=https://www.therockpit.net/2020/interview-mike-kroeger-nickelback-all-the-right-reasons/ |website=The Rock Pit |publisher=Elle Jay |access-date=29 September 2020}}</ref>

Kroeger spent the following three years supporting the album with an extensive 2006-2007 world tour with numerous promotional appearances at [[radio stations]] and [[music festivals]] along with performing on a number of televised programs and award shows that saw the band receive several nominations and awards, including honors at the [[American Music Awards]], [[Billboard Music Awards]], and [[Juno Awards]]. Kroeger toured with [[Nickelback]] across North America, Europe, and Australia, with various different artists including [[Bon Jovi]], [[Hinder]], [[Hoobastank]], and [[Chevelle (band)|Chevelle]]. After this period, Nickelback launched a final U.S. tour in support of the album in 2007 called ''“One More ‘Reasons’ Tour”'' with [[Three Days Grace]] and [[Breaking Benjamin]] opening as support, before the band returned to the studio to begin work on their follow up release to [[All the Right Reasons]].<ref name="Nickelback Readies One More ‘Reasons’ Tour">{{cite web |title=Nickelback Readies One More ‘Reasons’ Tour |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/nickelback-readies-one-more-reasons-tour-56795/ |website=Billboard |publisher=Billboard Staff |access-date=31 October 2006}}</ref>

=== 2008–2010: ''Dark Horse'' era ===
Nickelback began working on their sixth studio album in early 2008. Produced by [[Robert John "Mutt" Lange]], ''[[Dark Horse (Nickelback album)|Dark Horse]]'' was released in November 2008.<ref>{{cite web |title=Producer Mutt Lange Returns With Nickelback |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/producer-mutt-lange-returns-with-nickelback-1302188/ |website=billboard.com |publisher=Bilboard |access-date=17 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback back in the race with "Dark Horse" |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyle/nickelback-back-in-the-race-with-dark-horse-idUSTRE49O05V/ |website=Reuters |publisher=Gary Graff |access-date=24 October 2008}}</ref> The album featured eight singles: "[[Gotta Be Somebody]]", "[[Something in Your Mouth]]", "[[If Today Was Your Last Day]]", "[[I'd Come for You]]", "[[Burn It to the Ground]]", "[[Never Gonna Be Alone]]", "[[Shakin' Hands]]", and "[[This Afternoon]]".<ref>{{cite web |title=After 13 years, over 27 million albums sold worldwide, and once spending an astounding 112 consecutive weeks in the Billboard Top 30, it might seem ironic that the current album by the band Nickelback is titled Dark Horse. But according to founding bassist and Trace Elliot® artist Michael Kroeger, the band doesn’t take their success for granted. “Any artist that is even surviving right now is a dark horse because things change pretty fast,” says Kroeger. “You’re a superstar one day and wake up the next day and you’re anonymous.” |url=https://peaveycommercialaudio.com/none/nickelbacks-mike-kroeger-his-dark-horse-win/ |website=Peavey Audio |publisher=Staff |access-date=17 May 2025}}</ref>

From January 2009 through December 2010, Kroeger toured extensively with the band as part of the worldwide ''[[Dark Horse Tour]]'', which included over 150 performances divided over four legs with varying supporting acts. The first leg featured [[Seether]] and [[Black Stone Cherry]]; the second included [[Hinder]], [[Papa Roach]], and [[Saving Abel]]; the third leg featured [[Breaking Benjamin]] and [[Sick Puppies]]; and the fourth and final leg was supported by [[Three Days Grace]] and [[Shinedown]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback confirms 2010 Dark Horse tour dates |url=https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2009/11/26/nickelback-confirms-2010-dark-horse-tour-dates/ |website=No Treble |publisher=Kevin Johnson |access-date=26 November 2009}}</ref> In February 2010, Kroeger participated in his band’s performance at the [[2010 Winter Olympics]] closing ceremony in [[Vancouver]], where Nickelback performed their single "[[Burn It to the Ground]]".<ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback Performs Closing Ceremony At The 2010 Winter Olympics In Vancouver |url=https://noisecreep.com/nickelback-perform-during-winter-olympic-after-party-celebration/ |website=noisecreep.com |publisher=Noisecreep Staff |access-date=1 March 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Dark Horse – Nickelback |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/dark-horse-mw0000800399 |website=AllMusic |access-date=May 15, 2025}}</ref>

