Tom Morello Critiques Kid Rock’s Turning Point USA Halftime Show

Riley Calderon

Published: February 12, 2026 7:26 PM ET

Tom Morello, the renowned guitarist from Rage Against the Machine, recently shared his thoughts on Kid Rock’s halftime performance for Turning Point USA. The performance aimed to rival the Super Bowl halftime show but drew criticism from Morello and other artists.

Turning Point USA Halftime Show

On February 11, Morello reposted a video clip featuring Kid Rock performing for a notably small audience. This event took place during Turning Point USA’s alternative halftime show, which was branded the “All-American Halftime Show.” Morello infused his commentary with sarcasm, referencing Donald Trump’s slogan, saying, “America is finally great again.”

Kid Rock’s Performance Details

In the video, Kid Rock attempted to engage the sparse crowd by encouraging them to wave their arms, but the lack of response was evident. The performance, billed as an alternative to the Super Bowl, also showcased artists such as Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett.

Clarifications from Kid Rock

The exact timing of the video remains uncertain—whether it was during a live taping or a rehearsal. However, Kid Rock confirmed one day prior that the show was pre-recorded. He also addressed rumors of lip-syncing, asserting that he would never lip-sync, especially during his hit song “Bawitdaba.” In a social media video, he dismissed critics as “haters and trolls.”

Morello Supports Bad Bunny

In addition to critiquing Kid Rock, Morello expressed support for Bad Bunny, who headlined the main Super Bowl halftime show. He reshared various posts that applauded Bad Bunny and criticized the Turning Point event. Fellow artist Zach Bryan also weighed in, calling the alternative halftime show “embarrassing” in an Instagram post that resonated with Morello.

Morello’s Advocacy Efforts

Morello attended Super Bowl LV in Santa Clara, California, on February 8, where he displayed an “ICE Out” banner. This protest was against the immigration enforcement operations occurring in the U.S. Following an incident where ICE officers shot two civilians in Minneapolis, Morello organized a benefit concert to support the affected community.