When Kid Rock posted a social media video of him shooting up cases of Bud Light, he had a very clear message. He was not going to drink a beer produced by a company that also wants transgender and LGBTQ+ people to enjoy that same beer.
"Grandpa is feeling frisky today, Let me say something to all you and me as clear and concise as possible," he said in the now-infamous YouTube video before turning, drawing an automatic weapon, and shooting up cases of Bud Light. "Fu** and Fu** Anheuser-Busch. Have a terrific day."
DON'T MISS: The Bud Light controversy and its impacts explained
Rock's anger at Anheuser-Busch (BUD) -) came after the company sent transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney a can with her face on it. The promotion, which celebrated the one-year anniversary of Mulvaney's transition was meant as a small measure of outreach to the LGBTQ+ community.
The singer clearly didn't like that and he was not alone. Rock brought attention to Bud Light's diversity efforts and the backlash was swift and plentiful. A number of other country singers including Travis Tritt and John Rich of the Big & Rich duo, immediately took a public stand against Anheuser-Busch and dropped the company from their respective bars and tour riders.
The beer had its defenders -- Garth Brooks made a very public stand that he would serve Bud Light in his upcoming Nashville bar -- but that did little to stop the damage. Bud Light sales dropped by nearly 30% causing the beer to lose its long-standing place as America's best-selling beer.
It's damage that may never be fixed and the impact has hit other Anheuser-Busch brands as well. Kid Rock, however, appears to have either forgiven the brand, forgotten about his boycott, or has no problem being a hypocrite.
The singer, whose bar continued to sell Bud Light after his video rant has now been spotted drinking Bud Light, according to a TMZ report.
Anheuser Busch
Kid Rock drinks Bud Light
Rock was spotted drinking a can of Bud Light at Skydeck in Nashville on August 17 while watching Colt Ford perform. TMZ documented that on video.
"The former rocker seemed pretty relaxed as he clutched the blue can, taking sips while chatting and laughing with some friends. Unclear if there were other beer options available, but Kid Rock's choice seems pretty shocking considering how hard he went in on the brand earlier this year," the tabloid news site reported.
Rock has not posted any followup about the beer brand on any of his social media pages. The performer has played a handful of shows since the video was posted and Bud Light (as well as Budweiser products in general) were served at venues he played which had previously served the beer.
That, of course, would not be in Rock's control as performers can dictate what beverages they are provided, but not which ones are sold in the venues where they perform. Rock, however, likely could have opted for a different beer during Ford's concert as Skydeck offers a full bar.
Bud Light still faces bigger problems
While Rock started Bud Light's downfall, the movement does not need a leader. The beer brand, which has been trying to move forward and reestablish its roots as an all-American beer, faces a tough road.
The brand, which has taken an "everything is normal" approach on social media continues to see every well-intentioned post drowned in a sea of negative responses.
On August 10, the Bud Light X (formerly Twitter) account posted a simple comment: "Cracking open our Friday beers a day early."
That was met with some nice comments but mostly people reminding the company that it had offended them by partnering with Mulvaney.
"No, thank you, actually, getting ready to go to the Busch Family Brewery, excited. Getting back to basic good ole' sound American Ideologies and values is a beautiful thing and worth supporting! Good Business is always rewarded," wrote @VeilRadio1.
"I really don't understand why the CEO has not been fired at this point. A blunder this big calls for the top guy to resign," added @Pippen897a.
"Bankruptcy time? It's coming...." shared Dan Marlin.
Despite weakness in Bud Light Anheuser-Busch revenue increased by 7.2% in the second quarter of 2023. Total sales volume did drop by 1.4% but the company did earn a profit of $1.4 billion.
