Hero (Chad Kroeger song)

Last updated

"Hero"
Hero (Chad Kroeger song) cover.jpg
CD single cover
Single by Chad Kroeger featuring Josey Scott
from the album Music from and Inspired by Spider-Man
B-side "Invisible Man" by Theory of a Deadman
ReleasedMarch 1, 2002 (2002-03-01)
RecordedMarch 2001 [1]
Genre Alternative rock, [2] post-grunge [3]
Length
  • 3:20 (with orchestral background)
  • 3:09 (with strings omitted)
Label
Songwriter(s) Chad Kroeger [4]
Producer(s) Chad Kroeger
Chad Kroeger singles chronology
"Hero"
(2002)		"Why Don't You & I"
(2004)
Alternative cover
HeroAlternateCover.png
Digital cover

"Hero" is a song by Canadian musician Chad Kroeger (lead vocalist of Nickelback) and American musician Josey Scott (then lead vocalist of Saliva) for the soundtrack to the 2002 superhero film Spider-Man . It was written by Kroeger and recorded specifically for the film. [4] "Hero" was released through Roadrunner Records on March 1, 2002, as the soundtrack's lead single. [5] The song serves as Kroeger's debut solo release.

Contents

There are two widely-available versions of the song: one with an orchestral background and one without. Mike Kroeger (bassist of Nickelback), Tyler Connolly (lead singer/guitarist of Theory of a Deadman), and Matt Cameron (drummer of Soundgarden and Pearl Jam) appear on the recording. In addition to its digital release, "Hero" was distributed internationally in various CD single and maxi single formats. Theory of a Deadman's "Invisible Man" was included on many of these releases.

"Hero" experienced worldwide commercial success, peaking in the top 10 of record charts in Austria, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The song also topped the US Billboard Mainstream Rock and Modern Rock airplay charts. It was nominated for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media, Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, and Best Rock Song at the 45th Grammy Awards (2003). [6]

Background

The song was the result of a collaboration between Kroeger and Scott. Scott told Yahoo!'s entertainment news service LAUNCH, "(Kroeger) had the idea for the song 'Hero,' so I came up to Vancouver and met him. He pitched me the idea, and I thought that was pretty dope. Real dope. So we sort of tweaked it, together, laid down some harmonies on it, and played everything from congas to acoustics on it."

Matt Cameron, who played drums on the recording, did not appear in the music video and cited "family issues" as the reason. Our Lady Peace drummer Jeremy Taggart appeared in his place, performing along to Cameron's drum track. [7]

Alice in Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell was originally picked to play the guitar solo (later played by Tyler Connolly [8] ), but he pulled out. [1] He did, however, contribute to the soundtrack with the song "She Was My Girl", from his solo album Degradation Trip . [9]

Music video

The music video consists of the group, except for Matt Cameron, performing on a building's rooftop purportedly in New York City, with footage of the movie spliced in between, and was directed by Nigel Dick. It was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia on March 24, 2002, and premiered on March 28. [7]

The song has won Best Video from a Film at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards. [10]

Critical reception

Reviewing the song for NME , Imran Ahmed was critical of Kroeger's "predictability" and drew a strong comparison to "How You Remind Me", Nickelback's 2001 international breakthrough, calling the formula for both "Commercial grunge + MOR sensibility = Nu-MOR hit." [11]

Chart performance

The song was a cross-genre hit in mid-2002, peaking at number one on the Billboard Modern Rock and Mainstream Rock charts, number three on the Billboard Hot 100, and also winning considerable airplay at pop radio, peaking at number two and five, respectively, on the Mainstream Top 40 and Adult Top 40 charts.[ citation needed ]

