There weren’t many quiet moments during Kid Rock’s nearly two-hour appearance Friday night at Pine Knob Music Theatre.
But a key one came late in the show.
Taking the stage alone and idly picking at an acoustic guitar, Rock confirmed to the hometown crowd what he’s been hinting at for a couple of years now: This may very well be his final tour.
The Romeo-bred rap-rocker is 51, as he pointed out. He’s been performing for three decades, he went on to say, and he’s got two grandchildren he’s eager to spend time with.
“You never know what the future holds,” he said. “But if we do a few events a year, it’d be a pretty safe bet that something will be in Michigan.”
At the very least, Rock said, he’s definitely taking a break.
“Maybe we’ll get bored in a few years and go at it again,” Rock said. “But I tell ‘em every night (on the tour): 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.”
Potential farewells aside, it was a familiar sort of night with Kid Rock, who was playing the first of a two-show stand and his first Pine Knob date in three years. The capacity crowd of 15,000-plus arrived armed with energy, and though Rock has been based in Nashville for several years now, it was clear that a Detroit show is still a destination event for hard-core fans, including many who’d traveled from around the country for the occasion.
Taking the stage in a black bowler hat and “DETROIT”-emblazoned jacket, he rolled out the heavy punches: “Devil Without a Cause,” “You Never Met A …,” “American Bad Ass,” “Cocky.” He was 20 minutes in before giving himself a breather via “All Summer Long” and “First Kiss,” the 2015 single that will likely go down as Rock’s last bid for a crossover mainstream hit.
There was the customary showmanship — a night full of lasers, smoke, pyro and concussion mortars. Video screens lined the stage backdrop, and a pair of giant golden eagles flanked the tall platform behind Rock. Confetti descended for “Rock n Roll Jesus,” followed by red-white-and-blue streamers and fireworks for “Born Free.”
Routines that have marked his shows for ages were intact: A tribute to late sidekick Joe C. The audience singalong of “Kii-id, Rock-Rock.” Female pole dancers (though now appearing on prerecorded video). The “3 Sheets to the Wind” piece that saw Rock bouncing from turntables to guitar to talkbox to drums.
And there were the familiar faces of his Twisted Brown Trucker band — longtimers such as Jimmie Bones (keyboards), Jason Krause (guitar), Stefanie Eulinberg (drums), Aaron Julison (bass) and Marlon Young (guitar).
At 51, Rock has held onto his voice, still getting to the high notes on songs such as “Born Free,” performed Friday in its original key. Singer Kat Perkins, a onetime “The Voice” semifinalist who’s now part of his backing trio, was his duet partner for “Picture.”
Four new songs made the set, including a pair — “Don’t Tell Me How to Live” and “We the People” — that serve as Kid Rock’s political middle finger, packed with MAGA messages, anti-media sentiments and a call for populist unity.
The latter was preceded by a video intro from former President Donald Trump, who prompted wild cheers when he described Kid Rock fans as “the true backbone of our great country — hardworking, God-fearing, rock ‘n’ roll patriots.”
“Let’s make America rock again,” Trump said, donning a red hat with that slogan.
Rock saved his most strenuous song for last, wrapping up the night with “Bawitdaba.”
Earlier Friday evening, Foreigner played an hour-long opening set with Lou Gramm-soundalike Kelly Hansen, serving up crowd-pleasing, note-for-note renditions of hits such as “Feels Like the First Time,” “Urgent” and “Juke Box Hero.”
Friday was the 37th Pine Knob show of Kid Rock’s career. He’ll be back at it Saturday night for another full house, again with Foreigner in the opening spot. His Bad Reputation Tour is set to wrap up Oct. 8 in Laughlin, Nevada.
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