MAGA-friendly ‘Rock The Country’ event in Anderson canceled

Likewise, early 2000s Christian-inspired rock band Creed — which was to be a premier headliner in Anderson — has been quietly removed from the event’s website as of Feb. 6.

The website also removed the stop in Anderson, leaving only Bellville, Texas; Bloomingdale, Ga.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; Ashland, Ky.; Hastings, Mich.; Ocala, Fla.; and Hamburg, N.Y.

A host of popular artists remain listed, including Kid Rock, Aldean, Blake Shelton, Jelly Roll, and Brooks and Dunn, among others.

The two-day Upstate event was to be held July 25-26 at the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center.

In its first year in 2024, “Rock The Country” drew about 25,000 people and generated about $17 million for the state, Anderson County reported.

“Rock The Country” was primarily founded by Kid Rock, and while it wasn’t overtly billed as a political event, it served as a counter-cultural haven for MAGA-leaning ideology, with outspoken criticism of former President Joe Biden and progressive political policies.

Kid Rock campaigned for President Donald Trump ahead of the 2024 election, has visited the White House and, to kick off a 2022 concert tour, had the president introduce him via a pre-recorded video.

On Feb. 8, Kid Rock will host a televised concert during halftime of the Super Bowl to serve as a counter-performance to the game’s halftime performer — Puerto Rico-born Bad Bunny — who has drawn the ire of MAGA voices for comments such as his recent criticism at the Grammy Awards of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement crackdowns.

Anderson County will take an economic hit from the cancellation, Burns said, but the county hopes to recoup that with future shows. He said the past two “Rock The Country” events proved the county can successfully host large concert events.