Fans react to Canadian band Nickelback co-headlining a patriotic tour ... in the U.S.
Canadian rock act Nickelback and Kid Rock are co-headlining the 2025 edition of Rock the Country touring across the United States through July.
Rock the Country's website describes the event as 'more than just a festival — it's a gathering for the true heart of America. This is where hardworking, God-fearing patriots unite under the open sky, celebrating the freedom we hold dear and the power of live music to connect us all.'
The tour, which started April 4, makes stops in 10 small towns, primarily in the Southern U.S.
Nickelback and Kid Rock perform all dates with rotating support from Hank Williams Jr., Lynyrd Skynyrd, Lee Greenwood, Travis Tritt and others. Nickelback, who are from Alberta, appears to be the only Canadian act on the bill. The band's inclusion in the event was announced in March.
Rock, who Rollingstone.com describes as a 'MAGA mouthpiece,' visited the White House in March to show support for an executive order to help curb ticket scalping and curtail live event pricing. The singer also performed at the MAGA victory rally before Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration.
The tour's stops, such as the April 26 stop in Greenback, TN., have included a recorded introduction by President Donald Trump for Kid Rock's performance.
The Detroit musician has posted content about Rock the Country as being a music festival for underserved small town American locations for 'people who work hard and love America.' Noting that the event is open to all, he stressed it's a tour that is 'pro patriotic' and for people who take their caps off and stand for the national anthem.
Nickelback bassist Mike Kroeger expressed excitement about being on the tour in a statement to Global News.
'We're really looking forward to hitting the road and visiting some amazing towns, especially in places we've never played before,' said Kroeger. 'There's something special about connecting with fans in these communities, and we're ready to bring our best and truly rock the country. Can't wait to see you all out there!'
Fans seem divided on the Canadian band's participation in the American patriotic tour.
On social media, the band launched a contest for fans to win a trip to be its special guest at Rock the Country and one of the first comments was from user @hi.t.ania observing 'Didn't know you guys were Trumpers. Boo.'
Politics played a far less prominent role in the comments than did complaints about ticket prices. Tickets for Rock the Country range from US$140 to $620 for the whole weekend.
Another post on Meta announcing Rock the South included a comment from a fan named Jason Spring who suggested an alternative called 'Rock the West' with potential headliners Loverboy, Bryan Adams and Nickelback to 'Make Vancouver Great Again.' Another user named Juanita Gill asked: '
How about Rock The North? Like .'
Nickelback plays a sold out show at Laketown Amphitheatre in Lake Cowichan on Aug. 9. Billed as a 'proudly Canadian' concert, the show also includes The Glorious Sons and Sam Roberts Band. Before these dates, Nickelback is also appearing alongside Kid Rock, 3 Doors Down and others at the Rock the South tour in Cullman, Alabama. The event is heralded as 'the biggest party in the South.'
The band was not available for comment at press time.
sderdeyn@postmedia.com
Nickelback headlines 'Proudly Canadian' concert lineup, John Legend at Rogers Arena and more Vancouver music news
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