Musician talks about leaving Kid Rock festival: ‘Everyone has a right to their opinion’
Shinedown frontman Brent Smith recently discussed the band’s choice to withdraw from the Kid Rock-led “Rock the Country” festival. The decision came after witnessing the escalating divide and cultural clashes surrounding the event. Smith emphasized the importance of unity in the United States, stating, “A lot of people right now don’t feel united.” The festival faced controversy for its perceived alignment with MAGA (Make America Great Again) ideology due to Kid Rock’s involvement and the lineup’s inclusion of artists with conservative beliefs.
In a public statement released on Feb. 6, Shinedown expressed their commitment to inclusivity and unity through music. The band stated, “Our band’s purpose is to unite, not divide. With that in mind, we have made the decision that we will not be playing the ‘Rock The Country’ festival. We know this decision will create differences of opinion. But we do not want to participate in something we believe will create further division.” Smith clarified that Shinedown does not align with any specific political party and considers themselves Americans above all else.
Despite facing backlash for their decision to withdraw from the festival, Smith highlighted the importance of respecting differing opinions in a democratic society. He acknowledged that while some may not have agreed with the band’s choice, there was also widespread support for their stance. Smith emphasized, “You’re entitled to your opinion 1,000 percent in this country, and that’s one of the beautiful things about it.”
Following their exit from the controversial festival, Shinedown is focusing on their upcoming tour, which includes a performance in Hershey, Pennsylvania, this summer. The band’s decision to prioritize unity and inclusivity in their music aligns with their core values and mission to bring people together through the power of song. By choosing to distance themselves from an event that they believe may perpetuate division, Shinedown reaffirms their commitment to promoting harmony and solidarity among their fans and audience members.