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Nickelback, others give fans their money's worth at Mark concert

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By David Burke | Wednesday, September 13, 2006 12:02 AM CDT | () comments

Somebody check the calendar.

Because even though it said Tuesday night, 10,500 people made it a blow-off-some-steam Friday-night party at The Mark of the Quad-Cities.

A four pack of high-energy bands, led by Nickelback, rocked the crowd with some intense musicianship and showmanship.

Nickelback entertained with an arsenal full of pyrotechnics from the first big bang that sent out a warning shot to a shower of sparks during several songs in its 80-minute set.

Although lead singer Chad Kroeger said it was the band’s first time at The Mark (wrong — the band headlined in July 2002) it still made off like a band trying to make a good initial impression.

The band played hits from its current triple-platinum album, “All the Right Reasons,” and reached back to its early days in the late 1990s, for riffs from its initial EPs.

When Kroeger asked for screams from women — many of whom were among the thousands packed in to the standing-room-only floor — he seemed in his element.

“Truly the sound that never gets old,” he said. “The sound of several thousand women screaming.”

The opening bands made their presence known as well.

California alternative rock trio Hoobastank delivered a solid 40-minute set, with covers of Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall,” Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” and Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” leading into its biggest hit, 2004’s “The Reason.”

“Those security guards look too ... bored,” lead singer Douglas Robb told the crowd.

Grayslake, Ill., band Chevelle was second in line (after Hinder), with lead singer Pete Loeffler giving an intense, energetic performance.

He was one of many singers encouraging those of us seated at The Mark to stand up and get into the show.

“You look like you’re watching a ... movie. Get up off your seats and enjoy a rock show,” he said.

And, seated or standing, it seems like everyone packed into The Mark did just that.

David Burke can be contacted at (563) 383-2400 or dburke@qctimes.com.