Multi-platinum rockers SHINEDOWN have become the latest act to pull out of this year's edition of Rock The Country, the country music festival launched in 2024 by headliner Kid Rock.

Kid Rock will top this year's bill, along with fellow Donald Trump supporter Jason Aldean, and an undercard that includes everyone from CREED to Gavin Adcock, Brantley Gilbert and Nelly.

SHINEDOWN was only scheduled to perform at the Anderson, South Carolina stop of Rock The Country on July 26.

In a statement posted to social media earlier today (Friday, February 6), SHINEDOWN announced its decision to drop out of the festival, citing concerns over the event's political undertones.

The band wrote: "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." Just last month, SHINEDOWN drummer Barry Kerch was asked by The Vinyl Road podcast if SHINEDOWN had gotten any pushback for agreeing to play this year's Rock The Country — which isn't explicitly a political event.

Barry said at the time: "There's been tons...

I don't care.

I'm just gonna go play a show." SHINEDOWN is known for their apolitical stance and commitment to unity through music.

In 2019, Kerch explained that SHINEDOWN is a democracy where every member has an equal say.

The band regularly holds meetings to discuss any issues or concerns, and has made it clear they won't participate in anything that creates division.

SHINEDOWN recently announced they will be headlining the Sonic Temple festival on Friday, May 15, 2026.

Their performance will anchor the festival's second night, with MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, BRING ME THE HORIZON and TOOL leading the other days of the lineup.