Kid Rock Honors Conservative Influencer Charlie Kirk With Lyric Change At Hondo Rodeo Fest
on Nov 12, 2025
Turning Point USA CEO and conservative influencer Charlie Kirk was killed during a tour stop at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday, September 10. Kirk was debating with students during his famous “Prove Me Wrong” segment when he was killed by a gunman.
As news of Kirk’s death spread, tributes poured in, including many from members of the country music community. Among those who honored the late activist were Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Cody Johnson, Jamey Johnson, Kid Rock, Lee Greenwood, Gary LeVox, and Parker McCollum.
An outspoken Trump supporter, Kid Rock recently appeared on Jesse Watters Primetime on FoxNews to discuss what he believed the role the media is playing as political sides spar over the potential motive behind Kirk’s killing. The rocker called the mainstream media “fricking public enemy number one right now.”
Kid Rock accused media of ignoring positive, bi-partisan news and focusing on divisive topics.
“I’m not saying there aren’t crazy right-wingers that do some of this stuff. There’s a little bit of guilty on both sides. But these people, they’re supposed to be this inclusive this, that, or the other, and they’re the ones who don’t want to talk and get along with anyone,” he told Watters.
Kid Rock Honors Charlie Kirk At Hondo Rodeo Fest
Kid Rock stepped in for Cody Johnson as the headliner at Hondo Rodeo Fest on November 8, after Johnson canceled due to surgery for a burst eardrum. During his set, Kid Rock performed Johnson’s hit song “’Til You Can’t” and surprised the crowd by adding a new verse dedicated to Kirk.
Before performing, Rock told the audience that he felt “something was missing” from the original song and was inspired to write the new verse in Kirk’s honor.
“Now, a few weeks ago, I woke up alone early on a Sunday morning and had this song stuck in my head. And in that moment, someone or something spoke to me and told me there was still a verse missing from this song, and to get up and write it down. So I did. And now, I know exactly who was speaking to me that morning,” he said as a photo of Kirk appeared on the screens behind him.
@roseannasalesphoto Loved this! #kidrock #codyjohnson @The Hondo Rodeo Fest @Cody Johnson ♬ original sound – Roseanna Sales Photo
Kirk’s photo remained displayed on the stage backdrop throughout the rest of his performance.
“There’s a book that is sitting in your house somewhere that could use some dusting off/ There’s a man that died for all our sins/ hanging from the cross/ You can give your life to Jesus/ and he’ll give you a second chance/ ’til you can’t, ’til you can’t,” he sang on the newly added verse while strumming an acoustic guitar.
@rando_t12 Kid Rock at @The Hondo Rodeo Fest cover of @Cody Johnson Til you Can’t, honoring @Charlie Kirk #hondorodeo #rodeo #codyjohnson #kiddock #usa ♬ original sound – Rando
