Actor Jack Black recently surprised many by belting out Nickelback's biggest hit, "How You Remind Me," during an interview. This unexpected moment occurred while he was promoting his new film, Anaconda, alongside co-star Paul Rudd.
The impromptu performance highlighted Black's ability to recall lyrics from memory, even after a brief mental struggle. The incident quickly became a memorable highlight of the promotional tour.
Key Takeaways
- Jack Black sang Nickelback's "How You Remind Me" during an interview.
- The performance happened while promoting his new film, Anaconda.
- Co-star Paul Rudd reacted with surprise and amusement.
- "How You Remind Me" was Nickelback's biggest hit, reaching No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
Unscripted Musical Interruption
The scene unfolded during an interview with IMDb. Black paused the conversation to ask, "What was Nickelback's biggest hit?" Even as the interviewer and Paul Rudd moved on to the next question, Black remained focused on recalling the song.
After several seconds of intense concentration, the School of Rock star broke into the chorus of "This is how you remind me of what I really am." His rendition included some improvised gibberish and scatting for forgotten lines, adding to the comedic effect.
Did You Know?
Nickelback's "How You Remind Me" was released in 2001. It not only topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart but was also ranked as the No. 45 song of all time in the history of the Hot 100 by Billboard.
Rudd's Reaction and Black's Recall
Black held the final note of the chorus for a notably longer duration than Nickelback's vocalist, Chad Kroeger, does in the original recording. This prompted Paul Rudd to exclaim, "He held that s---!" The moment clearly amused Rudd, who watched Black's performance with a mix of surprise and laughter.
Black expressed significant satisfaction at successfully retrieving the song from his memory. He described the process as entering a "coma."
"I went into a coma," Black told Rudd, explaining his pause before singing. "You were talking by yourself, looking to me for help. I was like, 'I can't. I'm trying to remember Nickelback.' I'm so glad, that's such a relief."
He acknowledged that his musical interlude had completely disrupted the interview's flow. However, the lighthearted exchange continued with Rudd joking about the situation.
A Moment of Pure Entertainment
Black playfully exaggerated his lyrical accuracy, claiming, "Amazingly, I got every lyric right." This self-assured humor is characteristic of the actor, known for his energetic and often unpredictable public appearances.
The spontaneous performance provided a unique and memorable moment, showcasing Black's personality beyond his film roles. It also brought renewed attention to a song that has remained a staple in rock music for over two decades.
About Anaconda
Jack Black's new comedy, Anaconda, is now playing in theaters. Black previously teased a standout scene involving a boar carcass strapped to his back as bait for the titular reptile. He described it as "the running of the snake," comparing it to the running of the bulls.
Co-Star Paul Rudd Praises Film Scene
Paul Rudd also highlighted this particular scene as a major production highlight. He emphasized how some moments in a script translate even better onto the screen than imagined.
"It's always fun when you read a script, and there's some scene that is funny, or I'm really excited about doing, and then you do it, and it's not how you imagined it — it's better," Rudd stated. "I'm watching him going, Oh my God, I can't take my eyes off this. This is so funny."
The film promises to deliver the kind of comedic moments fans expect from both Black and Rudd. Their chemistry, evident in the interview, likely translates into their on-screen performances.
Nickelback's Enduring Legacy
"How You Remind Me" remains a significant track for Nickelback. Its commercial success solidified the band's place in early 2000s rock music. Black's spontaneous tribute serves as a reminder of the song's lasting impact on popular culture.
The interview clip quickly circulated online, delighting fans of both Jack Black and Nickelback. It proves that sometimes, the most memorable moments in celebrity interviews are the ones that are entirely unscripted.
- The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
- It spent four weeks at the top spot.
- The track helped define the sound of post-grunge rock.
This unexpected musical interlude brought a fresh wave of attention to Nickelback's most famous song, demonstrating the power of a celebrity's spontaneous actions to generate buzz.




