BARRY KERCH accuses LUDACRIS of being a ‘Coward’ for leaving KID ROCK Festival

SHINEDOWN’s drummer, Barry Kerch, recently spoke out against Ludacris for his abrupt exit from Kid Rock’s Rock The Country festival, referring to the rapper as a “coward.” Kerch made it clear that despite the controversy, SHINEDOWN has no intention of pulling out of the event.

During an episode of The Vinyl Road podcast with Brad Stewart and Jason Bailey, the topic of Rock The Country came up, with Bailey inquiring about any backlash SHINEDOWN may have faced for participating in the festival. The festival, which debuted in 2024 and returns this year with Kid Rock as the headliner, features a lineup that includes a mix of rock and country artists. Notably, Kid Rock and Jason Aldean, both known for their support of Donald Trump, are set to headline, sparking reactions online due to the political associations.

Kerch responded to the criticism, noting that there was a swift backlash once SHINEDOWN’s involvement was revealed. Despite the political undertones of the event, Kerch emphasized that the focus should be on the music. He expressed indifference towards the politics surrounding Kid Rock, stating, “I have no opinion one way or the other on Kid Rock. I love his music. This is about music.” Regarding Ludacris’s departure from the festival, Kerch criticized the rapper’s decision, calling it cowardly.

When asked if SHINEDOWN would ever decline a festival slot due to political ties or negative reactions from fans, Kerch explained that band decisions are made collectively. He expressed that while he personally wouldn’t decline such an opportunity, the democratic nature of the band means that a group decision would ultimately dictate their involvement in such events. Despite personal beliefs, Kerch emphasized the importance of focusing on the music and the enjoyment of playing alongside other bands.

In conclusion, despite the controversies and criticisms surrounding Rock The Country festival, SHINEDOWN remains committed to participating in the event. Kerch’s remarks reflect a dedication to the music and a desire to steer clear of political entanglements, highlighting the band’s focus on artistic expression and performance above all else.