Organizers for Kid Rock’s Rock the Country festival have released a strong statement supporting their event’s goal of unity. This comes after several artists left the lineup and a major tour stop was canceled. The festival says its focus is on music and community, not politics.
The traveling festival, created to mark America’s 250th anniversary, has faced public questions about its direction. The rock band Shinedown decided to leave last week. They said they did not want to be part of something that might “create further division”. Following this and other exits, the festival canceled its planned two-day event in Anderson, South Carolina, scheduled for July 25-26.
In response, a festival representative stated, “Rock The Country was created to unite people together through music”. They emphasized that the event features a wide mix of artists and fans. The statement finished by saying, “Loving America isn’t political; it’s who we are”.
Rock the Country Festival Explains South Carolina Show Cancelation
The festival’s statement directly addressed the cancelation in Anderson. Organizers said they were “truly disappointed” but would not present a show that did not meet their high standards for fans.
Anderson County officials also commented. County Administrator Rusty Burns noted the event had been a major success in previous years. He said it drew tens of thousands of visitors and created a multi-million-dollar boost for the local economy. “Of course, we are disappointed that Rock the Country will not return to Anderson this year,” Burns said.
People who bought tickets for the Anderson dates have options. They can transfer their tickets to a different festival location and get a $50 merchandise voucher. They can also ask for a full refund.
Artists Who Withdrew from the Festival Lineup
Shinedown was the most recent and vocal act to leave. The band posted a detailed explanation on social media. They wrote, “Shinedown is everyone’s band… Our band’s purpose is to unite, not divide”. They acknowledged their choice might upset some people but stood by their decision.
They were not the first to exit. Rapper Ludacris was removed from the lineup earlier after fan backlash. A representative for the rapper later called it a “mix-up,” saying “lines got crossed and he wasn’t supposed to be on there”. Country singers Morgan Wade and Carter Faith were also quietly taken off the roster. Faith confirmed her exit in a social media reply, writing, “I’m not anymore!” when a fan asked about her involvement.
The band Creed was listed for the South Carolina stop but is no longer on the festival’s website. Since the Anderson show was the only one they were scheduled to play, their removal appears linked to the cancelation.
The Festival’s Lineup and Remaining Tour Dates
Despite the changes, the Rock the Country tour is moving forward with seven other stops. The festival’s website still lists a major lineup of country and rock stars.
Confirmed headliners across various dates include Kid Rock, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, and Jelly Roll. Other big names on the bill are Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn, Hank Williams Jr., and Lynyrd Skynyrd. The lineup also features Nelly, Treaty Oak Revival, and Brantley Gilbert.
Here are the confirmed 2026 tour dates and locations:
- Bellville, Texas – May 1-2
- Bloomingdale, Georgia – May 29-30
- Sioux Falls, South Dakota – June 27-28
- Ashland, Kentucky – July 10-11
- Hastings, Michigan – August 8-9
- Ocala, Florida – August 28-29
- Hamburg, New York – September 11-12
The festival describes itself as “a celebration of community, tradition, and the spirit that’s carried America through 250 years”.
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Background on the Festival and Recent Controversies
Kid Rock helped start the Rock the Country festival in 2024. The event has faced increased attention for its perceived political connections. Kid Rock and fellow headliner Jason Aldean are known for their conservative public views. Kid Rock is a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump and performed at a Turning Point USA “All-American Halftime Show” just days before the festival’s cancelation news.
This context led some critics and fans to label the tour a “MAGA fest”. The artist exits seem to be a reaction to this perception. Shinedown’s statement about avoiding division highlighted this growing tension within the music lineup itself.
The festival’s official statement is an attempt to steer the conversation back to its original theme: a patriotic celebration of America’s birthday through music. Whether the remaining seven shows can maintain that focus without further controversy is the current challenge for organizers.
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