Shinedown’s Barry Kerch Slams Ludacris for Quitting Kid Rock’s Festival
In a recent episode of The Vinyl Road podcast, SHINEDOWN drummer Barry Kerch expressed his thoughts on this year’s Rock The Country festival. This country music event, launched in 2024 and headlined by Kid Rock, features a lineup including Jason Aldean, CREED, and Nelly. Kerch discussed the implications of the festival’s political context, particularly following the removal of Ludacris from the lineup.
Rock The Country Festival Overview
Rock The Country 2026 is set to take place across various locations:
- May 1-2: Bellville, Texas
- May 29-30: Bloomingdale, Georgia
- June 27-28: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- July 10-11: Ashland, Kentucky
- July 25-26: Anderson, South Carolina
- August 8-9: Hastings, Michigan
- August 28-29: Ocala, Florida
- September 11-12: Hamburg, New York
SHINEDOWN is confirmed to perform only on July 26 in Anderson, South Carolina.
Controversy Surrounding Ludacris
Initially announced as a performer, Ludacris was removed from the lineup shortly after. Rolling Stone reported that a representative confirmed he would no longer participate due to backlash from fans concerned about political alignments associated with Kid Rock, a supporter of Donald Trump.
Kerch indicated that SHINEDOWN, while performing at the festival, received considerable pushback regarding the association with Kid Rock’s political stance. He emphasized that the band maintains an apolitical position and simply wants to focus on the music.
Barry Kerch’s Perspective
During the podcast, Kerch stated, “I don’t care. I’m just gonna go play a show.” He expressed that the decision to join the festival was based solely on the lineup’s appeal rather than any political implications.
In his reflections, Kerch also touched on SHINEDOWN’s democratic approach to decision-making within the band. He noted that while differing opinions exist, the focus remains on unity and performance.
Future Projects and Activities
Looking ahead, SHINEDOWN is set to release their eighth studio album later this year. Additionally, they will headline the Sonic Temple festival on May 15, 2026, sharing the stage with notable acts such as My Chemical Romance and Tool.
By prioritizing their musical mission over politics, SHINEDOWN aims to deliver an engaging performance at Rock The Country 2026, despite external controversies.
