Kid Rock, with his hat pulled down over his ears, sat on a simple stool at the American Music Awards and sang a love letter to Detroit with his song “Times Like These.” The song talks about our struggles and our dedication to this city.
Kid Rock talks about his new album, Born Free, on his website:
“The catalyst for this record was Detroit, and my thoughts on the world through the lens of Detroit. Watching everything go downhill over the past few years, the economy, the loss of jobs everywhere, I wanted to make a record that reflected the times but that still had soul."
The images projected on the screens behind him drilled the point home for us locals. Our Spirit of Detroit, the Joe Louis Fist, and the "Welcome to Michigan" sign were all featured prominently on the national stage.
I got goose bumps while watching, and from the look of my Twitter feed, I wasn’t the only one. Maybe, just maybe, people from around the country took notice of those images.
I also saw a few ‘Negative Nellies’ that wanted it made loud and clear that the Kid isn’t from Detroit. Yes, he grew up in Romeo and lives out in the suburbs. But, really? Does that matter?
Kid Rock, and our other hometown boy Eminem, wear their love of Detroit on their shirtsleeves. That’s enough for me. They don’t deny where they are from but shout to the world that this city of ours has a lot to offer.
If Kid Rock sang about Romeo the ‘Negative Nellies’ would complain that he was turning his back on Detroit. And the rest of the world wouldn’t know what the heck he was talking about.
If you didn’t get a chance to see him on the AMA’s watch the video and let me know what you think.
Stay tuned to Detroit Moxie later in the week for more Kid Rock. I have an amazing opportunity on Wednesday to get a sneak peek of his halftime show for the Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day game. The United Way for Southeastern Michigan is thanking its Super volunteers & advocates with this special treat and they invited me along. I might just get to meet him too!