Nickelback tops the poll: The ultimate dad rock band of today?

Recently, we looked into what people listen to while they bang, so now we are wondering: What kinda music does your dad like? A recent survey by Merchoid sought to answer the question: which band is the ultimate representation of "dad rock" today? After polling 3,000 Americans, the findings reveal some surprising, and for some, unsettling results (a similar survey was also done regarding "dad rock" perceptions in the UK).

Leading the pack with 26% of the votes is Nickelback, a band that many people love to hate, yet undeniably has a massive following. Originally formed in 1995 in Hanna, Alberta, Canada, Nickelback is known for their post-grunge sound and has sold over 50 million albums worldwide. Hits like
"How You Remind Me" and "Photograph" have made them a staple of early 2000s rock, though their formulaic style has often been criticized (including by plenty who like "boomer" rock).

The survey results show a diverse range of bands that span different eras and rock subgenres, suggesting that "dad rock" is more about nostalgia than a specific sound.

Tied for second place with 12% each are Van Halen, a band that revolutionized hard rock in the late '70s and' 80s with Eddie Van Halen's iconic guitar work (and quintessentially '80s cheese-synth work in "Jump"), and Blink-182, the pop-punk trio from Southern California that became synonymous with the late 90s and early 2000s. Van Halen's self-titled debut album was released in 1978, while Blink-182's breakout album, Enema of the State, came out in 1999—two decades apart, but now sharing a "dad rock" label.

Van Halen's version of "You Really Got Me" does have "dad rock" written all over it, though, with Eddie's free-for-all lead work having practically nothing to do with the overall song — ushering in the era of overindulgent guitar theatrics that, ultimately, spurred a stark rebellion against guitar solos and possibly rock guitar overall). The rest of the top 10 list is a mix of bands that defined rock music for different generations.

Nirvana vs. the Red Hot Chili Peppers: A tie!

The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Nirvana each garnered 10% of the votes, two bands from the West Coast that dominated the 90s but with very different styles — occasionally moody funk rock versus grunge. Red Hot Chili Peppers, formed in Los Angeles in 1983, became famous for their energetic performances and fusion of rock, funk, and punk (and yes, anything from Blood Sugar Sex Magik is detectibly more freewheeling than "Scar Tissue").

Nirvana, led by Kurt Cobain, not only brought grunge to the mainstream but also became the voice of a generation with their 1991 album, Nevermind (though it's a bit off to think of "Polly" as "dad rock," to be honest).

Following closely are Linkin Park and Guns N’ Roses, both of which received 8% of the votes (regardless of what you think of them otherwise, who would have pegged Linkin Park as a candidate for the "pinnacle of dad rock"?). Linkin Park, known for blending nu-metal with electronic elements, debuted with their hugely successful album Hybrid Theory in 2000. Guns N’ Roses, on the other hand, came onto the scene with their 1987 album Appetite for Destruction, which became the best-selling debut album in the U.S. and solidified their place in rock history.

Coldplay vs. Bon Jovi: Another dang tie!

Coldplay and Bon Jovi, each with 6% of the vote, represent different sides of rock — Coldplay with their melodic alternative sound and Bon Jovi with their anthemic rock ballads. Coldplay, formed in 1996 in London, is known for hits like "Yellow" and "Clocks," while Bon Jovi, from New Jersey, has been a rock mainstay since the '80s with hits like "Livin' on a Prayer."

Where does Limp Bizkit stand? At the bottom of the "dad rock" pile!

Rounding out the list is Limp Bizkit with 2% of the votes, a band that epitomized the nu-metal genre of the late '90s and early 2000s. Known for their aggressive sound and frontman Fred Durst’s confrontational style, Limp Bizkit's 1999 album Significant Other and its follow-up, Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water (an album every bit as good as its title?), are either considered iconic of that era or cringe-worthy abominations (depending on who you ask).

More scientific findings about dad rock

Interestingly, 89% of the respondents said they listen to dad rock, indicating that the genre has broad appeal. Another revealing aspect of the study is the perception of age and music; 41% of respondents believe that one becomes "out of touch" with modern music by the age of 35, while 30% believe you never lose touch with current music trends.

The survey also offered insights into regional preferences for dad rock, with Nickelback topping the list in 17 states, including Georgia, New York, and Texas (and how bad is "How You Remind Me," really? Try listening to it and maybe you'll like it. It builds strong, healthy bones!).

Van Halen and Blink-182 each claimed the top spot in six states, while Nirvana, Guns N’ Roses, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers were also popular across various regions. States like California and Texas favored the Red Hot Chili Peppers, while Nirvana was the top choice in states like Alaska and Montana (really, Nebraska? RHCP even sang "My name is Nebraska," yet you prefer Bon Jovi?).

Ultimately, this survey shows how the passage of time shifts perceptions of what's "cool" in music. Bands that once seemed edgy and youthful are now seen as classic staples of the rock genre, cherished by a generation that’s now passing them on to the next. As they say, time flies when we are having fun, and our taste in music is one of those things keeping us alive.