Track listings

Personnel

Charts

Certifications

Certifications and sales for "Hero"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) [61] Gold400,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Release dates and formats for "Hero"
RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
WorldwideMarch 1, 2002 Digital download Roadrunner [5]
United StatesApril 15, 2002 Roadrunner [62]
May 7, 2002 Contemporary hit radio [63]
AustraliaMay 20, 2002 CD [64]
Canada [65]
VariousMay 28, 2002 Sony [66]
United KingdomJune 10, 2002
  • CD
  • cassette
Roadrunner [67]
United StatesCD [68]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nickelback</span> Canadian rock band

Nickelback is a Canadian rock band formed in 1995 in Hanna, Alberta. Throughout its history, it has consisted of lead guitarist and lead vocalist Chad Kroeger, rhythm guitarist, keyboardist and backing vocalist Ryan Peake, and bassist Mike Kroeger. It went through several drummer changes between 1995 and 2005 before Daniel Adair joined.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chad Kroeger</span> Canadian musician (born 1974)

Chad Robert Kroeger is a Canadian musician who is the lead singer and guitarist of the rock band Nickelback. In addition to his work with Nickelback, Kroeger has been involved with a variety of collaborations, appearing as a guest musician in several songs and has contributed in both production and songwriting. He has co-written several songs for other artists and films.

<i>The Long Road</i> 2003 studio album by Nickelback

The Long Road is the fourth studio album by Canadian rock band Nickelback, released on September 23, 2003. Recorded at the famed Greenhouse Studios in Vancouver, British Columbia, it is the band's final album with Ryan Vikedal as drummer, and features a notable change in style towards more aggressive guitar riffs and the inclusion of double bass drumming. The album is the first collaboration with producer Joey Moi; who engineered their previous album, Silver Side Up, and produced the band's next three albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josey Scott</span> American singer

Joseph Scott Sappington is an American musician, best known as the former lead vocalist of the rock band Saliva. In addition to Saliva, Scott co-wrote and performed "Hero" with Chad Kroeger of Nickelback.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">How You Remind Me</span> 2001 single by Nickelback

"How You Remind Me" is a song by Canadian rock band Nickelback. With lyrics written by lead singer Chad Kroeger and music composed by the band, the track was released on July 17, 2001, as the lead single from their third studio album, Silver Side Up (2001). A "Gold Mix" was made for latter editions of the single, with the heavier guitars edited out of the chorus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Too Bad</span> 2001 single by Nickelback

"Too Bad" is a song by Canadian rock band Nickelback, released on November 27, 2001, as the second single from their third studio album, Silver Side Up (2001). The song reached number 42 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, topped the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, and peaked within the top 20 in Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Someday (Nickelback song)</span> 2003 single by Nickelback

"Someday" is a song by Canadian rock band Nickelback. It was released on 28 July 2003 as the lead single from their fourth studio album, The Long Road (2003). It reached number one in Canada for three weeks and number seven in the United States. In the latter country, it charted for 50 weeks, thus becoming Nickelback's longest-charting single. It also charted within the top 10 of the UK Singles Chart, where it peaked at number six.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Figured You Out</span> 2003 single by Nickelback

"Figured You Out" is a song by Canadian rock band Nickelback. It was released on November 3, 2003, as the second single from the group's fourth studio album, The Long Road (2003).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Feelin' Way Too Damn Good</span> 2004 single by Nickelback

"Feelin' Way Too Damn Good" is a song by Canadian rock band Nickelback. Lead vocalist Chad Kroeger wrote the lyrics while the entire band composed the music. It was released on March 15, 2004, as the third single from their fourth studio album, The Long Road (2003). It reached the top 40 in Australia and the United Kingdom, topping the latter country's rock chart. It was also successful in Canada, peaking at number 26 on the Radio & Records CHR/Pop Top 30 chart and number four on the publication's Rock Top 30 listing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Photograph (Nickelback song)</span> 2005 Nickelback song

"Photograph" is a song by Canadian rock band Nickelback. It was released on August 8, 2005, as the first single from their fifth studio album, All the Right Reasons. The song reached the top ten in Australia, Austria, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If Everyone Cared</span> 2006 single by Nickelback

