Brent Smith, lead singer of the US rock band Shinedown, recently explained why the group decided to withdraw from Kid Rock’s 2024 music festival, Rock The Country.
The festival, which aimed to combine country music with a celebration of American culture, reportedly faced numerous challenges, including several acts pulling out. While organizers insisted that the event was non-political, it was widely labeled a “MAGA fest,” drawing associations with former President Donald Trump.
Shinedown was originally scheduled to perform alongside Creed, Ludacris, and Brantley Gilbert at the Anderson, South Carolina leg of the festival in July. However, the band chose to step back, citing concerns about “further division.”
Speaking to Rolling Stone, Brent Smith said:
“We saw infighting that we had never seen before, and for us, it was our job to diffuse it. I just want to remind everybody, it says the ‘United States of America’ united. And a lot of people right now don’t feel united.”
He added that while “certain people” were unhappy with their decision, many supported it. “You’re entitled to your opinion 1,000 percent in this country, and that’s one of the beautiful things about it,” Brent emphasized.
Drummer Barry Kerch also addressed the backlash during an appearance on The Vinyl Road podcast, noting that while the band faced criticism, Shinedown remains “apolitical.” He admitted that he initially thought the festival lineup was “cool” but later realized it carried political undertones.
In response to the Anderson cancellation, The Independent reported that the festival organizers reaffirmed the event’s original mission:
“Rock The Country was created to unite people together through music. Our lineups and our crowds reflect that sentiment a wide range of voices, backgrounds, and stories that make up this country. We’re truly disappointed we won’t be bringing the show to Anderson. Our fans work hard for their money, and we refuse to put on a show that doesn’t meet the standard they deserve.”
The statement concluded by highlighting the festival’s focus on music, community, and pride, insisting that “loving America isn’t political; it’s who we are.”
In short, Shinedown stepped away to avoid contributing to division and to stay true to their apolitical stance, even as the festival tried to maintain its patriotic image.
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