Country musician John Rich has expressed interest in performing at the upcoming Freedom 250 celebration after several artists withdrew from the event. This follows a call from Representative Tim Burchett, who urged former President Donald Trump to bring Rich on board to lead the musical program.
Burchett Calls for John Rich, Kid Rock, and Lee Greenwood
In a video message directed at Trump, Representative Burchett suggested that John Rich should open the event. He praised Rich’s patriotic songs and proposed getting Kid Rock and Lee Greenwood involved as well. Burchett said, “What we ought to do is get your friend and my friend John Rich, a great musician, to lead it off.”
The suggestion was met with a light-hearted response from Rich on social media platform X, where he wrote, “Hey @timburchett don’t threaten ME with a good time! (Have guitar, will travel:).”
Performers Withdraw from Planned Celebrations
The broader Freedom 250 celebration, mandated by an executive order from Donald Trump, has faced a series of performer withdrawals recently. The 16-day “Great American State Fair” is set to take place in the coming weeks on the National Mall in Washington, DC. It aims to include musical performances and thematic installations in celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
John Rich Responds Online
Rich responded to Burchett’s comments by reposting a message on X, encouraging Trump to contact him. He suggested he could quickly gather performers to create an impressive celebration. The post stated Trump could “have the most badass patriot musicians in Nashville and beyond to put on a 250 celebration for the ages,” with Rich adding, “This is true” and “I’m always happy to help.”
Trump Considers Headlining the Event
In light of the uncertainties surrounding the event lineup, Trump proposed he might headline a rally in Washington, DC. He commented on some performers’ hesitations, criticizing “highly paid, Third Rate ‘Artists’” who he claimed are experiencing “the yips.” Trump also suggested he could replace musical acts with “the Number One Attraction anywhere in the World,” referring to himself.