DETROIT, MI  [Monday Mar.8.2004]  /WMQT.com/ -- In spite of being a raging success with fans and appearing on multiple charts with their album "The Long Road," Nickelback says there are still people out there who are hoping they'll bomb out.

"When you become the top dog, you become a super-big target and when you become a target like that, you better go into the closet and get your three or four sets of thick skin," said guitarist Ryan Peake. "When everybody knows of Nickelback, they can make an opinion of Nickelback -- and everybody has an opinion of Nickelback."

Bandmembers shrug off criticism that they've ripped off other acts, specifically Creed. Comments Peake, "I remember playing for many years before they came out." The guitarist adds that many bands actually try to mimic Nickelback's sound, saying "It's a little weird, but it's flattering. Definitely people like our stuff and people want to sound like us."

The Canadian four-piece has been together since 1995 and had the most-played song across all radio formats in 2002 with "Silver Side Up."

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