Kid Rock is launching a music festival this year called Rock the Country. It features a host of established and emerging country artists who will perform in seven locations nationwide between May and September. But the event has reportedly hit a snag. The South Carolina stop of the festival has been called off, per The Post and Courier. The slated dates for the show there, July 25 and 26, have been scrubbed. They no longer appear on the event website.
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A reason for the cancellation has not been provided. However, it seems like politics and polarization may have played a role. The country music-themed occasion is seen by some as being too MAGA-friendly. Some of those associated with it are supporters of President Donald Trump.
One Band That Was Going To Participate Dropped Out
A band that was in the lineup but pulled out is Shinedown. They explained themselves on X. Their post reads in part, "SHINEDOWN is everyone's band. we feel that we have been given a platform to bring all people together through the power of music and song. We have one BOSS, and it is everyone on the audience. Our band's purpose is to unite, not divide. With that in mind, we have made the decision that we will not be playing the Rock The Country Festival...."
They are not the sole artists who ditched the event. Others who did likewise include Carter Faith, Creed, Morgan Wade, and Ludacris, per People.
Some Fans Reacted Angrily
Many were offended by the band's move to back out. They vented their ire on social media.
"This is pathetic. What about being patriotic to your country is divisive? Lost my respect by backing out. Grow a backbone, quit bowing down. By the way, the boss is Jesus Christ, not people."
"LOL you were the least relevant band on the card and now you gave a middle finger to half the country. Find a new PR person."
"You give up on the fans, we give up on you. Bye."
"Don't want to divide but just backed out of honoring you commitment to your fans... right... You just alienated a massive portion of your fan base."
Many Stars Are Still Onboard
The big names who are still going to be taking the stage for Rock the Country include a bunch of A-list superstars. Among them are Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Ella Langley, Jelly Roll, Blake Shelton, and Riley Green, as well as others.
