Kid Rock was reportedly caught off guard when he received a sudden call from Jelly Roll asking him to perform at the Northwest California Country Festival this weekend.
The invitation came as a surprise because, according to Kid Rock, the situation was almost the complete opposite just a year earlier. He said he had previously reached out to Jelly Roll and offered to perform a short set, only to have the offer rejected.
“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 the sudden change of attitude left him wondering what had happened behind the scenes.
The country festival is scheduled to take place this weekend, but according to Kid Rock, several performers have reportedly backed out following controversy surrounding Jelly Roll’s recent message to his fans about his music.
With the lineup facing unexpected changes, Jelly Roll allegedly began reaching out to other artists in an effort to keep the festival performances moving forward.
Kid Rock, however, said he wasn’t interested in accepting the invitation.
“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 noted. “I won’t be there.”
The situation has added another twist to the ongoing controversy surrounding Jelly Roll and his relationship with other country performers.
Jelly Roll has developed a significant following in country music, but his recent comments have generated debate among fans and fellow artists. Some performers have continued to support him, while others have reportedly decided to distance themselves from the festival.
For Kid Rock, the issue appears to be less about the current controversy and more about what he described as a matter of principle.
He said he remembers being told that he wasn’t the right fit when he previously offered to help, making it difficult for him to accept an invitation now simply because circumstances have changed.
“I don’t forget things like that,” Kid Rock said. “If you don’t want me when everything is going great, don’t call me when you’re suddenly in trouble.”
The musician also questioned why Jelly Roll would now consider him suitable for the event after previously describing him as too political.
“I guess the rules changed,” Kid Rock joked. “But they changed a little too late for me.”
The festival organizers now face the challenge of filling the gaps created by performers who have allegedly withdrawn from the event. Whether additional artists will step forward remains unclear.
Kid Rock, meanwhile, appears comfortable staying away.
He said he has no hard feelings toward the festival or its audience but doesn’t believe accepting the invitation would be the right decision.
“People are going to show up expecting a great country festival,” he said. “I hope they have a great time. But I won’t be the guy they called at the last minute to fix everything.”
The decision leaves Jelly Roll looking for another solution as the festival approaches.
For Kid Rock, however, the answer was simple: he had already offered his services once, and he isn’t interested in making the same offer twice.