Last week saw the cancellation of one of the planned stops of the annual ‘Rock The Country‘ festival. Originally booked to hit 8 cities, this year’s run of the divisive event was forced to scrap it July dates in Anderson, SC. While Kid Rock has served as the face of the festival to an extent over the past two years, the diamond-certified rap-rock/country star was not scheduled to appear at either of the canceled dates.
Instead, radio rock titans Creed were booked to close out the July 25th stop, while multi-platinum hard rockers Shinedown were scheduled to headline the July 26th date. The cancelation followed shortly after Shinedown‘s decision to exit the bill last week, a decision made in light of the band facing significant backlash for signing on to play the fest.
Shinedown stated in part of their exit:
“We have one BOSS, and it is everyone in 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.”
Shinedown‘s decision to pull out of the festival followed their own drummer Barry Kerch‘s public criticism of rapper Ludacris for doing the very same thing a few weeks prior. Both Ludacris and country singer Morgan Wade were originally announced for the now ill-fated Anderson, SC stop of the touring festival, and each had separately withdrew from the event well ahead of Shinedown‘s departure. In light of Ludacris & Morgan Wade departing, both Staind and Skillet had been added to separate dates of the Anderson stop.
The ‘Rock The Country‘ festival has become a lightning rod for controversy over its often conservative-leaning roster of talent and the messaging associated with the fest. For context, last year’s run of ‘Rock The Country‘ saw organizers offer the following mission statement of sorts:
”Rock The Country‘ is more than a festival; it’s a movement, a gathering of hardworking, God-fearing patriots who love America and believe in the power of live music to bring people together. Here, the beer flows, the love pours, and the music rains down like a monsoon. Are you ready to stand with We The People and experience the force of live music?’
Upon announcing this year’s edition of the festival this past January, Kid Rock stated of the festival:
“It’s this simple. ‘Rock The Country‘ isn’t just a music festival; it’s a movement. In 2026, as America celebrates its 250th anniversary, this is a place for hard-working, God-fearing patriots to gather as one and celebrate freedom, music, and the party of the year.”
In a newly issued statement shared today, February 09th, the festival’s organizers addressed the cancelation of the Anderson, SC stops. In it they lamented the situation, while putting forth that the festival was, ‘created to unite people together through music.’ That statement also pushed back against criticism of the patriotic messaging that has often been associated with the festival.
”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.
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.
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.
Loving America isn’t political; it’s who we are.’
Outside of Kid Rock, this year’s ‘Rock The Country‘ is set to feature various outspoken supporters of U.S. President Donald J. Trump and the current U.S. administration, including Jason Aldean, Staind‘s Aaron Lewis and more. Blake Shelton, Jelly Roll, Lynyrd Skynyrd and numerous others will also be playing, including Asking Alexandria vocalist Danny Worsnop. Dates for the festival include:
05/01-02 Bellville, TX – Austin County Fairgrounds
05/29-30 Bloomingdale, GA – Ottawa Farms
06/27-28 Sioux Falls, SD – W.H. Fairgrounds
07/10-11 Ashland, KY – Boyd County Fairgrounds
08/08-09 Hastings, MI – Barry Expo Center
08/28-29 Ocala, FL – Florida Horsepark
09/11-12 Hamburg, NY – Erie County Fairgrounds
Further info can be found over at rockthecountry.com.
