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Anderson Today
By the People, for the People
Rock the Country Cancels Music Festival After Artists Back Out
Organizers say they're "truly disappointed" to cancel the event in Anderson, South Carolina.
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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The Rock the Country Music Festival, promoted by Kid Rock, had to be canceled after several artists including Ludacris, Morgan Wade, and Shinedown backed out of the event. In a statement, the organizers of Rock the Country said they were disappointed to cancel the festival, as their goal is to "unite people together through music" and deliver "unforgettable nights" for fans, but they refused to put on a show that didn't meet the standard their fans deserve.
Why it matters
The cancellation of the Rock the Country Music Festival is notable as it was one of the high-profile events promoted by Kid Rock, who has made headlines for his outspoken political views and protests against the Super Bowl. The festival's stated mission of bringing "big artists to small towns" and celebrating American pride also reflects the ongoing debates around the role of politics in country music and entertainment.
The details
The Rock the Country Music Festival was set to feature a lineup of artists including Jason Aldean, Ludacris, Morgan Wade, Creed, Gretchen Wilson, Parmalee, Brantley Gilbert, and Shinedown. However, Ludacris, Morgan Wade, and Shinedown all dropped out of the festival, leading the organizers to cancel the event. In their statement, the Rock the Country organizers said their goal is to "unite people together through music" and deliver shows that meet the standard their fans deserve, but they were "truly disappointed" to have to cancel the Anderson, South Carolina festival.
- The Rock the Country Music Festival was scheduled to take place in Anderson, South Carolina.
The players
Kid Rock
A musician who promoted the Rock the Country Music Festival and also performed an "All-American Halftime Show" in protest of the Super Bowl.
Rock the Country
The organizers of the Rock the Country Music Festival, who released a statement addressing the cancellation of the event.
Ludacris
A rapper who was originally scheduled to perform at the Rock the Country Music Festival but backed out, leading to the event's cancellation.
Morgan Wade
A country music artist who was originally scheduled to perform at the Rock the Country Music Festival but backed out, leading to the event's cancellation.
Shinedown
A rock band that was originally scheduled to perform at the Rock the Country Music Festival but backed out, leading to the event's cancellation.
What’s next
The organizers of Rock the Country say they hope to move past the disappointment of canceling the Anderson, South Carolina festival and look ahead to the remaining shows, which they believe will remind fans of the festival's mission of bringing "big artists to small towns" and celebrating American pride.
The takeaway
The cancellation of the Rock the Country Music Festival highlights the ongoing debates around the role of politics in country music and entertainment, as well as the challenges of putting on large-scale events in the current climate. While the organizers say their goal is to "unite people together through music," the festival's association with Kid Rock and its focus on "American pride" have made it a lightning rod for controversy.
