Shinedown Drummer Brands Ludacris a “Coward” for Exiting Kid Rock Festival
Shinedown’s drummer, Barry Kerch, recently criticized rapper Ludacris for withdrawing from the Kid Rock-led Rock the Country festival. This year’s festival spans eight small towns across the United States, with Kid Rock heading five of the events. Shinedown and Ludacris were scheduled to perform in Anderson, South Carolina, on July 26.
Festival Context and Controversy
Although Kid Rock was not part of the lineup for the specific weekend in question, his political affiliations and the festival’s apparent patriotic branding sparked backlash. Ludacris’ camp attributed his exit to a “mix-up,” just four days after the initial announcement.
Kerch shared insights on the latest episode of “The Vinyl Road” podcast, revealing that Shinedown has received criticism for agreeing to perform at the festival. He noted, “There’s been tons” of backlash due to the current political climate, stating that the band is fundamentally apolitical. Kerch admitted that he and the band’s vocalist, Brent Smith, were unaware of Kid Rock’s involvement until after they accepted the gig.
Kerch’s Perspective on Ludacris’ Exit
Despite the criticism, Kerch expressed indifference towards the political implications, emphasizing his focus on music. He remarked, “I love [Kid Rock’s] music. This is about music.” He further labeled Ludacris as “a coward” for not enduring the situation, questioning why the rapper, who is financially secure, chose to step back.
Shinedown’s Position on Political Affiliations
When asked if Shinedown would ever decline a performance based on political affiliations, Kerch conveyed strong personal opinions. He stated that, while he hopes the band would not turn down gigs for such reasons, decisions are ultimately made democratically among the members. “I don’t do politics when it comes to the business of Shinedown,” he explained, reinforcing that personal beliefs are kept separate from the band’s activities.
- Festival Name: Rock the Country
- Headliner: Kid Rock
- Other Artists: Shinedown, Ludacris, Creed
- Festival Duration: May through September
- Date of Performance: July 26, 2026
- Location: Anderson, South Carolina
In conclusion, while Shinedown prepares to perform, the controversy surrounding the festival continues to unfold, exposing the deep connections between music and politics in the current landscape. Visit Filmogaz.com for more updates on music festivals and artist performances.
