Kid Rock’s ‘Rock the Country’ Festival Canceled in SC After Mass Performer Exit
The Rock the Country festival, which was supported by Kid Rock, has officially been canceled in South Carolina. This decision follows a significant withdrawal of artists from the event, leading to the collapse of the planned concert. The festival was set to take place on July 25–26, 2026, at the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center.
Cancellation Details
Officials from Anderson County confirmed the cancellation, stating they were notified on February 5. However, no specific reasons were provided for the cancellations. County administrator Rusty Burns mentioned, “It happens in the business. We had a good, two-year run.”
Impact of Artist Withdrawals
The cancellation was prompted by a wave of artist exits. Notably, Shinedown announced on February 6 that it would no longer participate due to concerns about the event’s division. The band stated, “Our band’s purpose is to unite, not divide.” The group’s departure followed several other exits from acts like Morgan Wade, Carter Faith, and Ludacris, who also faced backlash for their involvement.
- Shinedown’s withdrawal on February 6
- Other artists stepping down due to online criticism
- Creed removed from the lineup prior to the cancellation
Remaining Tour Stops
Despite the cancellation in Anderson, the summer concert series continues with several confirmed stops. Locations still scheduled to host the festival include:
- Ocala, Florida
- Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- Hamburg, New York
Economic Implications
The Anderson festival was anticipated to significantly boost the local economy. Last year’s Rock the Country event attracted approximately 25,000 attendees and generated around $17 million in revenue statewide. Burns noted the loss but expressed optimism, stating that the county would focus on booking new concerts later this year.
Cultural Context
Originally intended as a patriotic celebration for America’s 250th anniversary, Rock the Country has gained attention not just for its musical line-up, but also for its cultural connotations. As the festival landscape shifts, the future of upcoming dates in the tour remains uncertain.
