Olympia Entertainment has defended its decision to allow Kid Rock to play the first concert at its new Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, despite the US singer having attracted criticism for displaying Confederate regalia.
Born in the Michigan village of Romeo, Kid Rock is scheduled to open the venue with his gig on September 12, after an official ribbon-cutting ceremony that takes place tomorrow (Tuesday).
Kid Rock, who regularly plays gigs in Detroit, has shown the Confederate flag on stage at previous concerts and despite reportedly dropping this practice in 2011, is still associated with such activities.
Those opposed to the concert have announced plans to stage a protest on the day of the concert, citing the Confederate links as the main reason for this movement.
“Please join us as we rally against symbols of white supremacy and hate in our amazing city of Detroit,” the ‘Anti-Kid Rock Rally’ event said on its Facebook page.
“We will not stand by silently as the Confederate regalia supporting embarrassment to Detroit known as Kid Rock performs the inaugural concert at Little Caesars Arena downtown”
However, according to the Mlive.com website, Olympia Entertainment distanced itself from Kid Rock’s political views and instead focused on the support he has shown the city over the years.
“Kid Rock has been a consistent supporter of Detroit, and the marketplace has responded accordingly to his appearances,” Olympia Entertainment said in a statement. “Performing artists’ viewpoints in no way represent an endorsement of those viewpoints by Olympia Entertainment.
“We continue to offer a diverse mix of the world’s best entertainers in our Detroit venues, including artists ranging from Paul McCartney to Jay-Z, Janet Jackson to Shania Twain, Big Sean to Andrea Bocelli and so many more.
“The politics, choices and personal views of these artists are as varied as the types of music enjoyed by our fans.”
Olympia Entertainment’s statement comes after it was recently revealed that the new venue will also feature a Kid Rock-themed eatery, ‘Made in Detroit’.
Image: US Army
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