Shinedown will not play at Rock The Country Festival

Shinedown has pulled out of the bill amid mounting criticism of the Kid Rock-led “Rock The Country” tour’s right-wing political affiliations, as per theprp. This is the statement that the band offered throught their social media accounts.

SHINEDOWN is everyone’s band. We feel that we have been given a platform to bring all people together through the power of music and song.

We have one BOSS, and it is everyone in the audience. 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.

And to our fans, thank you for supporting and believing in us.

We love and appreciate you always.

All love and respect,
SHINEDOWN

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Upcoming shows:

• May 15, 2026 – Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple Festival
• September 4, 2026 – Dyersville, IA – Velocity @ Field Of Dreams
• September 10, 2026 – McHenry, IL – McHenry Music Festival
• October 23–25, 2026 – Miramar Beach, FL – Shinedown Lunatic Ball Beach Weekend

Last month, 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. 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.