Rock band Shinedown has become the fourth act to withdraw from Kid Rock's 2026 Rock the Country music festival, following fan backlash over the event's perceived political affiliations. The band announced their decision on Friday, citing a desire to unite rather than divide.
In a social media statement, Shinedown said: 'Shinedown is everyone's band. We feel that we have been given a platform to bring all people together through the power of music and song. We have one BOSS, and it is everyone in the audience. Our band's purpose is to unite, not divide. With that in mind, we have made the decision that we will not be playing the Rock The Country Festival.'
The band acknowledged that their decision 'will create differences of opinion' but added: 'We do not want to participate in something we believe will create further division.' Shinedown's departure follows criticism from fans who were unhappy with the band's association with Kid Rock, a vocal supporter of Donald Trump.
Shinedown is the latest in a series of acts to leave the festival. Rapper Ludacris was quickly removed from the lineup after backlash, with his representative citing a 'mix-up.' Country singers Carter Faith and Morgan Wade have also been quietly removed, with Faith confirming to a fan: 'I'm not anymore!'
The festival, co-founded by Kid Rock in 2024, is scheduled to run in eight U.S. cities from May 1 to September 21. Despite the withdrawals, the lineup still includes headliners Jelly Roll, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, and Kid Rock himself, along with Nelly, Miranda Lambert, Riley Green, and Brooks & Dunn.
