Say what you like about Nickelback, the band that everyone loves to hate – yes, they are the proud owners of some of the most devastating lyrics of all time (not in the good way) and their lead singer is lucky if he gets through a day without a derogatory comment made towards him; not to mention the growing online communities dedicated to hating him – but they sure as hell know how to put on a show.

In Australia for the umpteenth time, Nickelback still continue to command an impressive following amongst punters down under, many who not only managed to secure access to the two sold out shows at Rod Laver Arena, but were willing to line up for hours in order to position themselves right up close and personal with the Canadian four piece.

The commotion outside was a sight to behold – punters ranged from the young and excitable, to the sedate, middle aged crowd who no doubt would be singing each and every track at the top of their lungs.

Walking into Rod Laver Arena, the first thing that caught the eye was the massive black catwalk extending from the stage right up to halfway in the general admission pit. The stage itself was a menagerie – UFO pods hovering from the roof beamed multi coloured beams of light onto artistically arranged pipes which turned out to be flamethrowers.

Hanging on the back of the stage were three massive screens which would jump from projected images to footage of the musicians themselves – drummer Daniel Adair spent a fair part of the night being admired in a larger-than-life perspective.

Photographs was greeted with loud, ecstatic cheers from the audience as we headed down the long flight of stairs leading to the pit. The crowd sang along as Nickelback took a back seat to the projected imagery of the band on tour and in downtime.

Security had their work cut out for them as they darted up and down the stairs, motioning for the crowd to stay seated – but even they knew that it was futile.

Nickelback powered their way through their most popular tracks including How You Remind Me, Rockstar, Someday and Burn it To the Ground -each and every one greeted by an enthusiastic chorus -almost as loud as the reaction to the drum solo by Adair, who was slowly elevated on a platform that reached eye level to the punters seated right up the back.

The track received with the most enthusiasm however, was Figured You Out which frontman Chad Kroeger dedicated to the ladies in the audience. Kroeger is an interesting character – it is clearly obvious that he enjoys being on stage and in entertaining to watch. However, one can’t help but be perplexed as to why the man chooses to scream rather then talk to the audience.

If Everyone Cared highlighted the politically correct aspect of the evening – lights were dimmed so that the main focus was on the screen behind the band, projecting imagery of people that claimed changed the world, including Nelson Mandela. It was a poignant moment that saw more then a few punters wiping at their eyes in a vain attempt to stave off the tears.

Halfway through the set, the band pick up their instruments (except for Adair) and move to the front of the catwalk where a new drum kit and stools flip up to create a second stage, giving the room a more intimate feel.

Despite the fact that the band were performing a two hour set, time flew by quite quickly as little moments were brought in to lighten the mood – where else but at a Nickelback gig will one be treated to free beer, shots with the band (only if you were one of the lucky few plastered against the barrier) and cannon guns that shot out little parcels containing a free t-shirt? Not to mention the barrage of drum sticks and picks that was up for grabs as well.

The set closed in spectacular fashion, the pod lights dancing from their suspension, mini fireworks a plenty and an ongoing flame show. One moment they were here, the next they were gone.

It’s hard to admit enjoying a gig by one of the most hated bands in the world, but despite their shortcomings as a band musically, from a production perspective, Nickelback should be proud of their live shows. The performance was engaging, the band was concise and tight, lighting was sublime and the excitement factor was through the roof.

Needless to say, they may not convince you to run out and purchase their catalogue, but all prejudices aside, they sure as hell can come back and put on another spectacle of this calibre anytime.