Perform each show like it's the last one.

That's the rule Vancouver-based State of Shock has always performed under, making sure each live show is exceptional.

So when Nickelback's Chad Kroeger attended one of their gigs, it shouldn't have been a shock he liked what he saw.

Yet, vocalist Cam Melnyk, says it kind of was.

"Chad was at one of our shows and he ran up on the stage and started singing Money Honey. We couldn't believe it. That's awesome when that happens."

What came next was an even bigger surprise -- Nickelback asked the Canadian boys to be one of their opening acts on the Canadian leg of their North American tour.

"We'll be standing side stage and learning," says Melnyk of tonight's show at the Saddledome.

"I have always had a lot of respect for them because this business is not easy. I am Alberta-born myself, so I like to pay attention to the Canadian bands, but I gained even more respect for them after seeing them play. They know how to put on a show."

Having spent his early years in Edmonton, Melnyk says it's always been a dream of his to play the big arenas in Alberta.

"It was a dream of mine to play hockey in the Saddledome," he says.

Another of Melnyk's ambitions has been to have State of Shock perform in front of massive crowds.

"I am awful in front of five people around a camp fire, but in front of 20,000 people, you get some kahunas, I guess. It's an adrenaline rush. The more people ... the better, I think, we play."

Nickelback, with openers Daughtry, Puddle of Mudd and State of Shock, perform tonight and tomorrow at the Saddledome.