Rock the Country Festival Issues Statement After Canceling Show

Carly SilvaMon, February 9, 2026 at 11:45 PM UTC

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(BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images)

Rock the Country has issued a statement after canceling one of the previously-announced dates for this year's music festival.

The controversial music festival recently had to call off the shows scheduled for Anderson, S.C., after nearly all of the headlining artists pulled out of the performance.

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"We're truly sorry we won't be bringing the show to Anderson," Rock the Country announced in a statement shared via Instagram on Monday, Feb. 9. "Our fans work hard for their money, and we refuse to put on a show that doesn't meet the standard they deserve."

Nearly the entire main lineup for the South Carolina shows, which were supposed to take place July 25-26, ultimately dropped out of the event, including Creed, Shinedown, Ludacris and Morgan Wade.

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The event, headlined by some polarizing acts like Kid Rock and Jason Aldean, has been plagued with several lineup drop-outs since it was first announced last month, while critics have dubbed the festival as "MAGA-fest" over its association with outwardly conservative artists.

Rock the Country is said to have been "created to unite people together through music," according to the statement released on Monday, which also read, "Our lineups and our crowds reflect that sentiment—a wide range of voices, backgrounds, and stories that make up this country."

The statement continued: "Our focus remains where it's always been: supporting our artists, honoring our fans, and delivering unforgettable nights throughout the country."

"The shows ahead represent the heart of what Rock the Country stands for: music, community, and pride in where we come from."

"Loving America isn't political; It's who we are," the statement concluded.

Now that the South Carolina shows have been cancelled, Rock the Country 2026 will feature performances in 7 different cities, with artists like Blake Shelton, Jelly Roll, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn and more stars still scheduled to perform.

Related: Country Star Zach Bryan Makes Intense Political Statement Over Turning Point USA Show

This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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