The Detroit Lions game on Thanksgiving day is a big deal in that city.

Performing at the halftime show is a really big deal, almost like the Superbowl.

So when they chose Nickelback to perform, fans got together and said…

“Over our dead bodies.”

They have collected over 43,000 signatures protesting the choice of Nickelback. Not because they said or did anything offensive. Their supposed offense is simple. They suck.

“Detroit is home to so many great musicians and they chose Nickelback?!?!?!” the petition says. “Does anyone even like Nickelback? Is this some sort of ploy to get people to leave their seats during halftime to spend money on alcoholic beverages and concessions?

“This is completely unfair to those of us who purchased tickets to the game. At least the people watching at home can mute their TVs.”

University of Michigan student Dennis Guttman started the petition. Why?

“It’s because they suck,” he told news website MLive. “I’m sure they’re great people, but I can’t stand their music. If people want to see them perform, go buy a ticket to their concert.”

But this is the money quote that gets to the heart of the matter. “Petition signer Eric Ransom summed it up this way, “Haven’t the good people of Detroit been through enough?””

Indeed.