"Rock band Shinedown is the latest act to pull out of Robert James Ritchie's MAGA-adjacent "Rock the Country" music 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," the band wrote on Instagram February 6. "And to our fans, thank you for supporting and believing in us. We love and appreciate you always.""
"Rapper Ludacris was the first act to pull out of the "Rock the Country" festival, days after his name was seen on the official lineup. Reps told Rolling StoneLuda was never going to perform, and that his inclusion was a "mix-up." Oopsie. "Lines got crossed and he wasn't supposed to be on there," they said. Shortly after that, country artists Morgan Wade and Carter Faith pulled out as well."
"Jelly Roll demurred from speaking about his ideological stances at the Grammys Sunday night. When asked about America's political climate after winning Best Contemporary Country Album, Mr. Roll said "You know, I'm a dumb redneck. I haven't watched enough." Jelly Roll also teased becoming more explicitly political within this upcoming week. "Everybody's going to hear exactly what I have to say about it in the most loud and clear way I've ever spoken in my life," he said. "So I look forward to it.""
Shinedown withdrew from Robert James Ritchie's MAGA-adjacent "Rock the Country" festival, stating the decision aims to avoid creating further division and thanking fans for support. Ludacris was listed then removed, with reps calling his inclusion a mix-up and saying he was never going to perform. Country artists Morgan Wade and Carter Faith also pulled out. Several acts, including Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Creed, Brooks & Dunn, Hank Williams Jr., Lynyrd Skynyrd, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, and Jelly Roll remain committed to the lineup. Jelly Roll declined to discuss political stances at the Grammys but said he plans to speak more explicitly about politics soon.
Read at Vulture
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]