Alan Jeanetti, a 73-year-old retired barber, was tailgating with friends before Rock the Country, a touring music festival headlined by the pro-Trump musician Kid Rock. Mr. Jeanetti’s head was wrapped in a star-spangled bandanna. His T-shirt declared, “I Don’t Care.”
Mr. Jeanetti actually cares about many things, including the toll that his political leanings have taken on his personal life. “I have lost so many friends because I was a Trump lover,” he said. “I wouldn’t do that to them.”
On this scorching July day in Anderson, S.C., however, Mr. Jeanetti had a safe space. A tribe. All around him were fellow fans of former President Donald J. Trump, many with big trucks lining the green fields around the outdoor concert venue. Trump flags fluttered above R.V.s and tents, alongside American flags and a few of the Confederate variety.
Some 22,500 people would come on this first day of the two-day festival, according to the local sheriff’s office, drawn by Kid Rock and an abundance of country performers. “It’s going to be another Woodstock One,” Mr. Jeanetti said.
As the crowd eagerly awaited Kid Rock’s performance, which was delayed by rain, the atmosphere was filled with a mix of joy, rebellion, and freedom. The festival offered a snapshot of a maturing American subculture, where hedonism and beer-guzzling pursuit of happiness mingled with political ideologies.
For attendees like Mr. Jeanetti, the festival was more than just a musical event. It was a gathering of like-minded individuals who found solace and camaraderie in their shared beliefs, despite the personal sacrifices they may have made along the way.
The festival grounds were alive with energy, as fans soaked in the sun, enjoyed cold beverages, and danced to the country tunes blasting from the stage. It was a moment of escape from the realities of everyday life, a chance to let loose and revel in the company of fellow revelers.
Kid Rock’s performance finally began, and the crowd erupted in cheers and applause. The music filled the air, and the spirit of unity and celebration was palpable. As the night went on, the festival goers continued to party, embracing the freedom and sense of community that the event provided.
In a divided political landscape, events like Rock the Country serve as a reminder of the power of music to bring people together, regardless of their differences. While the festival may have been a celebration of a particular political ideology, it was also a celebration of music, friendship, and the simple joys of life.
As the night came to a close and the final notes of Kid Rock’s set faded away, the crowd dispersed, but the memories of the day would surely linger on. For Mr. Jeanetti and others like him, Rock the Country was more than just a concert – it was a reaffirmation of their beliefs and a testament to the enduring spirit of unity in the face of adversity.