Rock band Shinedown has pulled out of the 2026 Rock the Country touring festival, which celebrates America’s 250th anniversary of independence. The first stop was scheduled for July 25-26 in Anderson, South Carolina. In their statement, the band emphasized their mission to “unite, not divide,” saying they do not wish to participate in an event they believe could cause further division. They described Shinedown as “everyone’s band,” with the goal of bringing people together through music, and noted that their only “boss” is the audience.
The decision has sparked significant backlash on social media, with some fans calling it a “woke” move, expressing disappointment, and accusing the band of lacking backbone or catering to certain pressures. Others have supported the choice as principled and unifying. The festival features artists like Kid Rock, Jelly Roll, Jason Aldean, and more. Previous acts have also withdrawn, and the Anderson date has now been canceled.
Source: Compiled from reports by Fox News, Billboard, Loudwire, MLive, and other major outlets (published February 6-7, 2026).

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