Though Pantera reigned as the groove metal kings of the ’90s, their musical tastes extended far beyond the heavy genre. Recently, Nickelback bassist Mike Kroeger shared an intriguing insight into one of Vinnie Paul’s unexpected musical preferences during an appearance on a podcast.
Who Did Vinnie Paul Play En Route to the Strip Club?
Kroeger was a guest on The Meep Meep Podcast with Ryan Rainbro, where he discussed Nickelback’s enduring friendship with Pantera. He highlighted that despite Pantera’s iconic status in the metal scene and Nickelback’s popularity as a rock band transitioning to mainstream success, their camaraderie was never hindered by external perceptions.
“He was a huge fan. He was a big, big fan of my brother [Chad Kroeger]. Both of those guys—Vinnie and Dime—were unapologetic fans too,” Kroeger shared. “I’m sure that there were times when some metal purists might have questioned, ‘What do you mean Nickelback? Why are you hanging out with them?’ But they loved it, and they loved us.”
A Memorable Limo Ride
Kroeger recounted a memorable limo ride with Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell from a gig in Dallas to the Clubhouse strip club. “Vinnie was just like, if you could do backflips in a limo, he would be doing backflips in a limo for Christina Aguilera,” Kroeger recalled. “He was like, ‘Listen to this shit!’ and cranked up Aguilera’s music. I thought, what a Twilight Zone episode, man. Here I am with one of the most influential metal drummers ever, blasting Christina Aguilera songs on the way to a strip joint.”
Nickelback’s Mike Kroeger on The Meep Meep Podcast
Vinnie Paul’s Love of Christina Aguilera
Kroeger’s portrayal of Vinnie Paul’s affection for Christina Aguilera aligns with the drummer’s previous comments in public. Paul had expressed his admiration for the pop star on multiple occasions, notably during a red carpet interview with Fuse, where he declared, “What a girl wants, what a girl needs. All day and all night, come on.”
In a 2014 interview with NYS Music, Paul further elaborated, stating, “I don’t think there are any big ‘secrets’ as to something in my [music] vault that you don’t know anything about. I love female singers. I like Christina Aguilera.” He also mentioned other female artists he admired, such as the Wilson sisters from Heart, Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale, and Pat Benatar.
15 Rockers Who Are Huge Fans of Pop Artists
These rock and metal musicians are known to be big fans of various pop artists, showcasing the broad spectrum of musical appreciation across genres.
Gallery Credit: Lauryn Schaffner
Conclusion
The revelation of Vinnie Paul’s admiration for Christina Aguilera serves as a reminder that musical preferences often transcend genres and stereotypes. It highlights the idea that even the most iconic figures in heavy metal can appreciate the artistry found in pop music, fostering a sense of unity within the diverse music community.
FAQs
Did Vinnie Paul only like heavy metal music?
No, Vinnie Paul had a diverse taste in music and was a fan of various artists, including pop stars like Christina Aguilera.
What did Mike Kroeger say about Vinnie Paul on the podcast?
Mike Kroeger shared anecdotes about Vinnie Paul’s love for Christina Aguilera during a limo ride and discussed their friendship despite genre differences.
What other artists did Vinnie Paul admire?
In addition to Christina Aguilera, Vinnie Paul expressed admiration for artists like Heart’s Wilson sisters, Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale, and Pat Benatar.