"If Everyone Cared" is a song recorded by Canadian rock group Nickelback. It was issued as the sixth single from their fifth studio album, All the Right Reasons (2005), in Australia on November 13, 2006, and in the United States on January 7, 2007. It debuted at No. 50 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in late January 2007 and climbed to No. 17. The song also reached No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leader of Men</span> 2000 single by Nickelback

"Leader of Men" is a song by Canadian rock band Nickelback. Written by band members Chad Kroeger and Ryan Peake, it was featured on the band's second studio album The State in 1998. Upon the album's reissue after the band signed with Roadrunner Records, "Leader of Men" was released as the first single from The State on March 4, 2000, reaching number 11 on the Canadian Top Rock Songs, number 8 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and number 21 on the Alternative Songs chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Why Don't You & I</span> 2003 single by Santana

"Why Don't You & I" is a song by American rock band Santana. The song was written by Chad Kroeger and recorded for Santana's 2002 album Shaman, on the Arista record label. It was re-recorded in 2003 with vocals by Alex Band of the Calling and released as the third single in the United States on June 16, 2003. Both versions of the single charted in the US while the Alex Band version peaked at number 21 in New Zealand. According to Kroeger when recording for his version of the song, he recorded his vocals while on tour with Nickelback and used panty hose as a pop filter when recording it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Into the Night (Santana song)</span> 2007 single by Santana

"Into the Night" is the first single from Santana's 2007 compilation album, Ultimate Santana. The track features Chad Kroeger from Nickelback, who wrote the song. It has received a considerable amount of airplay on VH1. Dania Ramirez of Heroes stars in the music video. The song peaked at number 26 in the United States and number four in Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wasting My Time</span> 2001 single by Default

"Wasting My Time" is a song by Canadian rock band Default for their debut studio album, The Fallout (2001). It was released as their debut single on August 28, 2001. The song was written by the members of the band and produced by Chad Kroeger and Rick Parashar. "Wasting My Time" is Default's most commercially successful song, having reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on June 8, 2002, and numbers two and three, respectively, on the US Mainstream Rock and Modern Rock airplay charts, just behind Puddle of Mudd's "Blurry" on the former chart. It was also their first of three singles to top the Canadian rock airplay chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Never Gonna Be Alone</span> 2009 single by Nickelback

"Never Gonna Be Alone" is a song recorded by Canadian rock group Nickelback for their sixth studio album, Dark Horse (2008). It was written by frontman Chad Kroeger with the record's producer, Robert John "Mutt" Lange. "Never Gonna Be Alone" was released to American radio on September 29, 2009 as the album's sixth overall single and third US pop single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">When We Stand Together</span> 2011 single by Nickelback

"When We Stand Together" is the lead single by the Canadian rock band Nickelback from their seventh studio album, Here and Now.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Let Me Go (Avril Lavigne song)</span> 2013 single by Avril Lavigne

"Let Me Go" is a song recorded by Canadian recording artists Avril Lavigne and Nickelback lead vocalist Chad Kroeger for Lavigne's fifth album, Avril Lavigne. The song was written by Lavigne, Kroeger and David Hodges, and released on October 15, 2013, by Epic Records as the album's third single. Lavigne married Kroeger in mid-2013; this was the first time she collaborated with a guest artist on a single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What Are You Waiting For? (Nickelback song)</span> 2014 single by Nickelback

"What Are You Waiting For?" is a song by the Canadian rock band Nickelback from their eighth studio album, No Fixed Address, and released as the second overall single and lead pop single off the album. The song was released on September 5, 2014 to Australia and other various countries, before being shipped worldwide on September 9, 2014. The song impacted US Hot AC radio on September 22, 2014 and US CHR radio on October 21, 2014.

