Kid Rock's highly anticipated Rock the Country festival has been thrown into disarray, with several key performers pulling out of the lineup due to concerns over the event's perceived political leanings. The festival, which was scheduled to tour eight cities across the United States from May to September, has now cancelled its dates in Anderson, South Carolina, following a wave of artist withdrawals.
Artists Cite Unity Over Division in Withdrawal Statements
The festival, marketed as a celebration of "250 Years of Freedom" and a "Festival for the People," has faced criticism for its associations with the MAGA movement, referencing Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" campaign. This political backdrop has prompted multiple acts to distance themselves from the event, emphasising a desire to avoid creating further societal divisions.
Notable Withdrawals and Their Reasons
Morgan Wade and Carter Faith were among the first to back out, with Faith confirming her departure in response to a fan inquiry. Subsequently, rapper Ludacris withdrew, with his spokesperson attributing the initial inclusion to a "mix-up" and miscommunication. The most vocal withdrawal came from the rock band Shinedown, who issued a detailed statement on Instagram explaining their decision.
Shinedown articulated that their purpose as a band is "to unite, not divide," and they felt participating in the festival could contradict this mission. The band, known for their apolitical stance, expressed surprise at the festival's association with Kid Rock and the ensuing controversy. Drummer Barry Kerch noted on a podcast that they had "no idea" about the festival's connections, and the backlash was unexpected.
Economic Impact and Local Disappointment
The cancellation of the Anderson dates has disappointed local officials, as the festival had previously generated significant economic benefits for the region. Anderson County administrator Rusty Burns highlighted the event's success in drawing tens of thousands of visitors and creating a multi-million-dollar impact on the local economy. The county is now focusing on planning alternative major events to maintain its reputation as a premier venue for arts and entertainment.
Kid Rock's Political Stance and Festival Backlash
Kid Rock, a known supporter of the Republican Party, has openly expressed conservative views on economic matters while maintaining liberal positions on social issues like abortion and same-sex marriage. His involvement with conservative groups, such as Turning Point USA, and his history of selling Trump merchandise at concerts have contributed to the festival's political branding. This association has sparked anger among fans and artists alike, leading to the recent withdrawals.
The festival's Instagram bio has been updated to reflect the changes, now reading "7 cities. 7 small towns," indicating the reduced scope following the cancellations. Despite the setbacks, headliners like Jelly Roll and Blake Shelton remain on the lineup, alongside other performers such as Miranda Lambert and Ella Langley.
As the festival navigates these challenges, the broader conversation about the intersection of music and politics continues, with artists increasingly mindful of how their participation in events might be perceived in a polarised climate.
