Kid Rock dismisses critics of military flights as ‘just noise’ in defense
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Musician Kid Rock has responded to criticism over his recent flights with the US military, saying his commitment to the US Armed Forces is for morale boosting, not personal privilege.
Rock, whose full name is Robert Ritchie, joined the band. “Land of Will Cain” He will discuss the “noise” surrounding his recent flights with the U.S. military and share the origins of his decades-long journey to support service members.
“It all actually started with the bombing of the USS Cole,” Rock said. “They were playing my music when the ship pulled out of the harbor and 17 sailors lost their lives. So we played a show in Virginia and gave all the money to those families.”
USS Cole was attacked by Al Qaeda suicide bombers in 2000. Rock said his patriotism took a new form after meeting these sailors.
KID ROCK, HEGSETH SPLIT FANS AFTER CRITICS PROBLEM PATRIOT HELICOPTER DRIVING
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and musician Kid Rock pose for photos with soldiers in front of a helicopter. (@SecWar on X)
“That really started not only patriotism, but also me doing my part to try to go where the military called and help,” he said.
Rock described his work supporting soldiers as the “most challenging job” he had ever done, but also noted that it was the “most rewarding” job.
Last month, the artist came under criticism after joining Secretary of War Pete Hegseth for a helicopter flight in Washington, DC. The flight came after the U.S. Army investigated an unplanned flight from Rock’s home in Nashville in March.
KID ROCK, HEGSETH TOOK APACHE HELICOPTER NEAR WASHINGTON
Musician Kid Rock performs during the fourth day of the Republican National Convention at Fiserv Forum on July 18, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
While some media outlets and social media users questioned whether taxpayer money was being used for celebrity flights, Rock dismissed the criticism as “just noise”, stating that he had visited bases and flown on military aircraft for more than 20 years.
“You’re doing something for the military and they want to show you what they’re doing. So, whether it’s showing you their technology, letting you shoot weapons, letting you participate in something, you know, that’s what you do,” he said.
“I don’t need to sit here and prove what I’ve done.”
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Rock said the purpose of his latest trip with Hegseth was to shoot content for Memorial Day and the America 250 celebration. He also announced that his “Freedom 250” tour will give away 250 free tickets per show to veterans and their families.
In a post on X, Secretary Hegseth defended the partnership, calling Rock a “patriot” and “a great supporter of our troops.”
