Kid Rock is officially out with Chevrolet, according to The Detroit News. Chevrolet ended its relationship with the country rocker at the end of 2015 and the brand did not renew a contract.
Instead, the brand announced Luke Bryan as its new brand ambassador. Chevrolet and Bryan both implied it was a natural fit, as Bryan had already used a Chevrolet Silverado on stage during multiple concerts and shows. Bryan will promote the entire Chevy brand, not just trucks, though.
Kid Rock and Chevrolet had come under fire last year for the rocker’s alleged use of the Confederate flag during shows, with groups prepared to protest General Motors unless Chevy pulled its sponsorship of Rock’s shows. Chevrolet did not end its sponsorship, and the group did not protest the automaker in the end.
“Chevrolet has enjoyed its relationship with Kid Rock, both sponsoring his 2015 summer concert tour as well as collaborating with him on the creation of his customized 2016 Silverado 3500HD that we displayed at the SEMA show in Las Vegas,” Chevrolet said in a statement. “While our business arrangement concluded at the end of 2015, our relationship remains very positive.”
Comments
Bryan is a superstar, you don’t have to like country to know and/or like at least on of his songs. He’s also a great personality and performer, it’s a good fit to be a brand spokesperson. He also co-owns a hunting company Buck Commander with the guys from Duck Dynasty and other country music artists, so maybe we’ll see a Buck Commander Silverado/Colorado in 2017 to replace the 2016 Realtree
While I’m not a fan of Kid Rock or anyone who uses the Confederate flag to promote racism, I thought it was sort of refreshing that Chevy didn’t cave under the storm which disappeared as quickly as it started to fire Kid Rock last year when the controversy first popped up.. as it gave Chevy an edge that they were willing to be defiant sort of like Kid Rock’s song ‘Born Free’; but in the end.. the political correct camp prevailed by letting Kid Rock’s contract to expire as it’s easier than saying someone is fired.
Kid Rock didn’t use the flag to promote racism. It’s the history and racial connotation that is embedded in the flag that is the issue. Many use it to promote a racial agenda, he was not one of them.
Kid had not used the flag in years and the media just got it wrong like so much else in their rage to drive agenda news.
As for the flag there is so much not understood about the war and the flag or even the south. If you believe the agenda media everyone down south is a racist,
The problem anymore is so many flock to the web for news and can not figure out if it is news or opinion.
I like country music but generally the older stuff and could not tell you one Bryant song but he should help connect with younger buyers. I tire of the copy cat clones of today’s country music. I wish they would stop worrying about the right look or image and just get the best pickers and singer. But that is another story.
Chevrolet needs Tim Allen IMO.