Kid Rock appeared on 'Real Time With Bill Maher' to discuss Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show, expressing unexpected respect for the performance. Despite not being his style, Rock appreciated Lamar's unapologetic approach and linked the show's success to DEI initiatives and Colin Kaepernick's activism. He also criticized the concert ticket industry and announced a new gospel album.
Kid Rock made headlines with his unexpected reaction to Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show during an appearance on 'Real Time With Bill Maher.' While the performance wasn't his preferred style, Rock expressed admiration for Lamar's unapologetic approach, drawing parallels to his own career. The conversation delved into the impact of DEI initiatives and Colin Kaepernick's activism on Lamar's opportunity, as well as broader issues in the music industry.
During his appearance on 'Real Time With Bill Maher,' Kid Rock shared his thoughts on Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show. Despite acknowledging that the performance wasn't his 'cup of tea,' Rock expressed respect for Lamar's unapologetic style. 'This kid pretty much came out figuratively with both middle fingers in the air, doing what he does for the people who love what he does, unapologetically,' he told Maher. Rock related this to his own career, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in art [1] [2].
Kid Rock speculated on how Kendrick Lamar secured his spot at the Super Bowl, attributing it to the NFL's DEI initiatives and the influence of Colin Kaepernick's activism. Rock suggested that the NFL's focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, spearheaded by figures like Jay-Z, paved the way for Lamar's performance. He humorously remarked that Lamar and Jay-Z should thank Kaepernick for creating the social climate that allowed for such a performance [3] [4].
In addition to discussing the Super Bowl performance, Kid Rock addressed issues within the concert ticket industry. He criticized the current state of concert ticket sales, describing it as 'complete horse s—,' and called for reforms to protect consumers. Rock highlighted the TICKET Act, a revived legislative proposal aimed at introducing mandatory pricing transparency and refund requirements for canceled events. He pointed to European markets, such as France, which have implemented price caps on ticket resales, suggesting similar measures could benefit the U.S. market [1].
Kid Rock's appearance on 'Real Time With Bill Maher' revealed a complex perspective on Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show and the surrounding cultural dynamics. While acknowledging the role of DEI initiatives and Colin Kaepernick's activism, Rock maintained a focus on authenticity in art, a principle that resonates with his own career. His critique of the concert ticket industry further highlighted his engagement with broader issues affecting the music scene. As he prepares for a new gospel album, Kid Rock continues to challenge expectations and provoke discussions across the entertainment landscape.
"This kid pretty much came out figuratively with both middle fingers in the air, doing what he does for the people who love what he does, unapologetically." - Kid Rock
"I think Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar should both send Colin Kaepernick a Bundt cake and a six-pack of beer and a ‘thank you’ note with a bunch of money in it." - Kid Rock