Brantley Gilbert Criticizes Artists Who Back Out of Patriotic Shows: 'We Get Paid to Play Music'

Country star Brantley Gilbert has slammed musicians who agree to perform at patriotic events only to renege on their commitments when faced with criticism.

During a recent appearance on the "Net Positive" podcast, Gilbert expressed frustration over artists backing out of performances after initially committing to them. He cited his own experience with Turning Point USA's "All-American Halftime Show" during the Super Bowl as an example. The event was headlined by Kid Rock.

"It's aggravating seeing guys sign up and then back out," Gilbert said. "A lot of times, we took a lot of heat for the Turning Point thing."

Gilbert emphasized that his decision to perform at the event was never about politics.

"My kids got to watch two quarters of football and then see their dad play. That's cool," he said.

As a musician and businessman, Gilbert viewed the performance as a lucrative opportunity and a chance to create a special memory with his family.

"We agreed to do it. Like, I'm a businessman at the same time I'm an entertainer," Gilbert said. "I didn't do it for free. We get paid to play music."

At the time, Gilbert had recently signed with a new record label, making the high-profile appearance a strategic move.

"We had just signed over to a new label at the time," he explained. "Doing a big show like that was not a bad idea for us."

Gilbert claimed he never anticipated the event becoming a contentious issue.

"I never once looked at it and was like, 'This is going to be divisive. This is going to be great,'" he said. "It doesn't make any sense."

When discussing criticism surrounding the Super Bowl halftime show, which featured Bad Bunny as the headliner, Gilbert downplayed its significance.

"I don't know nothing about that dude [Bad Bunny]," Gilbert said. "I've never heard one of his songs before. I don't speak Spanish really well. I wouldn't understand."

Gilbert stressed that he believes performers should honor their commitments, even if public opinion turns negative.

After facing backlash for his participation in Turning Point's halftime show, Gilbert expressed pride in the choices he continues to make both personally and professionally.

"I'm a songwriter who grew up, and still lives in Jackson County, Georgia, whose goal in the music business was to sell out the local theater a few miles from my house and somehow make my living writing songs," he said in a statement at the time.

"I'm a recovering addict with the history of all the bad choices that come with it. I'm not proud of those choices, but I am proud of the choice I've made to live in another direction."

"I share my story through my music in hopes that it may help and inspire others in their darkest hour. I'm a Christian, and I love our country despite its flaws. I've dedicated part of my life to the men and women who fight for it and the families of those who gave their lives for it. Above all, I'm a proud husband and father of three."

 Gilbert highlighted that he wanted to perform for his children and noted that it had been over 20 years since a country artist had been asked to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show.

"We're celebrating 250 years as a country, and it's been more than 20 years since a country artist has been asked to play the Super Bowl halftime show. I respect that some people may see this differently, but I'm not playing this show to be divisive."

"I was offered this opportunity and imagined my kids watching their daddy perform at halftime during the biggest game in American football. Everything I do, I do for them."

"The way I treat people isn't conditional based on what our differences may be. I believe 'united we stand, divided we fall,' and my prayer for our country is that we stand united."