Rock the Country Festival Cancels South Carolina Date, Cites Production Standards
The Kid Rock-led Rock the Country festival has canceled its planned two-day event in Anderson, South Carolina, originally scheduled for July 25th and 26th. Organizers issued a statement Monday, , citing concerns over meeting the standards expected by attendees.
The cancellation follows a series of artist departures from the South Carolina date. Headliner Shinedown was the initial catalyst, dropping off the bill last week. Prior to that, Ludacris and other artists withdrew from the lineup after facing backlash for their participation in what some labeled a “MAGA” festival, according to reports.
In their statement, festival organizers emphasized their commitment to delivering a high-quality experience for fans. “We’re truly disappointed we won’t be bringing the show to Anderson,” the statement read. “Our fans work hard for their money, and we refuse to put on a show that doesn’t meet the standard they deserve.”
The festival, which launched in 2024, aims to “unite people together through music,” and organizers stressed that their lineups and audiences reflect a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives. “Rock the Country was created to unite people together through music. Our lineups and our crowds reflect that sentiment — a wide range of voices, backgrounds, and stories that make up this country,” the statement continued.
The lineup for the Anderson, South Carolina, event had included Kid Rock, Jason Aldean, Creed, Brantley Gilbert, Gretchen Wilson, and Parmalee. Ludacris and Morgan Wade were initially slated to perform but reportedly withdrew before Shinedown’s departure.
Despite the cancellation of the South Carolina stop, organizers confirmed that the remaining seven dates of the Rock the Country tour are still scheduled to proceed as planned. Information regarding individual city lineups can be found on the festival’s official website.
The statement concluded with a message of unity and patriotism: “Our focus remains where it’s always been: Supporting our artists, honoring our fans, and delivering unforgettable nights throughout the country. Loving America isn’t political; it’s who we are.”
The tour began May 1st and 2nd in Belleville, Texas, and is currently scheduled to conclude September 11th and 12th in Hamburg, New York.
