Kid Rock joins Cody Johnson during Hondo Rodeo Fest to add a verse to “‘Til You Can’t.”
Kid Rock surprised fans by adding a special verse to Cody Johnson’s “‘Til You Can’t” during his performance at the Hondo Rodeo Fest to pay tribute to the late Charlie Kirk. This heartfelt gesture came after Kid Rock stepped in for Johnson, who was originally set to headline the event but had to cancel due to a burst eardrum that required surgery.
During his performance, Kid Rock paused his high-energy set to perform Johnson’s hit song. He then revealed that he felt compelled to add a verse to the track after waking up with it stuck in his head one Sunday morning. He expressed that he believed someone or something was guiding him to write down the missing verse, which he did. As Kid Rock sang the newly added verse, a photo of the late Charlie Kirk appeared on the screens behind him, serving as a touching tribute throughout the song.
Kid Rock’s additional verse included poignant lyrics about faith and redemption, emphasizing themes of spirituality and second chances. The emotional performance concluded with Kid Rock singing Johnson’s final verse before the stage dimmed, leaving the audience with the image of Kirk on display.
Kid Rock, known for his outspoken patriotism and Republican beliefs, had previously paid tribute to Kirk on social media after his tragic passing. Following Kirk’s death, Kid Rock reflected on the impact of the event, noting a significant shift in perspective and a renewed focus on faith among many individuals, including himself. His personal experiences led him to delve deeper into his faith and even work on a Gospel album, underscoring the profound effect of Kirk’s passing.
The Hondo Rodeo Fest, where Kid Rock delivered this moving performance, featured an array of talented artists, including Jon Pardi, Riley Green, Jason Aldean, Nickelback, Treaty Oak Revival, and more. Taking place at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, the event combined a three-day rodeo competition with nightly country music concerts, showcasing top talent in each field. The festival also featured a Western culture festival with live music, food, shopping, and interactive experiences to entertain fans throughout the day.
James Trawick, CEO of The Hondo Rodeo Fest, expressed excitement about bringing together the best rodeo athletes and country music stars in Phoenix, Arizona. The event, which debuted in 2024, aimed to provide a unique experience for attendees by blending the excitement of rodeo competition with live music performances from renowned artists.
Overall, Kid Rock’s touching tribute to Charlie Kirk at the Hondo Rodeo Fest served as a poignant reminder of the power of music to unite people in times of loss and celebration. His added verse to Cody Johnson’s song was a heartfelt gesture that resonated with fans and paid homage to a beloved figure in the community.