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Rapper Ludacris‘ recent decision to withdraw from the 2026 “Rock The Country” festival roster, purportedly in response to fan anger, has drawn criticism from Shinedown drummer Barry Kerch, as per theprp. Given the vocal political views of its performers and the notable participation of conservative rap rock/country musician Kid Rock, that festival has been perceived as having a right-wing political bent.
Last year, Rock and Canadian hard rock icons Nickelback co-headlined the touring festival. The event last year advertised itself as “a festival for we the people.“
Rock The Country is more than a festival; it’s a movement, a gathering of hardworking, God-fearing patriots who love America and believe in the power of live music to bring people together. Here, the beer flows, the love pours, and the music rains down like a monsoon. Are you ready to stand with We The People and experience the force of live music?
Kid Rock himself stated:
It’s this simple. ‘Rock The Country‘ isn’t just a music festival; it’s a movement. In 2026, as America celebrates its 250th anniversary, this is a place for hard-working, God-fearing patriots to gather as one and celebrate freedom, music, and the party of the year.
Rapper Nelly and Ludacris were two rather surprising inclusions to this year’s festival schedule, which was revealed on January 12. The festival has bookings for Kid Rock, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Jelly Roll, Creed, Shinedown, and many more. Additionally, it appears that several of those musicians have since received a lot of negative online feedback for agreeing to perform at the festival.
Days after being named for the bill, Ludacris withdrew from it, citing a “mix-up” and “crossed” lines as the reason for his participation in the festival. Some, however, have conjectured that he withdrew in reaction to public outcry. When asked if his own band had encountered opposition for participating in the festival, Kerch responded as follows in a recent interview with The Vinyl Road.
There’s been tons. The knives come out when they don’t like it, especially now politically. And we are an apolitical band. But the knives have come out. It’s crazy. And to be honest, I had no idea, and neither did Brent — I think Zach maybe had a clue — I had no idea this was Kid Rock‘s thing. It was just, ‘Hey, here’s an offer. It looks like a cool lineup, and it’s a mix of country and rock. Okay, we’ll play it.’ We took the offer and played it, and then all of a sudden we find out, ‘Oh, this has got some political leaning to it.’
I don’t care. I’m just gonna go play a show. I really, really don’t care. You can keep your politics to yourself. I have no opinion one way or the other on Kid Rock. I love his music. This is about music. Ludacris wasn’t tough… I mean, it’s not like he needs the money, Jeez. If he’s not tough enough to stick it out, that’s just silly. That’s him being a coward, in my opinion.
The podcast presenter then asked Kerch if Shinedown would decline a festival invitation because of the political views or criticism of another performing artist.
I would hope not, but [Shinedown] is a democracy. There’s four of us to vote. My vote would be no, but if three of the other guys vote against it, then, again, it’s a democracy. I can’t change their vote. But I would hope not. ‘Cause I like to stick by my grounds. And listen, I don’t do politics when it comes to the business of Shinedown. I have my own beliefs. I keep those to myself, and so do the other three guys. I just wanna go play a rock show with some country bands ’cause it looks like fun.
