American rocker Kid Rock is scheduled to headline the alternate halftime show on Sunday for the Turning Point USA organization.
But he is facing some trouble with his Country music festival.
A number of artists who were originally scheduled to perform have pulled out of the festival.
The latest artist to withdraw from the festival is Shinedown. The band stated that they were concerned over creating further division among their fans. Some of their fans are labeling the event “MAGA Fest”.
In a social media post the band said, “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.”
They added that they realize the decision “will create differences of opinion saying, “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.”
Originally, rapper Ludacris was also on the bill, but quickly withdrew after some major backlash from his fans. A representative for Ludacris noted that there was a “mix up” and “lines got crossed and he wasn’t supposed to be on there.”
Singers Carter Faith and Morgan Wade have also had their names removed form the lineup.
The rock band Creed is no longer listed on the promotional material for the festival. The band has not given any comments on their pulling out of the event.
Along with Kid Rock, Jelly Roll, Jason Aldean, and Blake Shelton are also scheduled to perform.
Kid Rock co-founded the Rock the Country festival in 2024, calling it more than just a festival. The event is scheduled to run for two days in eight cities beginning May 1 and running through the summer.
The event is being called, “a celebration of community, tradition, and the spirit that’s carried America through 250 years.”
R&B artist Nelly, Miranda Lambert, Riley Green, and Brooks & Dunn are currently on the list of performers.
After several of the scheduled performers have dropped out of the Rock the Country Festival, the performance in Anderson, Sout Carolina has been cancelled.
County administrator Rusty Burns spoke on the cancellation saying, “Anderson County has been proud to host Rock the Country for the past two years. The event was a huge success drawing tens of thousands of visitors, making a multi-million-dollar economic impact on the Upstate. An event of this caliber proved what a great venue and exceptional hospitality we have here in Anderson County. Of course, we are disappointed that Rock the Country will not return to Anderson this year.”
He added, “we are already planning additional major events and look forward to exciting announcements to come. Anderson County is committed to bringing high quality arts and entertainment to our community.”
Fans who have purchased tickets for the cancelled event may transfer their tickets to another event, receive a $50 merchandise voucher for online, or receive a full refund.