Hardy has a fascinating theory about the unjust criticism directed at Creed and Nickelback. The talented singer has previously expressed his admiration for both bands, showcasing his appreciation for their music. During a recent interview with SNSMix (watch below), Hardy was asked why these bands evoke such strong feelings of division among music fans, and he delivered a straightforward response.

“Because they wrote hits,” the singer confidently stated. “Anyone can be an easy target for ridicule when they become popular. I believe that’s when people begin to turn against bands—it’s a harsh reality.” His perspective sheds light on the curious backlash that often arises against successful bands and their devoted fans.

READ MORE: 12 Rock + Country Collaborations That Go Hard

“Imagine you’re a dedicated rock ‘n’ roll enthusiast who doesn’t particularly enjoy, say, frat culture,” Hardy elaborated. “When a rock ‘n’ roll band becomes so mainstream that even those frat guys start listening to Nickelback, it can be frustrating. As a hardcore metal fan, you might feel betrayed. This is often how haters are born—when a large audience embraces a band, it can trigger a sense of hipster jealousy. It’s like a badge of honor to say, ‘I found them first,’ leading to a reluctance to support the band any longer.”

Hardy Explains the Emotional Connection Fans Have with Their Favorite Bands

From Hardy’s viewpoint, hatred towards popular bands is an unavoidable consequence of their fame. He notes, “When something gains widespread popularity, that’s often when the hate emerges. This has always been my perspective. Initially, when you discover a band, you feel a sense of ownership—like it belongs to you. If suddenly everyone else starts to enjoy it too, I can understand why some would feel defensive.”

“They think, ‘This isn’t fair. I was a fan long before you were,’” the rocker added. “It’s a peculiar possessiveness that arises, and I believe that’s the crux of the issue.”

Hardy’s Personal Connections with Nickelback and Creed

Recently, Hardy had the opportunity to collaborate with both Nickelback and Creed on various occasions. In April of last year, he performed with the Canadian rock legends on the television show CMT Crossroads. Later, in August, he joined Creed onstage during their concert in Nashville for a performance of the song “Weathered.”

“I absolutely love ‘Weathered,’” Hardy expressed enthusiastically. “It has a fantastic southern rock vibe, and honestly, I know every single Creed song. I grew up being a huge fan of theirs, so I was thrilled to see that song was still part of their setlist.”

This week, Hardy is set to kick off his Jim Bob World Tour, starting with a performance on May 22 in Chula Vista, California. The tour is scheduled to conclude on September 24 at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Meanwhile, Creed and Nickelback will co-headline the Summer of ’99 and Beyond Festival in mid-July, coinciding with Creed’s own summer tour, which runs from July 9 until August 30.