Shinedown joins Ludacris in dropping out of Rock the Country concert
Shinedown has decided to withdraw from the Rock the Country festival lineup, a tour organized by Kid Rock, following the footsteps of several other performers who also opted out of the event.
In a statement released on their social media accounts on Friday, February 6, the rock band cited their belief in using their music to bring people together as the reason for their decision. They emphasized their commitment to unity over division and expressed that they did not wish to be part of an event that they felt could exacerbate existing differences among attendees.
The announcement from Shinedown came after the band’s drummer, Barry Kerch, publicly criticized Ludacris for backing out of the festival during an interview on The Vinyl Road podcast. Kerch expressed surprise at the political undertones associated with the event, mentioning his lack of awareness regarding Kid Rock’s political affiliations when initially accepting the offer to perform. He emphasized that his primary focus was on the music aspect of the festival and expressed disappointment in Ludacris’s decision to withdraw, labeling it as cowardly.
Ludacris withdrew from the festival on January 16, citing a mix-up and indicating that his inclusion on the lineup was unintended. Since then, other artists such as Morgan Wade and Carter Faith have also been removed from the event roster, although they have yet to comment on their withdrawal.
Rock the Country festival, scheduled to take place in seven small towns across the United States from May to September, aims to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. The lineup includes renowned artists like Kid Rock, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Jelly Roll, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn, and Ella Langley. The festival organizers describe the event as more than just a musical gathering but also as a celebration of community, tradition, and the enduring spirit that has carried America through 250 years.
The festival’s mission is to foster connections among neighbors, unite families under the open sky, and provide people from all walks of life with the opportunity to revel in great music and camaraderie. The event seeks to embody the essence of community, shared joy, and the simple pleasures found in the companionship of others.
While Shinedown’s decision to withdraw from the festival lineup may have sparked controversy and differing opinions among fans, the band remains committed to their principles of inclusivity and unity through music. Their stance reflects their dedication to using their platform to promote harmony and to avoid participating in activities that may exacerbate divisions among their audience.