Tensions between music and politics flared up again this week after Tom Morello Ridicules Clip of Kid Rock Playing to a Thin Crowd at a Turning Point USA Event, sparking a wave of reactions across social media.
Morello’s Sharp-Witted Response
Tom Morello has never been shy about voicing his political beliefs. But this time, instead of launching into a fiery critique, the guitarist chose sarcasm. After watching a viral video of Kid Rock performing to what appeared to be a sparse audience at a Turning Point USA event, Morello offered a pointed remark online.
On Wednesday (Feb. 11), Morello reshared the clip on X, showing Kid Rock onstage during the organization’s so-called “All-American Halftime Show” — an alternative program positioned against the Super Bowl’s official halftime entertainment. In the footage, Kid Rock performs energetically for a visibly small crowd. At one point, he encourages the audience to wave their hands along with the beat, but the response appears muted, with few attendees participating.
Adding his own spin to the moment, Morello wrote, “America is finally great again. Thank you,” a clear nod to former President Donald Trump’s well-known campaign slogan. The post quickly circulated, drawing both applause and criticism from users on the platform.
Questions Surround the Performance
It remains uncertain whether the widely shared clip was filmed during the official taping of Turning Point USA’s program or during a rehearsal session. The event reportedly included performances from country stars like Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett.
Kid Rock later addressed speculation about the performance, clarifying that the showcase had been prerecorded rather than broadcast live. He also dismissed rumors suggesting he lip-synced during the set. In a video message posted to his social media accounts, he firmly denied the claims, insisting that if he were ever to lip-sync — something he said he wouldn’t do — one of his signature songs would be the last track he’d choose for that purpose.
He further criticized what he described as online amplification of misleading narratives, calling out detractors and media outlets that, in his view, distorted the situation.
Morello’s Support for Bad Bunny
Beyond the sarcasm aimed at Kid Rock’s performance, Morello used his platform to show enthusiastic support for Bad Bunny, who headlined the official Super Bowl halftime show. The alternative event by Turning Point USA had positioned itself in contrast to the mainstream broadcast, drawing commentary from across the political and music spectrum.
Morello reshared multiple posts praising Bad Bunny and criticizing the competing halftime effort. Among them was a message from Zach Bryan, who openly expressed embarrassment over the idea of staging a rival halftime show for political reasons. Bryan argued that such efforts felt unnecessary and divisive, regardless of political affiliation.
Activism Beyond Social Media
Morello’s involvement in political and social causes extended well beyond online commentary. He attended the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, where he shared images on Instagram displaying an “ICE Out” banner. The gesture was aimed at protesting immigration enforcement operations taking place across the United States.
In January, following reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers shot two civilians in Minneapolis, Morello traveled to the city and organized a benefit concert to stand in solidarity with the local community. The move reflected his long-standing reputation as both a musician and activist unafraid to intertwine art with advocacy.
