The web of intrigue surrounding the “Spider-Man” soundtrack continues to grow, but a few additional details have emerged from the sticky strands. An anthem called “Hero,” a collaboration between Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger, Saliva vocalist Josey Scott, Theory of a Dead Man guitarist Tyler Connolly and Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron will be the second single on the album, a source close to Nickelback said. Alice in Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell was originally believed to be on the recording, but a publicist at his label said his participation was never confirmed.
On March 24, the supergroup shot a video for “Hero” in Vancouver with award-winning director Nigel Dick (Guns N’ Roses, Backstreet Boys, R.E.M.). In the clip, the band is seen jamming on the rooftop of a tall building while scenes from the movie zip by in the sky behind them.
Kroeger, who played bass on the original recording, wanted to concentrate on his singing, so he recruited Nickelback bassist Mike Kroeger to play in the video. In addition, Matt Cameron had to bow out of the shoot because of a family emergency, so Our Lady Peace drummer Jeremy Taggart filled in. The assist was a karmic payback of sorts to Cameron, who filled in on two tracks on Our Lady Peace’s 2001 album, Spiritual Machines, after Taggart got mugged walking his dog in Toronto one night and hurt his hand.
The first single and video to be released from the “Spider-Man” soundtrack will be Sum41’s “It’s What We’re All About,” which was produced by Rick Rubin.