Nickelback’s $13 Million Claim Rejected by Lloyd’s

LOS ANGELES (CN) - Lloyd's of London sued Canadian rock band Nickelback and its lead singer Chad Kroeger, fighting a $13 million claim for 65 canceled concerts, saying Kroeger did not disclose a pre-existing problem with his vocal cords.

Nickelback canceled 65 dates of their "No Fixed Address" tour this year because Kroeger had a cyst on his vocal cords that kept him from performing. After surgery to remove the cyst in July, the band filed a $13 million claim to cover its losses from the canceled concerts.

Lloyd's of London responded on Thursday in Superior Court, saying it has no duty to indemnify because Kroeger was suffering from his throat condition before the band applied for coverage.

Kroeger's vocal cord problems date back to spring 2012, and neither he nor the band disclosed it, the insurer says.

Nickelback, formed in 1995 and based in Vancouver, is one of Canada's top acts, with more than 50 million in album sales worldwide. Billboard magazine ranked its song "How You Remind Me" the No. 1 selling rock song of 2001-2010.

Nickelback's "No Fixed Address" tour was to run from February through early December this year, in North America, Australia, Asia and Europe. But in June it canceled 35 North American dates and 30 shows in Europe.

The band said in a statement: "We are sorry to miss our fans out on the road this fall but Chad's health, healing and full recovery are what is most important right now. With the proper amount of time, we hope to have him back stronger and better than ever."

Lloyd's of London seeks declaratory judgment and rescission of the policy. It is represented by Paul Schrieffer, of West Covina, who did not respond to an emailed request for comment over the weekend.

Nickelback's manager, Universal Music Canada, did not immediately respond to a phone call over the weekend requesting comment. Universal is not a party to the lawsuit. The defendants are Nickelback, Nickelback Productions, and Kroeger.

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