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During a performance at the Pine Knob Music Theatre last night, Detroit native and rocker Kid Rock let it be known that he might be retiring from touring. Rock revealed that this may be his final tour, at least for the time being, because he has two grandchildren whom he wants to see.
“I thank all of you for an unbelievable life beyond my wildest dreams,” Rock said. “I’m pretty sure this is the last time you’ll see me for a while.”
Rock didn’t specify his plans but said he wanted to spend more time with his family.
“I’ve got two beautiful babies at home, and I want to be there for them,” he said.
It’s unclear if this means Kid Rock is retiring from music altogether, or just taking a break from touring. Either way, it’s a touching message from one of Detroit’s most famous sons.
The rocker, who is originally from Romeo, Michigan, was performing at the DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkston when he made the emotional speech.
Rock, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, said: “You never know what the future holds. But if we do a few events a year, it’d be a pretty safe bet that something will be in Michigan. Maybe we’ll get bored in a few years and go at it again.
“I want to say thank you to all of you for an unbelievable life beyond my wildest dreams. God bless each and every one of you. I love you, Michigan.”
The 46-year-old musician has been performing sporadically over the past few years but has not toured since 2015.
In December, he sparked rumors of a comeback when he announced that he was ‘releasing a new album and going on tour in 2019.’
He has not released any new music since his 2017 album ‘Sweet Southern Sugar,’ but it is not clear if the new album he teased is a solo project or with his band, Twisted Brown Trucker.
Rock continued: “But I tell ’em every night, if this was my last time here it’s been great. I thank all of you especially, here in my hometown, for an unbelievable life beyond my wildest dreams. You’ve been such a huge part of that. And I will forever love you so much.”
Rock’s voice has stayed strong at 51. He still reaches the high notes on songs like “Born Free,” which he sang Friday in its original key with his current backing group, vocalist Kat Perkins, who was his duet partner for “Picture.”
Kid Rock is best known for hits such as ‘Bawitdaba,’ ‘Cowboy’ and ‘All Summer Long.’ He has sold over 26 million albums worldwide and has won five Grammy Awards.
The rocker kicked things off with a bang, playing hits like “Bawitdaba” and “Cowboy” to get the crowd pumped up.
But it was his cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” that got the crowd going, with everyone singing along at the top of their lungs.
And of course, no Kid Rock show would be complete without a little bit of political commentary.
The singer aimed the “fake news media” and the “Hollywood elite”, prompting more cheers from the audience.
