“Disappointed” organizers behind the “Rock the Country” music festival addressed the cancellation of one of their shows amid controversy surrounding headliner Kid Rock.
The event billed as a “festival for the people” was slated to perform in eight cities before old comments the MAGA musician made about favoring underaged girls were unearthed. Those revelations came to light shortly before the 55-year-old musician headlined a right-wing Super Bowl Sunday halftime show billed as an alternative to Bad Bunny’s performance at the game.
Acts including Creed and Shinedown were initially tied to “Rock the Country.” Their names disappeared from the lineup last week. Rapper Ludacris had previously withdrawn.
Officials in Anderson, S.C., said Friday that the July 25-26 “Rock the Country” shows scheduled there would not take place there as they had in previous summers, according to NBC affiliate WYFF.
Organizers explained their position Monday.
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“Rock The Country was created to unite people together through music. Our lineups and our crowds reflect that sentiment — a wide range of voices, backgrounds, and stories that make up this country,” festival representatives said in a statement. “We’re truly disappointed we won’t be bringing the show to Anderson. Our fans work hard for their money, and we refuse to put on a show that doesn’t meet the standard they deserve.”
Kid Rock sang in his 2001 song “Cool, Daddy, Cool” that “I like ’em underage” and called that requirement “mandatory.”
That comment, along with crude remarks he made about the 14-year-old actors the Olsen twins on “Saturday Night Live” in 2001, haven’t aged well.
“Rock the Country” made no mention of the 55-year-old musician’s comments or politics in its Monday statement.
“Our focus remains where it’s always been: Supporting our artists, honoring our fans, and delivering unforgettable nights throughout the country. The shows ahead represent the heart of what Rock the Country stands for: music, community, and pride in where we come from,” organizers posted on social media. “Loving America isn’t political; it’s who we are.”
The tour is scheduled to begin in May with its final two performances taking place in upstate Hamburg starting Sept. 11.