=== 2011–2019: ''Here and Now'', ''No Fixed Address'', and ''Feed the Machine'' era ===
Starting in the Spring of 2011 Kroeger and the rest of the band retreated to his brother Chad’s [[home studio]] called Little Mountain View Studio in [[Abbotsford, British Columbia]] to begin recording [[Nickelback]]’s seventh studio album, later titled  ''[[Here and Now (Nickelback album)|Here and Now]]''. When the album was released on November 21, 2011 it debuted at number two on the [[Billboard 200]] and reached number one on the Canadian Albums Chart.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback’s ‘Here and Now’ Debuts at No. 2 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/nickelback-here-and-now-debuts-no-2-465383/ |website=Billboard |access-date=May 15, 2025}}</ref> The album was supported by the ''Here and Now Tour'', which began in early 2012 and included dates across North America and Europe. Five singles released from the album included "[[When We Stand Together]]", “[[Bottoms Up (Nickelback song)|Bottoms Up]],” "[[Lullaby (Nickelback song)|Lullaby]]", "[[This Means War (Nickelback song)|This Means War]]", and "[[Trying Not to Love You]]".<ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback's Mike Kroeger Talks Current Tour, 'This Means War' + More |url=https://loudwire.com/nickelback-mike-kroeger-talk-current-tour-this-means-war-more/ |website=loudwire |publisher=Mike 'Sandman' Sanders |access-date=9 May 2012}}</ref>

In 2013, at the age of 41, Kroeger suffered a serious stroke shortly after completing [[Nickelback]]’s ''The Hits Tour''. He required several months of recovery and physical rehabilitation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback bassist Mike Kroeger discusses his near-fatal stroke, band success, and gives advice for new bands |url=https://americansongwriter.com/nickelbacks-mike-kroeger-offers-up-wisdom-for-young-bands-if-youve-got-the-chops-nothing-else-can-stop-you-except-yourself/ |website=American Songwriter |publisher=Bryan Reesman |access-date=3 July 2024}}</ref> In the 2023 documentary film ''[[Hate to Love: Nickelback]]'', Kroeger disclosed that the stroke nearly proved fatal. During his recovery, he strongly contemplated retiring from the music industry to dedicate more time to his family. However, support from his wife, children, and fellow bandmates encouraged him to continue his musical career.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mike Kroeger Talks Nickelback Doc and Fame |url=https://www.grammy.com/news/nickelback-documentary-hate-to-love-mike-kroeger-interview |website=GRAMMY.com |access-date=May 15, 2025}}</ref>

In 2014, the band released their eighth studio album, ''[[No Fixed Address (album)|No Fixed Address]]'', through Republic Records. Singles from the album included "[[Edge of a Revolution]]", "[[What Are You Waiting For? (Nickelback song)|What Are You Waiting For?]]", and "[[She Keeps Me Up]]". An announced world tour, the ''[[No Fixed Address Tour]]'', was cancelled after [[Chad Kroeger]] revealed in June 2015 that he required surgery to remove a cyst on his vocal cords. Despite the cancellation, promotional efforts for the album continued, with Mike Kroeger taking on a more visible role in interviews and media appearances during his brother’s absence while recovering from surgery.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback Cancels Remaining North American Tour Dates Before Chad Kroeger Undergoes Vocal Chord Surgery |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/669587/nickelback-cancels-remaining-north-american-tour-dates-before-chad-kroeger-undergoes-vocal-chord-surgery |website=E! Online |publisher=Zach Johnson |access-date=23 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Chad Kroeger on vocal cord operation: ‘When I woke I sounded just like the loser from Nickelback’ |url=https://hellorayo.co.uk/planet-rock/news/rock-news/chad-kroeger-on-vocal-cord-operation-when-i-woke-i-sounded-just-like-the-loser-from-nickelback |website=Rayo |publisher=Scott Colothan |access-date=19 June 2017}}</ref>

On June 15, 2017, Nickelback released their ninth studio album, ''[[Feed the Machine]]'', which was supported by a world tour that launched in the [[United States]] and continued into 2018 with performances across [[South America]], [[Canada]], [[Europe]], and [[Japan]]. The tour featured supporting acts including [[Daughtry (band)|Daughtry]], [[Bad Wolves]], and [[Shaman's Harvest]]. Singles released from the album included "[[Feed the Machine (Nickelback song)|Feed the Machine]]", "[[Song on Fire]]", "[[Must Be Nice (Nickelback song)|Must Be Nice]]," and "[[After the Rain (Nickelback song)|After the Rain]]". During a promotional interview for the album while on tour in February 2019, Kroeger discussed the band’s evolving sound, political themes in their lyrics, and his personal musical influences—including a desire to record an album rooted entirely in [[heavy metal (music)|heavy metal]]. He also expressed interest in creating a full cover album of songs by [[Slayer]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback Would ‘Love to’ Release a Metal Album Says Bassist Mike Kroeger |url=https://loudwire.com/nickelback-metal-album/ |website=Loudwire |publisher=Joe DiVita |access-date=1 February 2019}}</ref>

