Kid Rock’s Rock the Country festival hit a snag with the cancellation of its Anderson, South Carolina stop, leaving fans disappointed just months before the planned dates. The two-day event, set for July 25 and 26 at the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center, got the axe after several big-name artists backed out. Organizers blamed “unforeseen circumstances,” but the wave of withdrawals painted a clearer picture of behind-the-scenes tension.
Artist exodus
Shinedown led the recent pullouts, sharing a candid statement on Instagram on February 6. “Shinedown is everyone’s band,” the rock band posted. “We believe we have been given a platform to unite people through music. Our purpose is to bring people together, not to divide. With that in mind, we have made the decision that we will not be playing the Rock The Country Festival. We know this decision will create differences of opinion. But we do not want to participate in something we believe will create further division.” Creed and Ludacris had already dropped out in recent weeks, while country singer Morgan Wade and Carter Faith also vanished from the lineup.
Reaction from fans
Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns confirmed the news to outlets like Fox Carolina and The Post and Courier. “We are disappointed that Rock the Country will not return to Anderson this year,” Rusty Burns said. He acknowledged the buzz around artist exits, adding, “It happens in the business. We had a good two-year run.” Ticketholders got emails about refunds, and the festival site now lists seven remaining shows from May to September 2026, down from eight.
Tour ahead
Kid Rock, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Jelly Roll, Brooks and Dunn, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, Hank Williams Jr., Ella Langley, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Jon Pardi, and Brantley Gilbert stay on the bill for other stops. Launched in 2024 by Kid Rock, Rock the Country bills itself as a nod to “community, tradition, and the spirit that’s carried America through 250 years.” The other dates aim to roll on despite the drama.