Shinedown shares backlash from Kid Rock’s Rock the Country performance

Shinedown is shedding new light on the tensions that led to the band’s departure from Kid Rock’s Rock the Country festival. In an interview with Rolling Stone, frontman Brent Smith revealed that they faced unprecedented fan backlash and internal conflict. Smith expressed that discussions about the festival quickly turned contentious among their audience, prompting the band to intervene.

Drummer Barry Kerch further elaborated on the unexpected backlash during an appearance on The Vinyl Road podcast. He described a significant level of criticism, particularly from fans who disagreed with the band’s involvement. Kerch emphasized that Shinedown, as an apolitical band, was caught off guard by the negative response. He mentioned that neither he nor Smith initially understood the controversial nature of the event and only became aware of it after agreeing to perform. The revelation of the festival’s underlying context was a pivotal moment for the band.

The tipping point for Smith occurred when the excitement surrounding the festival transformed into divisive sentiments among fans. He highlighted the lack of unity among audiences as a driving factor behind the band’s decision to withdraw. Despite facing some dissent, Smith acknowledged that many supporters endorsed their choice and respected varying opinions.

Shinedown’s exit from the festival was not an isolated occurrence, as several other artists also reevaluated their participation. Notable acts such as Morgan Wade, Carter Faith, and Ludacris, as well as Creed, withdrew from the lineup, leading to the cancelation of at least one major venue. The cancellation of the two-day event in Anderson, South Carolina, in early February left local officials puzzled, with event organizers later citing the need to uphold production standards and meet audience expectations.

Although setbacks affected the festival, Rock the Country is moving forward in other cities with Kid Rock headlining and various artists on the roster. Meanwhile, Shinedown is focusing on their upcoming album release, “EI8HT,” and a forthcoming world tour scheduled to kick off in May. Smith emphasized the band’s commitment to staying true to themselves amid challenging circumstances.