Kid Rock says he was stunned when Jelly Roll suddenly reached out and asked him to perform at the Northwest California Country Festival this weekend.
The request reportedly caught Kid Rock off guard because the two singers had a very different conversation the last time Kid Rock offered to perform at one of Jelly Roll’s events.
According to Kid Rock, he reached out last year with an offer to play a short set. He said Jelly Roll turned him down, explaining that Kid Rock wasn’t a big enough draw and was too political for the event.
“I reached out last year and offered to do a quick set,” Kid Rock said. “He told me I wasn’t a big enough draw and was too political. Now he wants me because he needs help? No way, buddy.”
Kid Rock said he couldn’t understand why someone who previously rejected his offer would suddenly contact him when a festival was facing problems.
The request comes as Jelly Roll deals with controversy surrounding a recent message to his fans about his music. According to Kid Rock, several performers have backed out of the upcoming festival, leaving organizers scrambling to keep the event’s lineup intact.
“That’s how you know things aren’t working out as planned if you start having to call people up to save your show,” Kid Rock said. “I won’t be there.”
The singer said he has nothing against the fans attending the festival and hopes they enjoy the event. His objection, he explained, is primarily about being contacted only after other performers allegedly decided to walk away.
Kid Rock also questioned the reasoning behind the original rejection.
“If I’m too political when things are going well, why am I suddenly not too political when you need somebody?” he asked.
The situation has added another chapter to the growing tension surrounding Jelly Roll’s relationship with other performers.
Jelly Roll has built a large following in country music, but his recent statements have generated controversy among some fans and fellow musicians. While some artists have continued to support him, others have reportedly distanced themselves from his upcoming events.
As the festival approaches, organizers are now attempting to fill the gaps left by departing performers.
Kid Rock said he could have been part of the solution if the invitation had arrived under different circumstances.
“I would have been happy to help last year,” he said. “I offered. They said no. You don’t get to come back later and act like I was your first choice.”
He also rejected the idea that his decision was simply about money.
“It isn’t about the paycheck,” Kid Rock said. “It’s about respect. If you don’t respect what I bring to the table, that’s fine. But don’t call me when the table starts falling apart.”
With the festival only days away, the pressure is now on organizers to finalize the lineup.
Whether Jelly Roll can find replacement performers remains to be seen.
Kid Rock, however, says his answer won’t change.
“I hope the festival goes great,” he said. “But I’m not walking onto that stage.”
For now, Jelly Roll will have to look elsewhere for the performer he needs to fill the vacant spot, while Kid Rock appears perfectly comfortable watching the situation unfold from a distance.
