Nickelback frontman sues ex-drummer

Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger has filed a claim against former drummer Ryan Vikedal in Vancouver Superior Court in British Columbia, Canada. The singer is attempting to stop the drummer from collecting royalties from the public performance of Nickelback's songs over the airwaves, alleging that Vikedal is no longer entitled to any money since leaving the band in January. The suit claims that Vikedal received a small percentage of royalties while in the group, but forfeited any future payments after his departure and needs to refund any he's received since then.

The Nickelback frontman told us that firing his former bandmate was difficult, but not a complete surprise either:
[ click here to listen if you have a Backstage Pass] "This wasn't a bomb that was set off. I mean, we had three different meetings. And that is very tough to do, and it is very divorce-like. You know, when you're in a band with somebody, it's like having a family member. It's like telling someone to leave the family."

Vikedal recorded three albums with Nickelback, including 2001's multi-platinum Silver Side Up and 2003's equally successful The Long Road. He told the Edmonton Sun that he was fired just before the band began recording its latest release, All The Right Reasons.

He was replaced by former 3 Doors Down drummer Daniel Adair.

All The Right Reasons has sold over a million copies since debuting at Number One on the Billboard Top 200 in early October. The band plans to begin touring in early 2006.
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