Organizers of the Rock the Country music festival — a touring event co-founded and headlined by Kid Rock — have released a formal statement responding to the recent cancellation of one of its 2026 shows and a string of high-profile artist exits. The announcement comes amid growing controversy around the festival’s dates, lineup and overall message.
In the official statement published after the cancellation of the Anderson, South Carolina show, festival organizers reaffirmed the tour’s mission and addressed recent headlines directly:
“Rock The Country was created to unite people together through music,” the statement reads. “Our lineups and our crowds reflect that sentiment — a wide range of voices, backgrounds, and stories that make up this country.”
The organizers expressed disappointment about the Anderson cancellation, noting that they did not want to offer a show that didn’t meet the standards fans deserve:
“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.”
They emphasized that the core focus remains on supporting artists, honoring fans, and creating memorable nights of music and community — framing the festival as a celebration of pride in the country rather than as a political event:
“Our focus remains where it’s always been: Supporting our artists, honoring our fans, and delivering unforgettable nights throughout the country. The shows ahead represent the heart of what Rock The Country stands for: music, community, and pride in where we come from.”
The statement concluded with a line that has been widely quoted in recent coverage: “Loving America isn’t political; it’s who we are.”
The statement follows the cancellation of the Anderson, South Carolina stop, which had been scheduled for July 25–26, 2026, after multiple acts withdrew from the lineup in recent weeks.
Notable departures include the rock band Shinedown, which said it chose not to participate because its “purpose is to unite, not divide,” and other performers such as Ludacris, Morgan Wade and Carter Faith who also left the tour amid backlash and confusion about the festival’s direction.
The loss of artists contributed to the decision to cancel the South Carolina date — a stop that has been part of the Rock the Country tour in past seasons — with officials in Anderson calling the development disappointing given the event’s economic impact in previous years.
Despite the Anderson cancellation, Rock the Country still plans to continue with most of its remaining 2026 tour dates across the U.S., including stops in:
- Bellville, Texas (May)
- Bloomingdale, Georgia (May)
- Sioux Falls, South Dakota (June)
- Ashland, Kentucky (July)
- Hastings, Michigan (August)
- Ocala, Florida (August)
- Hamburg, New York (September)
Headliners such as Kid Rock, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Brooks & Dunn and others are still scheduled for those dates, though ongoing lineup changes continue to fuel discussion among fans and critics alike.
