Avril Lavigne and Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg’s relationship just went from non-existent to “it’s complicated”.
You see, Zuckerberg — the man behind Facebook — decided when premiering a “funny” video of his new AI tech Jarvis that he’d take a shot at Nickleback. In the spot, he asks Jarvis to play some good Nickelback songs, to which Jarvis responds “I’m sorry Mark, I’m afraid I can’t do that. There are no good Nickelback songs.” Zuckerberg jokes that it was all a test.
Lavinge was wondering “what the hell?” after seeing the ad, and posted a stunning response to the ad Lavigne called Zuckerberg’s jab “in poor taste,” and said the spot promoted bullying:
“Dear Mark, many people use your products—some people love them and some people don’t. Either way, you’re allowed your musical opinion however, your jab at Nickelback is in poor taste,” she wrote on social media. “When you have a voice like yours, you may want to consider being more responsible with promoting bullying, especially given what’s going on in the world today.
#SayNoToBullying #TheJokeIsOld #NickelbackHasSoldOver50MillionAlbums.””
If you’re wondering how Lavigne has a dog in this fight, it’s because she was married to Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger from 2012 to 2015. Kroeger *gags* helped Lavigne writer such hits as the worst track of 2014, “Hello Kitty”. Yes, that’s a real song. There’s not much bad blood between the pair, as despite splitting up, the two remain friends.
It’s sort of sweet, sort of hilarious that Lavigne would feel the need to publicly condemn Zuckerberg’s joke (which by the way, everybody on Earth has made since 2005). But, I agree with one part of her take. Nickelback HAS in fact made good music before.
As a Canadian, I’m (unfortunately) very familiar with their music catalog. Before “Nickelback is the worst” memes existed, they released the album Silver Side Up. The album produced one certified banger, “How You Remind Me.” Seriously, listen to this track and tell me it’s not a great early 2000s rock song.
Trust me, I don’t like Nickelback’s musical output since “How You Remind Me” was released way back in 2001. But, credit where credit is due. No shame here; it’s good. Nickelback does have a classic tune. Zuck’s take is bad. That doesn’t excuse Lavigne’s abhorrent, butt-hurt response, however. Sorry Avril, I’m not with you.
