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Shinedown Exits Rock the Country, Anderson, S.C. Dates Canceled

The band said playing the Kid Rock–led tour would undermine its goal of uniting fans.

Overview

  • Shinedown announced it will not play the traveling festival, saying it does not want to "participate in something we believe will create further division."
  • Following the exit, the festival removed the July 25–26 Anderson, South Carolina stop from its website, and a county official confirmed both dates were canceled.
  • The withdrawal comes after earlier departures by Ludacris, Morgan Wade and Carter Faith, marking at least four acts no longer on the 2026 bill.
  • Festival webpages and posters have been updated to reflect artist and date removals, with some previously listed performers no longer appearing in promotional materials.
  • Drummer Barry Kerch had recently criticized Ludacris for leaving, creating a notable contrast with Shinedown's subsequent decision; remaining tour stops and headliners, including Kid Rock and Jason Aldean, are still scheduled.