Kid Rock's 'Rock The Country' Music Festival Canceled In South Carolina

The two-day concert planned for July 25-26, 2026 in Anderson County has been scrapped.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Kid Rock's 'Rock the Country' music festival will not be taking place in Anderson County, South Carolina, after officials there confirmed the two-day concert planned for July 25–26, 2026, at the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center has been canceled. County administrator Rusty Burns said they weren't given a clear reason for the cancellation, but it could be due to the mass exit of music acts associated with the festival.

Why it matters

The cancellation of Kid Rock's festival in South Carolina highlights the challenges facing the polarizing musician as he tries to compete with more mainstream artists like Bad Bunny, who is the most-streamed artist in the world. It also raises questions about the viability of events that are seen as promoting divisive political views.

The details

Several music acts, including Shinedown, Morgan Wade, Carter Faith, and Ludacris, have backed out of the 'Rock the Country' festival after facing intense backlash for their involvement. Shinedown cited concerns about the event creating further division, while Ludacris' representatives claimed his inclusion was a 'mix-up.' Despite the cancellation in Anderson, the 'Rock The Country' tour is still scheduled to take place in Ocala, Florida; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Hamburg, New York.

  • The 'Rock the Country' festival was planned for July 25-26, 2026.
  • Officials were notified on the night of February 5, 2026 that the festival was canceled.

The players

Kid Rock

An American singer, songwriter, and rapper who is known for his politically charged music and support of former President Donald Trump.

Rusty Burns

The county administrator of Anderson County, South Carolina, who confirmed the cancellation of the 'Rock the Country' festival.

Shinedown

An American rock band that was scheduled to perform at the 'Rock the Country' festival but withdrew due to concerns about the event creating further division.

Ludacris

An American rapper and actor who was initially listed as a performer at the 'Rock the Country' festival, but his representatives claimed his inclusion was a 'mix-up.'

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican rapper, singer, and songwriter who is currently the most-streamed artist in the world.

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What they’re saying

“SHINEDOWN is everyone's band. Our band's purpose is to unite, not divide. We do not want to participate in something we believe will create further division.”

— Shinedown, Band (X)

“Lines got crossed, and he wasn't supposed to be on there.”

— Ludacris' representative (Rolling Stone)

What’s next

The 'Rock The Country' tour is still scheduled to take place in Ocala, Florida; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Hamburg, New York, though it remains to be seen if more acts will withdraw from those events.

The takeaway

The cancellation of Kid Rock's festival in South Carolina highlights the challenges facing the polarizing musician as he tries to compete with more mainstream artists like Bad Bunny. It also raises questions about the viability of events that are seen as promoting divisive political views, as several music acts have backed out of the 'Rock the Country' festival due to concerns about the event creating further division.