Kid Rock honors Charlie Kirk at The Hondo Rodeo Fest two months after the assassination

Singer-songwriter Kid Rock took the stage at the Hondo Rodeo Fest at Phoenix, Arizona, where he paid a musical tribute to Charlie Kirk on November 8. The singer honored Kirk, who was killed after being shot in the neck while speaking at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on September 10.

In a sentimental nod to Kirk, Kid Rock, during his headlining set at Chase Field, said,

“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.”

Progressively breaking into a song, Kid Rock continued,

“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, until you can’t.”

The singer then went on to continue singing a verse of Cody Johnson’s 'Til You Can’t. According to a clip from the performance, the screen behind Kid Rock began displaying Charlie Kirk’s photograph to much applause from the audience. Netizens responding to the clip from the concert noted that it will be two months to Kirk’s assassination on November 10.

Love this Kid Rock tribute to Charlie Kirk at The Hondo Rodeo Fest 🔥🙏🏼

Tomorrow will be exactly 2 months since Charlie was assassinated pic.twitter.com/CmINHWDaw8

— TONY™ (@TONYxTWO) November 10, 2025

It is notable that Kid Rock was finalized as the headliner for day 2 of the Hondo Rodeo Fest only a month before the event. Interestingly, Rock was roped in to perform after Cody Johnson ruptured his ear drum and underwent emergency surgery, according to KTAR News.

Kid Rock showed his support for Charlie Kirk in the days following the latter’s death

After Charlie Kirk’s passing, Kid Rock took to his social media account to write a tribute for the Turning Point USA founder. While asking his fans to pray for Kirk, he wrote,

“God Bless Charlie Kirk. A true PATRIOT. Pray for him. Kid Rock”

Rock also commented on the divisive landscape online after Kirk’s death. While appearing on Jesse Watters Primetime on Fox News, the singer also criticized the media, and said,

“The mainstream media is fricking public enemy number one right now.”

Kirk was a controversial figure who, while being seen as an important figure in the conservative movement, was criticized by liberals for his views on race and gender, as per BBC. According to the news outlet, in the aftermath of Kirk’s death, Vice President JD Vance urged people to “call out” those who celebrated the activist’s death.

During his conversation with Watters, Rock also made a reference to the deep-seated divisions, and he, according to Fox News, stated,

“We understand that everyone on the left is not sick, but there are enough people in the media and enough of these crazy liberals, too, that just create this big echo chamber…They’re supposed to be this inclusive, you know, this, that, and the other. And they're the ones that don't want to talk and get along with anyone. Just don't even want to sit down and break bread.”

Rock was also asked by Watters about his response to those who celebrated Kirk’s death. He warned of “ugly” consequences to those celebrating Kirk’s demise, as per Fox News.