Nickelback and the Spotify Meme

The recent controversy surrounding Nickelback has caused a new meme to surface: “Nickelback is a rock band and has no problem pulling their music from Spotify.” This viral internet rant started after lead guitarist Chad Kroeger threatened to drop the band’s latest album unless Spotify removed his interview with Joe Rogan. The meme was widely shared on social media and was the cause of much trolling. What can we learn from this viral prank?

The recent tweet from President Donald Trump sparked an increase in streams for “Photograph” by Nickelback. In one day, the single gained 40% more streams than the week prior. Meanwhile, digital sales of the song soared 569%, to 1,000 downloads in the week after the tweet was made. The prankster even modified Chad Kroeger’s likeness so that it looks like he’s re-enacting his appearance in the meme.

A lot of people are shocked to learn that the band’s current single was used in a Trump tweet fourteen years ago. While the song has remained a cult classic since its release, the band’s popularity has waned ever since. In 2005, the group’s song “Photograph” hit the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart. Trump’s tweet, however, sparked a new viral meme.