References

  1. 1 2 "Jerry Cantrell Skips Nickelback/Saliva Collaboration, Matt Cameron Steps In". Blabbermouth. March 27, 2002. Archived from the original on July 28, 2018. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  2. ↑ "Ranking: Every Alternative Rock No. 1 Hit from Worst to Best". July 5, 2017.
  3. ↑ Josie, Bailey Jo (December 5, 2020). "10 Songs That Were Written for Superhero Movie Soundtracks". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  4. 1 2 "Music From And Inspired By Spider-Man". Discogs. Archived from the original on July 28, 2018. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  5. 1 2 3 "Amazon.com: Hero (feat. Josey Scott): Chad Kroeger (featuring Josey Scott): MP3 Downloads". Amazon Music . Archived from the original on November 9, 2016. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  6. ↑ "Complete list of Grammy nominees; ceremony set for Feb. 23". SFGate . Hearst Corporation. January 8, 2003. Archived from the original on December 7, 2012. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  7. 1 2 Wiederhorn, Jon (March 28, 2002). "Nickelback, Saliva, Pearl Jam Members Make 'Hero' Sandwich For Spidey". MTV . Viacom. Archived from the original on November 9, 2016. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  8. ↑ "Nickelback's Chad Kroeger Brings Theory Of A Deadman To Life". MTV News. August 2, 2002. Archived from the original on June 15, 2018. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  9. ↑ "'Spider-Man' Theme To Come Courtesy Of Aerosmith". MTV. April 8, 2002. Archived from the original on June 17, 2018. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  10. ↑ "MTV Video Music Awards | 2002 | Highlights, Winners, Performers and Photos from the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards". MTV.com. August 29, 2002. Archived from the original on March 8, 2016. Retrieved February 21, 2012.
  11. ↑ Amhed, Imran (September 12, 2005). "Chad Kroeger : Hero – NME". NME . Time Inc. UK. Archived from the original on November 9, 2016. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  12. ↑ "Amazon.com: Hero (Motion Picture Version): Chad Kroeger Feat. Josey Scott: MP3 Downloads". Amazon Music . Archived from the original on November 9, 2016. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  13. ↑ "Chad (Ft Josey S) Kroeger – Hero – Amazon.com Music". Amazon Music . Archived from the original on November 9, 2016. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  14. ↑ "Chad Kroeger feat. Josey Scott – Hero". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  15. ↑ "Chad Kroeger feat. Josey Scott – Hero" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  16. ↑ "Chad Kroeger feat. Josey Scott – Hero" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  17. ↑ "Chad Kroeger feat. Josey Scott – Hero" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  18. ↑ "Hot Canadian Digital Songs : May 18, 2002". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on November 25, 2016. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  19. ↑ "Top Lista Hrvatskog Radija". Croatian Radiotelevision. Archived from the original on October 5, 2002. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  20. ↑ "Chad Kroeger feat. Josey Scott – Hero". Tracklisten. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  21. ↑ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 20, no. 27. June 29, 2002. p. 7. Retrieved July 24, 2019.
  22. ↑ "ER Top 50 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 13, no. 24. July 6, 2002. p. 12. Retrieved October 11, 2019.
  23. ↑ "Chad Kroeger feat. Josey Scott – Hero" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  24. ↑ "Chad Kroeger feat. Josey Scott – Hero" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  25. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Hero". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  26. ↑ "Chad Kroeger feat. Josey Scott – Hero". Top Digital Download. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  27. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 24, 2002" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved November 24, 2018.
  28. ↑ "Chad Kroeger feat. Josey Scott – Hero" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved November 24, 2018.
