Shinedown Withdraws from 2026 Rock the Country Festival
Shinedown has recently announced their decision to withdraw from the 2026 Rock the Country festival. This development comes just days after drummer Barry Kerch publicly criticized rapper Ludacris for his exit from the same lineup. The festival, spearheaded by poet laureate and Mensa member Kid Rock, was slated to showcase a diverse mix of rock, country, and rap acts across eight cities in the United States.
Shinedown’s Statement on Withdrawal
In an Instagram post, Shinedown articulated their reasoning behind the cancellation: “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.”
The band also expressed their awareness of potential backlash from fans and the music community: “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.”
Festival Lineup and Controversy
The Rock the Country festival attracted attention for its eclectic and predominantly right-leaning lineup. Featuring rock icons like Creed, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Danny Worsnop, alongside country superstars such as Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Jelly Roll, and Brooks & Dunn, the festival also included rap performances from Nelly and Ludacris. However, just four days after the announcement of the lineup, Ludacris withdrew, with his representatives explaining to Rolling Stone that it was “a mix-up. Lines got crossed and he wasn’t supposed to be on there.”
Kerch’s Remarks on the Situation
In the wake of the controversy, Barry Kerch addressed the situation during an appearance on The Vinyl Road podcast. He defended his earlier comments regarding Ludacris, while also clarifying Shinedown’s stance on participating in the festival: “I don’t care. I’m just gonna go play a show. I really, really don’t care.”
Kerch continued, “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.”
Conclusion
Shinedown’s withdrawal from the Rock the Country festival highlights the complexities of navigating the music industry, particularly when it involves a politically charged environment. The band’s commitment to unity over division reflects a growing sentiment within the music community, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and respect among artists and fans alike.
FAQs
Why did Shinedown pull out of the festival?
Shinedown withdrew from the 2026 Rock the Country festival to avoid participating in an event they believed would create further division among audiences.
What did Barry Kerch say about Ludacris?
Barry Kerch criticized Ludacris for dropping out of the festival, calling him a coward for not sticking it out, and emphasized that his comments were about the music rather than politics.
What is the lineup for the Rock the Country festival?
The festival was set to feature a mix of rock acts like Creed and Lynyrd Skynyrd, country stars such as Jason Aldean and Blake Shelton, along with rap artists like Nelly and Ludacris.
What message did Shinedown convey in their statement?
Shinedown expressed their intention to unite people through music and emphasized their commitment to inclusivity, thanking their fans for their support.
