Kid Rock's 'Rock the Country' Fest Cancels South Carolina Stop After Artist Exodus

The politically charged music festival will no longer take place in Anderson, South Carolina this summer.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The Rock the Country concert series, founded by country-rock artist Kid Rock, has canceled its planned July 25-26 stop in Anderson, South Carolina after several high-profile acts pulled out of the politically charged festival. Shinedown, Ludacris, Carter Faith, and Morgan Wade were among the artists who withdrew, citing a desire not to participate in something that could create further division.

Why it matters

The cancellation of the South Carolina stop highlights the challenges of organizing a politically divisive music festival, as artists increasingly seek to avoid being associated with content or messages that could alienate parts of their fanbase. It also reflects the broader cultural and political tensions playing out across the country as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary of independence.

The details

The Rock the Country Fest was originally slated to hold eight shows across the country, including the two-day event in Anderson, South Carolina. However, after Shinedown, Ludacris, Carter Faith, and Morgan Wade all pulled out, the festival's organizers decided to cancel the South Carolina stop. Administrator Rusty Burns declined to elaborate further, but said 'it happens in the business' and that the festival had a 'good two-year run'.

  • The Rock the Country Fest was originally scheduled for July 25-26, 2026 in Anderson, South Carolina.
  • On February 6, 2026, Shinedown announced they would no longer participate in the festival.
  • On February 6, 2026, the festival's South Carolina stop was canceled.

The players

Kid Rock

The country-rock artist who founded the Rock the Country concert series.

Shinedown

An early-aughts rock band that withdrew from the festival, citing a desire not to participate in something that could create further division.

Ludacris

A three-time Grammy-winning rapper who was the first to drop out of the festival, with his representative citing a 'mix-up' in his inclusion.

Carter Faith

A country singer who withdrew from the festival.

Morgan Wade

A country singer who withdrew from the festival.

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What they’re saying

“SHINEDOWN is everyone's band. We feel that we have been given a platform to bring all people together through the power of music and song. We have one BOSS, and it is everyone in the audience. Our band's purpose is to unite, not divide.”

— Shinedown (X/Twitter)

What’s next

The Rock the Country Fest will still proceed with its remaining seven stops across the country, featuring artists such as Kid Rock, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Jelly Roll, and Brooks & Dunn.

The takeaway

The cancellation of the Rock the Country Fest's South Carolina stop highlights the challenges of organizing a politically divisive music festival, as artists increasingly seek to avoid being associated with content or messages that could alienate parts of their fanbase. It reflects the broader cultural and political tensions in the U.S. as the country approaches its 250th anniversary of independence.