Kid Rock has announced that his upcoming Rock the Country Tour will be heading exclusively to red states in 2025, ensuring that the festival is as politically charged as it is musically intense. The tour, which boasts an all-star lineup of unapologetically patriotic artists, will be limited to what Rock calls “the true heart of America”—states he says are filled with “God-fearing, freedom-loving patriots.” In his words, this year’s tour aims to celebrate “real American values” while delivering what he promises will be “the party of the year.”
The announcement, made via Kid Rock’s social media accounts, comes with a lineup that reflects his ideals and his commitment to uniting fans with shared values. “This isn’t just another music festival,” Rock explained in a recent statement. “This is a movement for people who are proud to be American and who want to celebrate what makes us great.” The festival is set to hit 11 cities across the country, with planned stops in deep-red locales like Livingston, Louisiana, Ocala, Florida, and Ashland, Kentucky, where fans can expect a fusion of rock, country, and patriotic fervor.
Kid Rock has been vocal about his political beliefs over the years, but his latest venture brings his pro-America, pro-freedom stance to the forefront like never before. “Rock the Country isn’t just a festival; it’s where we come together to remind ourselves of what’s great about this country,” he declared. “I don’t need to play for crowds that don’t love their freedom or don’t understand the value of working hard and loving God.”
Rock’s insistence on keeping the festival’s stops in red states only is both a strategic and symbolic move. In his view, these states embody the spirit of the tour. “Why would I want to play for people who don’t get it? I’d rather be with people who share my values and who love this country as much as I do,” he said, adding that his goal is to “bring together the people who still believe in American values.” He even went so far as to say that the tour is “a sanctuary for patriots,” complete with anthems, flags, and a crowd that stands “loud and proud” for the national anthem.
The festival will feature performances from fellow musicians who share Rock’s vision, including Hank Williams Jr., Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Three Doors Down, among others. With a lineup like this, Kid Rock seems determined to create a space that’s as much about unity as it is about music.
Alongside Kid Rock, other artists like Travis Tritt, Tracy Lawrence, and Aaron Lewis will perform at various stops. Not only is this lineup rich with musical legends, but it’s also designed to appeal to a crowd that isn’t afraid to wear their political heart on their sleeve. While the genre leans heavily on country and rock, Rock believes it’s about something much deeper. “These artists are true patriots who understand where I’m coming from,” he explained. “They’re here to rock, sure, but they’re also here to stand up for our way of life.”
The festival also includes a special nineties-themed happy hour featuring Shenandoah, Mark Chesnutt, Jo Dee Messina, Sammy Kershaw, Deana Carter, Afroman, Ying Yang Twins, Tone Loc, and Dee Jay Silver. Rock says he’s bringing these artists in because they understand the vision: “If you remember what music was like back in the day, before everything got ‘woke,’ then you’ll get why these guys are on the bill.”
The lineup is meant to reinforce the tour’s emphasis on traditional values. “If you’re at Rock the Country, you’re family. You’re with us, standing up for what we believe in,” Rock said.
Kid Rock has no qualms about adding a political twist to his performances. Last year’s Rock the Country tour included a video message from former President Donald Trump, who praised Rock’s “hardworking, God-fearing rock & roll patriots.” The scene included American flags waving, Trump 2024 merchandise in the audience, and even an appearance by Tucker Carlson, who gave an introduction before Rock took the stage. Rock promises to make this year’s tour just as politically charged, if not more so, saying that “if you want politics-free music, this isn’t the festival for you.”
In his statement, Rock hinted that the 2025 tour will include special patriotic tributes, appearances by other pro-America figures, and possibly a few surprises for his audience. “We’re here to remember what America’s about,” he said, “and that’s faith, freedom, and fighting for what’s right.”
For Rock, this isn’t about division, but about celebrating the people who have been “forgotten” by other festivals. “Rock the Country isn’t some elitist gathering where you have to pretend to be woke. This is real. This is the America I know and love,” he added.
Rock’s decision to limit the tour to red states has received mixed reactions, but his fan base is largely supportive. “It’s about time someone stood up and said they’re not afraid to keep it real,” one fan from Tennessee posted online. “Kid Rock is doing what no one else has the guts to do. This is more than a concert—it’s a statement.”
In red states across the country, tickets are already selling fast, with fans eager to support a festival that promises both a musical experience and a celebration of shared beliefs. “I’m driving six hours to see this,” said one fan from Alabama. “I want to be part of something that’s about freedom, pride, and standing together with people who feel the same.”
Critics, however, are quick to argue that the event risks deepening divisions. “Kid Rock has turned a music festival into a political rally,” tweeted one detractor. “It’s a shame that even music has become a battleground.”
Rock, however, is unfazed. “If you’re not with us, you’re free to sit this one out,” he responded.
As Kid Rock prepares to hit the road, he’s already looking ahead to the future. He envisions Rock the Country as more than a festival—it’s a movement. “This is just the beginning,” he hinted, noting that he plans to expand the tour even further next year. “The response has been overwhelming. People want this. They’re hungry for it.”
Despite the controversy, Rock seems more committed than ever to pushing boundaries. “This is for the people who feel like their voices aren’t heard, who love America, and who are tired of being pushed around,” he said. “I want Rock the Country to be a place where people know they belong.”
Whether you agree with Kid Rock’s political stance or not, there’s no denying his determination to keep Rock the Country rooted in his vision of patriotism, unity, and pride. And as he prepares to embark on the tour, he’s making one thing crystal clear: this isn’t just a music festival. It’s a rallying cry for everyone who believes in what he calls “real America.”
So, if you’re a fan of loud guitars, American flags, and a good dose of country pride, Kid Rock’s Rock the Country might just be the party of the year—and a place where, as he says, “we don’t apologize for loving our country.”
