Barry Kerch of Shinedown Criticizes Ludacris for Dropping Out of ‘Rock the Country’ Tour

In a recent episode of The Vinyl Road podcast hosted by former Shinedown bassist Brad Stewart, Barry Kerch, also a member of the band, expressed his views on the 2026 Rock the Country festival. Shinedown is set to perform at the festival alongside artists like Jason Aldean, Nelly, and Kid Rock, who is the event’s founder. Ludacris, an Atlanta rapper, was initially listed as part of the lineup but later dropped out, sparking Kerch’s disapproval.

When asked about the band’s decision to perform at the festival despite potential backlash, Kerch mentioned that they faced criticism due to the festival’s perceived political affiliations. Although Shinedown is apolitical and accepted the offer based on the lineup, the revelation of Kid Rock’s connection to the event raised some concerns. Kerch, however, emphasized his focus on music rather than politics and expressed his indifference towards Kid Rock’s political views.

Regarding Ludacris dropping out of the festival, Kerch criticized the rapper’s decision, labeling him as a “coward.” He implied that Ludacris should have endured the backlash rather than abandoning the event. Despite Rock the Country not explicitly promoting political agendas, its lineup and associations suggest otherwise, prompting public scrutiny and criticisms of artists involved.

Ludacris faced significant backlash for his initial participation in the festival, leading to his removal from the lineup. While some speculated about crossed lines regarding his inclusion, the situation highlighted the intertwined nature of music and politics in today’s society. Despite personal opinions on artists’ decisions, the evolving landscape of political discourse affects various aspects of life.

The discussion extended to Shinedown potentially withdrawing from a festival due to political considerations or public backlash. Kerch expressed his preference for upholding moral principles but acknowledged the band’s democratic decision-making process. While avoiding political involvement in the band’s business, Kerch emphasized the importance of enjoying live music experiences with diverse artists.

Ultimately, individual beliefs, preferences, and choices play crucial roles in navigating the intersection of music and politics. Attendees of Rock the Country’s upcoming dates may reflect on how societal dynamics influence their experiences. Shinedown’s appearance in Anderson, South Carolina, for the festival presents an opportunity for fans to engage with music amid evolving political landscapes.