Country star Brantley Gilbert has voiced his exasperation with artists who agree to perform at events and subsequently cancel due to public backlash. Gilbert, who performed at a February concert organized by Turning Point USA featuring Kid Rock, stated that seeing musicians back out after committing to a show is "aggravating."
Gilbert's remarks came as he discussed his own participation in the Kid Rock-hosted event, which was positioned as a counter-programming act to Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show. The Puerto Rican rapper's Super Bowl booking had generated controversy among some for his political views and for performing in Spanish.
"Man, it is aggravating seeing guys sign up and then back out," Gilbert said on the Net Positive podcast, noting that he and other performers "took a lot of heat for the Turning Point thing." He declined to name specific artists who had withdrawn from the Kid Rock show.
His comments followed a series of cancellations for President Donald Trump's Freedom 250 festival in Washington, D.C. Various acts, including Bret Michaels, Martina McBride, Morris Day, Young MC, and the Commodores, reportedly pulled out of the event. The festival was intended to celebrate 250 years of American independence.
Gilbert characterized his decision to perform at the Kid Rock event as a business and career move, allowing his children to see him perform. "It's like: 'Bro, I got to watch two quarters of football - my kids got to watch two quarters of football and see their dad play. That's cool,'" he explained. "We agreed to do it. I'm a businessman at the same time I'm an entertainer. I didn't do it for free. We get paid to play music."
He added that the timing of the large show was beneficial, especially after recently switching record labels. Gilbert stated he did not view the performance as inherently divisive. "I never once looked at it like: 'This is gonna be divisive. This is gonna be great.' It doesn't make any sense," he maintained.
Regarding Bad Bunny, Gilbert stated he was unfamiliar with the artist's music and did not understand Spanish well enough to comprehend his lyrics. He has previously performed on a USO tour and has expressed a dedication to supporting military service members and their families.
Gilbert himself faced significant criticism for performing at the Kid Rock show, which was described as a celebration of "American culture, freedom, and faith." The event also featured country singers Gabby Barrett and Lee Brice. Following the backlash, Gilbert released a statement that touched upon his history as a recovering addict and his Christian faith, emphasizing his personal growth and love for his country. He also highlighted his role as a husband and father.