In a recent podcast, Shinedown's drummer, Barry Kerch, didn't hold back his thoughts on rapper Ludacris's decision to back out of Kid Rock's 'Rock The Country' festival. Kerch called Ludacris 'a coward' for withdrawing from the event, sparking a discussion about the intersection of music and politics.
But here's where it gets controversial: The festival, founded by Kid Rock in 2024, has a lineup that includes artists with varying political affiliations. When the 2026 lineup was revealed, featuring Ludacris, some fans were surprised. But just days later, Ludacris's name was removed, with a representative citing crossed lines as the reason.
The podcast hosts asked Kerch about Shinedown's decision to perform at the festival, despite its potential political implications. Kerch revealed that the band faced backlash, saying, 'The knives come out... especially now politically.' He emphasized that Shinedown is apolitical and that they accepted the offer for the cool lineup and genre mix. However, he admitted they were unaware of Kid Rock's involvement and the festival's political leanings.
Kerch didn't shy away from criticizing Ludacris, stating, 'If he's not tough enough to stick it out, that's just silly.' He believes Ludacris's withdrawal was an act of cowardice. When asked if Shinedown would ever decline a festival due to political reasons, Kerch expressed his hope that they wouldn't, highlighting the band's democratic decision-making process.
Shinedown's internal dynamics were further explored, with Kerch explaining their 'full democracy' approach. He mentioned that while Brent Smith has the final say as the captain, everyone's opinions are valued. They aim to resolve conflicts and make decisions together, even having 'Metallica movie moment'-style meetings to address issues.
And this is the part most people miss: Shinedown has consistently maintained a non-political stance, focusing on supporting soldiers and their sacrifices. Despite differing personal beliefs, the band members keep politics out of their business, emphasizing unity and friendship.
The festival, set to take place in multiple states, has faced scrutiny for its perceived political associations. Ludacris's fans suggested that the tour supports Donald Trump's MAGA movement. Meanwhile, Shinedown, who recently released four new singles, is gearing up for their eighth studio album and will be headlining the Sonic Temple festival in Ohio.
What do you think about artists navigating the political landscape in the music industry? Do you agree with Kerch's assessment of Ludacris's decision? Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments below!