===2020-present: Recent activities, ''Get Rollin'''===
In August 2020, Nickelback released a cover of "[[The Devil Went Down to Georgia]]" featuring guitarist [[Dave Martone]].<ref>{{cite web |title=“The Devil Went Down to Georgia” we had sitting around as an idea for a while that didn’t get fully finished and was just waiting in the wings. When we decided to go for it, before we moved forward with it, we reached out to Charlie Daniels himself to send him the rough idea to hear it and get his approval. And he actually did approve of it. He heard it and said he liked it. He was alive when we did it, and he passed [in 2020] before we released it, so he didn’t get to hear the final version of it, unfortunately. |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/nickelback-interview-get-rollin-chad-kroeger-mike-1235170608/ |website=Bilboard |publisher=Bryan Reesman |access-date=17 May 2025}}</ref> The track was released digitally and received attention for its aggressive guitar work and modernized arrangement of the classic [[Charlie Daniels]] song with Kroeger's bass playing remaining foundational to the reworked track’s rhythm section.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback Cover ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia’ |url=https://loudwire.com/nickelback-devil-went-down-to-georgia-cover/ |website=Loudwire |access-date=May 15, 2025}}</ref> From 2020-2022 Kroeger and the band continued working on new material which led to their November 2022 tenth studio album titled, ''[[Get Rollin]]'', which spawned the singles "[[San Quentin (song)|San Quentin]]" and "Those Days."<ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback’s ‘Get Rollin’ Makes Global Chart Impact |url=https://www.bmg.com/news/Nickelbacks-10th-studio-album-Get-Rollin-makes-global-chart-debut/ |website=BMG |access-date=May 15, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=NICKELBACK's MIKE KROEGER: 'We Don't Have To Do Anything We Don't Wanna Do' |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/nickelbacks-mike-kroeger-we-dont-have-to-do-anything-we-dont-wanna-do |website=BLABBERMOUTH |publisher=BLABBERMOUTH Staff |access-date=13 November 2022}}</ref>

A few days before the official release date for Get Rollin', it was announced [[Nickelback]] woud be inducted into the [[Canadian Music Hall of Fame]] at the next ceremony on March 16, 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback to be inducted into Canadian Music Hall of Fame |url=https://abc3340.com/news/nation-world/nickelback-to-be-inducted-into-music-hall-of-fame-in-canada-chad-kroeger-mike-ryan-peake-daniel-adair-rock-radio-billboard?photo=1 |website=ABC News |publisher=ZACHARY ROGERS |access-date=15 November 2022}}</ref>

Along with the rest of his [[Nickelback]] bandmates, Kroeger embarked on the band's 2023 ''Get Rollin’ Tour World Tour'', covering [[North America]] and select dates in [[Europe]] where Kroeger participated in numerous interviews discussing his band’s longevity, their approach to taking a five-year gap between albums—the longest stretch between studio releases in the band’s history.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback's Mike Kroegers' Interview With 'Punk Rock Theroy' - Talks About 5 Year Gap Between Albums, And The Future Of The Band |url=https://www.punkrocktheory.com/interviews/nickelbacks-mike-kroeger-if-people-dont-react-youre-finished-right-there |website=Punk Rock Theory |publisher=Thomas |access-date=16 May 2025}}</ref>

The band premiered their [[documentary film]] on September 8, 2023 titled ''[[Hate to Love: Nickelback]]'' at the [[Toronto International Film Festival]]. The film covered Kroeger's pre-fame personal life, his rise to fame with [[Nickelback]], what it was like releasing their album [[Silver Side Up]] and performing a concert, opening for [[3 Doors Down]] on September 11, 2001 which was the same day of the [[September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks|2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon]] and [[Flight 93|hijacking and crash of United Airlines flight 93]], how the group became the world's most hated and criticized band, the rise of online ridicule, and Kroeger's near-fatal stroke in 2013.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback discuss what it was like to release a new album and play a concert on 9/11/2001, the same day as the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centers |url=https://torontosun.com/entertainment/music/nickelbacks-chad-kroeger-and-ryan-peake-on-bands-lasting-success-we-had-to-figure-out-a-way-to-win |website=Toronto Sun |publisher=Mark Daniell |access-date=22 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Chad And Mike Kroeger Praise Their Mom For Sticking Up For Nickelback Through The Negativity: ‘She’s Always Had Our Back’ |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001124026/https://etcanada.com/news/1019370/chad-and-mike-kroeger-praise-their-mom-for-sticking-up-for-nickelback-through-the-negativity-shes-always-had-our-back/ |website=ET Canada |publisher=Melissa Romualdi |access-date=8 September 2023}}</ref> In 2024, Kroeger confirmed that the band was considering a slower, nontraditional approach to recording, with no set release plans, however, a live concert album titled, ''[[Live from Nashville]]'', was released on November 15, 2024 that was recorded in 2023 during their performance at the [[Bridgestone Arena]] during the ''"Get Rollin' Tour"'' with [[Brantley Gilbert]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback Announce 'Live in Nashville' Album |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/nickelback-live-in-nashville-album-1235111842/ |website=Rolling Stone |publisher=Brittany Spanos |access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback Releases First Ever Live Album ‘Live From Nashville’ From Their Sold Out Show At The Bridgestone Arena During 2023 Tour |url=https://www.nashville.com/nickelback-releases-live-from-nashville/ |website=nashville.com |publisher=Jerry Holthouse |access-date=17 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mike Kroeger Discusses Nickelback’s Future |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/nickelbacks-mike-kroeger-right-now-we-are-not-sure-exactly-what-is-next-for-the-band |website=Blabbermouth |access-date=May 15, 2025}}</ref>

