Nickelback is aptly described as an “alternative rock” band. They certainly serve as an “alternative” to original song craft, making the previous king of clichéd Canadian songwriting, Bryan Adams, come off like Bob Fucking Dylan. “Alternative?” Yes, to music that has edge and street smarts and provokes listeners with fresh ideas; white toast and lime hospital Jello have more flavor than a Nickelback song. But “alternative” mostly works because Nickelback is as boring, tired and dated as the term “alternative rock” itself. For much of that we can thank Live Nation, whose satanic contract shat this band all over the airwaves. There’s goin’ to be some Ed Hardy for Target up in the Tacoma Dome tonight. With Breaking Benjamin, Shinedown, Sick Puppies. MA’CHELL DUMA LAVASSAR

Fri., May 7, 6:30 p.m., 2010