Riley Green says his decision to perform at Rock The Country Music Festival has nothing to do with politics.
The country-based festival travels to multiple cities across the U.S. every year, featuring a large lineup of performers at each stop. The event describes itself on its official website as “a celebration of community, tradition, and the spirit that’s carried America through 250 years.”
Over time, though, the festival has found itself at the center of controversy, with some people associating it with right-wing political views.
Politics is not officially part of the festival’s branding, but some fans have linked it to that perception because of its main headliner, Kid Rock, who is very well known as an outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump.
A few artists have now pulled out of Rock The Country because of ongoing backlash tied to the event. Ludacris, Morgan Wade, and Carter Faith announced that they will no longer perform.
However, some artists are standing firm in their decision to stay on the lineup.
Riley Green Stands Firm On His Decision To Play At Rock The Country
Country heartthrob Riley Green was recently announced as part of the Rock the Country roster for the first time, and his addition caught some fans off guard since he doesn’t usually surround himself with anything politically charged.
Now, he’s addressing the reaction and making it clear why he plans to go ahead with his scheduled appearance.
“The simplest way I can put it is if somebody calls me and wants me to come play a festival and financially it makes sense, then I’m probably going to go do it,” Green said during an interview with Billboard.
” I don’t ask a lot of questions beyond that.”
Green has never built his career around politics, and he says that’s not changing now. For him, it’s always been about the music and sharing a love for country songs with fans.
“Rock the Country sounds like a fun festival,” he continued. “I don’t see any benefit in me making anything political. I think people go to concerts to try to get away from their everyday problems and enjoy country music. My job is to entertain them.”
Green doesn’t appear to have time for any drama. The “I Wish Grandpa’s Never Died” singer has one heck of a busy year coming up.
Earlier this month, it was announced that he would be one of the new coaches on Season 30 of The Voice. He’s also set to host the CMA Fest TV special next week alongside GMA’s Lara Spencer.
Green also just dropped a surprise album announcement. The album, titled That’s Just Me, will be released on September 18.