== Public image and cultural perception ==
Kroeger's involvement with [[Nickelback]]’s mainstream popularity was accompanied by widespread online ridicule, Kroeger describing the band as being "patient zero of [[cyberbullying]]," noting that the rise of the [[internet]] in the 2000s and early days of [[social media]] platforms like [[Myspace]], [[Facebook]], [[Twitter]], and [[YouTube]] played a major role.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mike Kroeger says culture around early hate for Nickelback was “training ground for cyber bullying” |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/mike-kroeger-says-culture-around-early-hate-for-nickelback-was-training-ground-for-cyber-bullying-3779813 |website=MNE |access-date=31 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback Documentary Tackles Cyberbullying |url=https://people.com/nickelback-hate-to-love-director-says-rock-band-paved-way-to-get-abused-online-exclusive-8622255 |website=People |access-date=May 15, 2025}}</ref> His band's [[documentary]] film ''[[Hate to Love: Nickelback]]'' also addressed the emotional toll of this criticism, including effects on their families.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelback Opens Up About Public Backlash |url=https://ew.com/tiff/nickelback-hatred-hate-to-love-documentary-tiff/ |website=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=May 15, 2025}}</ref>

==Influences and inspirations==
He has expressed admiration for thrash and metal bands like [[Slayer]], [[Pantera]], and [[Gojira (band)|Gojira]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Mike Kroeger on Metal Influences |url=https://loudwire.com/nickelback-mike-kroeger-thrash-metal-influences/ |website=Loudwire |access-date=May 15, 2025}}</ref>

== Equipment ==
Kroeger primarily plays [[Spector (company)|Spector]] bass guitars, including custom-built models and his signature MK-5 Pro. He frequently uses the Spector NS-5XL on stage and tours with multiple backup instruments. For strings, he uses Ernie Ball five-string Slinky sets, and his preferred picks are Dunlop .88 mm triangle picks. He plays using both fingerstyle and a pick, depending on the performance.

In live settings, Kroeger no longer uses traditional bass amplifiers, instead running his signal directly through the venue’s PA system. His rig includes Radial Engineering direct interfaces and switching systems, with additional components from their 500 Series line. He also uses the Hartke Bass Attack pedal and the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi for specific tonal effects. All stringed instruments used by the band are strung with Ernie Ball strings.<ref name="Nickelback's Mike Kroeger: “I’ve got what many could consider the biggest bass amp in the world… a 1.5-million watt PA!”">{{cite web |title=Nickelback's Mike Kroeger: “I’ve got what many could consider the biggest bass amp in the world… a 1.5-million watt PA!” |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726131042/https://www.musicradar.com/news/nickelbacks-mike-kroeger-ive-got-what-many-could-consider-the-biggest-bass-amp-in-the-world-a-15-million-watt-pa |website=Music Radar |publisher=Alison Richter |access-date=26 June 2018}}</ref>

== Discography ==
{{See also|Nickelback discography}}

=== With Nickelback ===
* ''[[Hesher (EP)|Hesher]]'' (1996)
* ''[[Curb (album)|Curb]]'' (1996)
* ''[[The State (album)|The State]]'' (1998)
* ''[[Silver Side Up]]'' (2001)
* ''[[The Long Road]]'' (2003)
* ''[[All the Right Reasons]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Dark Horse (Nickelback album)|Dark Horse]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Here and Now (Nickelback album)|Here and Now]]'' (2011)
* ''[[No Fixed Address (album)|No Fixed Address]]'' (2014)
* ''[[Feed the Machine]]'' (2017)
* ''[[Get Rollin]]'' (2022)
* ''[[Live from Nashville]]'' (2024)
<ref name="Discography: Mike Kroeger (Nickelback bassist)">{{cite web |title=Discography: Mike Kroeger (Nickelback bassist) |url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/108713-Nickelback |website=discogs.com |publisher=Discogs |access-date=16 May 2025}}</ref>
== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [https://www.nickelback.com/ Official Nickelback website]

{{Nickelback}}
{{Authority control}}

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