  29. ↑ "Chad Kroeger feat. Josey Scott – Hero". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  30. ↑ "Poland: Airplay Chart – Lista Krajowa 34/2002" Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  31. ↑ "Top National Sellers" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 20, no. 28. July 6, 2002. p. 17. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  32. ↑ "Romanian peak". Archived from the original on February 16, 2005. Retrieved March 3, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  33. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 24, 2018.
  34. ↑ "Chad Kroeger feat. Josey Scott – Hero". Singles Top 100. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  35. ↑ "Chad Kroeger feat. Josey Scott – Hero". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  36. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 24, 2018.
  37. ↑ "Official Independent Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 24, 2018.
  38. ↑ "Official Rock & Metal Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 24, 2018.
  39. ↑ "Chad Kroeger Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  40. ↑ "Chad Kroeger Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  41. ↑ "Chad Kroeger Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  42. ↑ "Chad Kroeger Chart History (Mainstream Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  43. ↑ "Chad Kroeger Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  44. ↑ "ARIA Top 100 Singles for 2002". ARIA . Retrieved October 25, 2020.
  45. ↑ "Jahreshitparade Singles 2002" (in German). Retrieved November 24, 2018.
  46. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten 2002" (in Dutch). Ultratop . Retrieved November 24, 2018.
  47. ↑ "Rapports annuels 2002" (in French). Ultratop . Retrieved November 24, 2018.
  48. ↑ "Brazilian Top 100 Year-End 2002". Crowley Broadcast Analysis. April 3, 2018. Retrieved January 30, 2022.
  49. ↑ "Top 100 top played radio tracks in Canada in 2002". Jam!. Archived from the original on August 12, 2004. Retrieved March 21, 2022.
  50. ↑ "Canada's Top 200 Singles of 2002". Jam!. January 14, 2003. Archived from the original on September 6, 2004. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  51. ↑ "Year in Review – Eurochart Hot 100 Singles 2002" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 21, no. 2–3. January 11, 2003. p. 14. Retrieved February 10, 2020.
  52. ↑ "Top 100 Singles – Jahrescharts 2002" (in German). GfK Entertainment . Retrieved November 24, 2018.
  53. ↑ "Best of Single 2002". IRMA . Retrieved November 24, 2018.
  54. ↑ "Årslista Singlar, 2002" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan . Retrieved October 25, 2020.
  55. ↑ "Swiss Year-End Charts 2002" (in German). Retrieved November 24, 2018.
  56. ↑ "The Official UK Singles Chart 2002" (PDF). UKChartsPlus . Retrieved November 24, 2018.
  57. ↑ "Most Broadcast of 2002 – Airplay Top 50" (PDF). Music Week . January 18, 2003. p. 31. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
  58. 1 2 3 4 "The Year in Charts 2002". Billboard. Vol. 114, no. 52. December 28, 2002. pp. YE-38, YE-87, YE-97. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  59. ↑ "Most-Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs of 2002". Airplay Monitor . Vol. 10, no. 51. December 20, 2002. p. 12.
  60. ↑ "Most-Played Modern Rock Songs of 2002". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 10, no. 51. December 20, 2002. p. 44.
  61. ↑ "British single certifications – Chad Kroeger ft Josey Scott – Hero". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  62. ↑ "Going for Adds" (PDF). Radio & Records . No. 1448. April 12, 2002. p. 31. Retrieved May 15, 2021.
  63. ↑ "Going for Adds" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 1451. May 3, 2002. p. 30. Retrieved May 15, 2021.
  64. ↑ "The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 20th May 2002" (PDF). ARIA. May 20, 2002. p. 25. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 26, 2002. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
  65. ↑ "Hero: Chad Kroeger: Amazon.ca: Music". Amazon Music . Amazon.ca. Archived from the original on November 9, 2016. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  66. ↑ "Hero – Chad Kroeger | Release Info". AllMusic . All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 9, 2016. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  67. ↑ "New Releases – For Week Starting 10 June 2002: Singles" (PDF). Music Week . June 8, 2002. p. 31. Retrieved August 26, 2021.
  68. ↑ "Chad Kroeger – Hero (Enhanced) – Amazon.com Music". Amazon Music . Archived from the original on November 9, 2016. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.