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‘Gracious, generous’ Nickelback singer dines in the Valley
The celebrity ate at the Spread Eagle Tavern where many GOP politicians have visited.
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Chad Kroeger
HANOVERTON — Chad Kroeger, the lead singer and lead guitarist for rock band Nickelback, got a taste of the Valley in recent days.
While in Columbiana County visiting his girlfriend, he ate in at least two restaurants.
Kroeger and his girlfriend dined Friday at the Spread Eagle Tavern in Hanoverton, said Dave Johnson, co-owner of the historic restaurant and inn.
“Everyone recognized him and asked for autographs,” Johnson said. “He was extremely gracious with his time. He stuck around after eating to sign more autographs and talk with people. He also stayed around to tour the inn.”
Kroeger was generous with his money.
“He gave the most generous tip his server ever received,” Johnson said.
The Spread Eagle is known as a destination location for Republican politicians.
Among its visitors are Vice Presidents Dick Cheney, Dan Quayle and Jack Kemp as well as presidential candidates John McCain and Pat Buchanan, and ex-Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich.
“We have these stodgy political candidates visit,” joked Johnson, chairman of the Columbiana County Republican Party. “Those are celebrities we know are coming to visit. It was quite a surprise to see [Kroeger] come in. It was very exciting for the young people. It was a very nice night for us.”
Kroeger and his girlfriend also dined Thursday at Spanky’s Winery and Bar in Salem.
Nickelback is one of the best-selling Canadian rock bands of all time.
The band is currently taking a short break from touring. The band’s last concert of a 15-day tour that took them to nine cities, including two stops in England, was Feb. 1 in Hamburg, Del. Nickelback begins a 14-venue concert tour on April 3 in Atlantic City, N.J., and ends April 26 in Kansas City, Mo. according to the band’s Web site.
skolnick@vindy.com