In a series we're calling "Puck Rock," Scene/Cream contributor and hockey wonk Megan Seling asks various members of the Nashville Predators to talk about their musical tastes (the good, the bad and the ugly). Keep an eye out for the final installment next week.
I was really hoping to discover that Nick Spaling is a diehard Misfits fan. I mean, doesn’t everyone make up fantasy playlists for their favorite hockey players? I do it all the time. Spaling loves the Misfits, Shea Weber loves bearded punk rock like Iron Chic and Hot Water Music, Patric Hornqvist’s into really gnarly Swedish fantasy metal like Amon Amarth, and Seth Jones, Next Great American Hero, listens to the National Anthem over and over again. And Beyonce. I bet Seth Jones loves Beyonce. I mean, all 19-year-old boys love Beyonce.
This is speculation, of course — it’s just what I imagine they all listen to in my dreamland. I read somewhere that Weber actually likes Nickelback (no judgment, Webs; you can hit a puck THROUGH THE NET, so you can listen to whatever the fuck you want).
Anyway, back to Spaling and the Misfits. I know he’s not much of a fighter, but there’s something about Mr. 13 that makes me think he’d get really into Danzig & Co. while weight training. Alas, my dreams of someday doing karaoke with him to “Where Eagles Dare” were shattered when he admitted to loving country music and the occasional Miley Cyrus song. Oh well. On the bright side, since Roman Josi is also a Miley fan, do you think they ever take over the bus stereo and make all the Preds sing along to “We Don’t Stop” on the way to out-of-town games? I like to think so.
Here’s what else Spaling listens to:
Who are some of your favorite bands and/or musicians and what’s so great about them?
I like country music, so Brett Eldridge is good, and Thomas Rhett along with David Nail. Brett is a friend from a few years ago, so it’s been fun to watch his career grow.
Do you listen to music to help get amped for a game? If so, what is it?
I like the house music Nystrom plays. He’s a really good DJ for getting the guys going and getting the heart rate up before a game. Nystrom has definitely gotten me more into house music.
What’s the last concert you went to, and was it good?
I saw Kings of Leon here in Nashville. It was really good — they put on a great show.
Is there a team’s goal song that drives you crazy?
I would have to say Chicago’s song, because it’s catchy and you don’t want to hear it when they score.
Do you play an instrument or make any music of your own?
I want to say I play guitar, but I’ve had it for about five years and haven’t really learned how to play. I’m working on it though.
Do you have any musical guilty pleasures?
I think Miley Cyrus is pretty catchy.
I’m having a dance party and you’re invited. Which song would the DJ have to play in order to get you out on the dance floor?
It would take a good one, but probably the song “Shout” by The Isley Brothers. That song is a big one back home with all of my buddies.
