Chad Robert Turton (born November 15, 1974), known professionally as Chad Kroeger (/ˈkruːɡər/), is a Canadian musician and producer, best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the Canadian rock band Nickelback. In addition to his work with Nickelback, Kroeger has been involved with a variety of collaborations, appearing as a guest musician in several songs and has contributed in both production and songwriting. He has co-written several songs for other artists and for films.
Kroeger was born Chad Robert Turton in Hanna, Alberta on November 15, 1974. His maternal grandfather was Alberta MLA Henry Kroeger, who was born in Moscow, Russia, to a Mennonite family of German descent. After his father left the family when he was two, he started going by his mother's maiden name of Kroeger. He learned to play the guitar at age 13.
In the early 1990s, Kroeger was part of a grunge cover band, The Village Idiots, with Brandon Kroeger and future Nickelback members bassist Mike Kroeger and singer Ryan Peake. In 1995, Kroeger, Peake, Mike Kroeger, and then drummer Brandon Kroeger, formed the band Nickelback. Kroeger has continued to record and tour with this successful band for more than 20 years.