Kid Rock, the outspoken country rock singer, is once again making headlines after abruptly walking off stage mid-performance at Jon Bon Jovi’s bar in Nashville on Saturday, February 8.
However, public meltdowns are nothing new for him—his career has been punctuated by headline-grabbing moments and controversial incidents that have garnered significant attention.
Though he is known for blending rap, rock, and country influences, Kid Rock is often in the spotlight not just for his music but also for his bold and sometimes divisive actions.
In fact, his latest controversy is just another addition to a long list of incidents that have kept him in the public eye.
That said, here are five notable instances where Kid Rock made headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Nashville Performance at Jon Bon Jovi’s Bar (2025)
Kid Rock has been making headlines recently after storming off the stage at Jon Bon Jovi’s bar during a birthday celebration for Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan.
The incident began when he became frustrated with the audience’s lack of enthusiasm while performing his rendition of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s "Proud Mary."
Though he initially received applause upon taking the stage— as seen in a video posted by TikTok user @zpierre509—he warned the crowd that he would stop singing if they didn’t clap along.
“That’s how it’s gonna go,” he said, even demonstrating how he wanted them to clap.
As the audience complied and he continued singing, he abruptly stopped and said, “You know what f--- y’all. You ain’t gonna clap, I’m gone.”
He then walked off the stage.
Display of Confederate Flag
Kid Rock has long been associated with the Confederate flag, a symbol often linked to Southern heritage but also representing slavery and white supremacy.
From 2001 to 2006, he prominently displayed the flag at his concerts, drawing criticism from civil rights groups.
While critics accused him of promoting racist symbolism, he defended its use as a tribute to Southern pride and rebellion.
Following protests after the Charleston church shooting and renewed calls for him to renounce the flag, Kid Rock stated that he had stopped using it in 2007. However, he maintained that his intent was never rooted in hate.
"[I] never flew the flag with hate in my heart [...] I love America, I love Detroit, and I love black people,” he said during the NACCP ceremony, where he was honored, in 2011.
His publicist announced he officially distanced himself from the flag in the same year.
Profanity-Laced Rant Against Oprah Winfrey, Joy Behar & Kathie Lee Gifford (2019)
In December 2019, Kid Rock was caught on video delivering a profanity-laced rant against Oprah Winfrey, Joy Behar, and Kathie Lee Gifford at his Big Ass Honky Tonk Rock N’ Roll Steakhouse in Nashville, Tennessee.
"I’m like, Oprah Winfrey or Joy Behar, they can suck d--- sideways," he said via TMZ. “F--- Oprah Winfrey and f--- Kathie Lee Gifford.”
Aware that his remarks might lead to accusations of racism, the controversial performer insisted he wasn’t the “bad guy” and claimed he was “pretty cool” and well-liked by everyone.
He was then escorted offstage by the bar’s security team. Hours after his video went viral, Kid Rock defended himself on Twitter.
“My people tried to get me to do The Oprah Winfrey show years ago and her people wanted me to write down 5 reasons why I loved her and her show,” he explained. “I said f--- that and her. End of story.”
He also refused to apologize.
Shooting Up Cases of Bud Light (2023)
Kid Rock made headlines after shooting up cases of Bud Light in response to the beer brand’s partnership with Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender woman.
The controversy began when Mulvaney posted an Instagram video celebrating the end of her 365 Days of Womanhood series, which included a Bud Light promotion featuring her likeness and a nod to March Madness.
A few days later, Kid Rock uploaded his own video on the same platform, wearing a white MAGA cap.
Standing on what appeared to be the manicured back lawn of one of his properties, he picked up a rifle and fired high-speed rounds into cases of Bud Light.
“Grandpa’s feeling a little frisky today,” he said. “Let me say something to you all and be as clear and concise as possible.”
He then grabbed a rifle and unleashed a rapid spray of bullets into cans of beer, standing on what appeared to be the manicured back lawn of one of his properties.
Fistfight with Tommy Lee at MTV VMAs (2007)
Two of rock’s most notorious personalities, Mötley Crüe’s Tommy Lee and Kid Rock, got into a fight at the MTV Video Music Awards in September 2007.
The two had longstanding bad blood, largely due to their shared history with Baywatch star Pamela Anderson—Lee was married to her from 1995 to 1998, while Kid Rock was briefly her husband from July to December 2006.
Although they had kept their distance, tensions flared when Lee approached Sean “Diddy” Combs while Kid Rock returned to his nearby seat.
While details remain unclear, witnesses claimed Lee said something that angered Kid Rock, who then slapped and punched him.
The altercation ended with Kid Rock receiving a citation for misdemeanor battery.
Attends Donald Trump Jr.’s Rally at the Peak of COVID-19 (2020)
In September 2020, amid the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kid Rock attended a rally for Donald Trump Jr. in his home state of Michigan, just weeks before the presidential election.
At the time, similar Trump campaign events had been criticized as potential “superspreader” gatherings, as they were held while the U.S. had surpassed 6.5 million COVID-19 cases and was approaching 200,000 deaths.
Kid Rock’s career has been as much about his music as it has been about his personality and controversies.
Whether it’s politics, race, or simply his own personal beliefs, he never hesitates to make his opinions known—often in the most controversial ways possible.
By the looks of it, Kid Rock will always be a lightning rod for controversy, whether he’s on stage or walking off of it.