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Kid Rock: What I've Learned

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    Kid Rock: What I've Learned
    Posted by
    April 20, 2011

    Kid Rock quotes: Here is an interview with Kid Rock talking to 'Esquire' on sex, drugs, fatherhood, and the real meaning of rock 'n' roll.

    The article is published in the May 2011 music issue of 'Esquire,' on sale now!

    We had a big old tabletop stereo. I used to envision that when I closed the top and played the record that the guys were in there playing, rocking out.

    One thing I found out for sure in life is, don't hang out with assholes. Surround yourself with good people. Whether they're the best or not, people are capable of learning if they've got good hearts and they're good souls.

    My theory on Hollywood is that there's a lot of pretty, pretty girls that go out there with a lot of dreams. And whenever you got a lot of pretty girls in one spot, it attracts every fucking idiot from all four corners of the world. Every douchebag, scumbag, scumsucker shows up and sets up shop and tries to figure out how to roll people.

    Two of my grandparents died in a car crash. Sucks, 'cause they would have lived to a hundred. Square-dancing fools.

    Detroit: Cars and rock 'n' roll. Not a bad combo.

    It's the worst name in the world. The only person that had a dumber name than me was the Fresh Prince. Hey, it sounded like a cool rap name when I was sixteen. But it stuck, and now it's me. I'll be an eighty-year-old man — "call me the Kid."

    I throw my hat on, put my clown suit on — it does allow me to get away with murder in a lot of ways. You fucking say something so outrageous, and people just go, "Aw, it's fucking Kid Rock."

    I'll play your fucking birthday party you come up with the cash.

    Kenny Chesney called me. We were talking about a tour or something. He texted me real early in the morning. It must have been six in the morning. And I texted him back. And he asked me, "Were you up all night?" I said, "No, no, I'm getting up for my son." He said, "Holy shit, don't worry, I'm not going to tell anybody you were up this early, because it'll ruin your image." I go, "You can't ruin my image." Make no mistake: Bob Ritchie's up early in the morning taking pictures of his son on the first day of his senior year. Kid Rock is passed out in a hotel room somewhere with four scantily clad women.

    You know you got the devil on this shoulder and you got the angel on this shoulder? When I'm on the road, this motherfucker never says nothing.

    Whatever you read, I'm all that. You can make me out to be a great single father who lives in a small town and helps his community, or you can make me out to be some drug-raging beat-your-ass-in-the-Waffle-House fucking rock star. I'm all that.

    The Waffle House will be a cloud hanging over me forever. But not the worst cloud. Could have been worse. What if we were in a fucking Ruth's Chris? That would have hurt my image.

    The vigorous workout I do onstage helps a lot.

    The music gets you feeling good, you start cracking some drinks, pretty soon there's some girls there and the music, it sets your soul on fire. It does me, anyway.

    When Junior was young, it was Christmastime, I had a gig the night before, and I was shit-faced, just beyond. Drugs and alcohol. I passed out in my bathroom, dead weight. My son comes in, he's like, "Grandma, something's wrong with Dad!" So my mom tries to get me to make this big excuse up: "Tell him you came home and you were tired and this that and the other." I'm sitting there at breakfast and I say, "Your dad got trashed last night." I'm going to sit here and lie to this kid? He's like seven. I'm like, "Big concert, party afterward, I drank too much and passed out. I'm not proud of it, but that's what happens when you do that."

    It's tough, man. You throw a party for fifteen thousand people every night. And then it's kind of like you're not supposed to participate in it. That doesn't sit well with me. I don't mind throwing the party. But motherfucker, I want to party, too.

    I see friends who are in different genres of music and they say they're so burnt playing the same stuff every night. That's why you see a country act wanting to go out and play an old classic rock song. But what cracks me up is that they all want to be Jimmy Buffett. I can't figure that out.

    I know I'm not the best. I'm not the best singer, I'm not the best songwriter, I'm not the best player. But I know that what I fucking do, I'm the best at.

    People ask all the time, "What would you be doing if you weren't Kid Rock?" It's simple: I'd be broke Kid Rock.

    The problem I got is when people are like, Fuck Kid Rock, he's a piece of shit, white-trash whatever. I'm like, You wouldn't say that to me in a fucking bar. You'll get your fucking wig peeled back. So don't sit behind your computer and type it.

    I've paid for more pianos in hotel lobbies than you can imagine.

    One middle-finger "fuck you" is fun. Two is funner.

    I don't do hookers, man. I'm in a rock band.

    SOURCE: Tom Junod / Esquire

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WebCrew's picture
on Wed, 04/20/2011 - 11:56am

Kid Rock quotes: Here is an interview with Kid Rock talking to 'Esquire' on sex, drugs, fatherhood, and the real meaning of rock 'n' roll.

The article is published in the May 2011 music issue of 'Esquire,' on sale now!

We had a big old tabletop stereo. I used to envision that when I closed the top and played the record that the guys were in there playing, rocking out.

One thing I found out for sure in life is, don't hang out with assholes. Surround yourself with good people. Whether they're the best or not, people are capable of learning if they've got good hearts and they're good souls.

My theory on Hollywood is that there's a lot of pretty, pretty girls that go out there with a lot of dreams. And whenever you got a lot of pretty girls in one spot, it attracts every fucking idiot from all four corners of the world. Every douchebag, scumbag, scumsucker shows up and sets up shop and tries to figure out how to roll people.

Two of my grandparents died in a car crash. Sucks, 'cause they would have lived to a hundred. Square-dancing fools.

Detroit: Cars and rock 'n' roll. Not a bad combo.

It's the worst name in the world. The only person that had a dumber name than me was the Fresh Prince. Hey, it sounded like a cool rap name when I was sixteen. But it stuck, and now it's me. I'll be an eighty-year-old man — "call me the Kid."

I throw my hat on, put my clown suit on — it does allow me to get away with murder in a lot of ways. You fucking say something so outrageous, and people just go, "Aw, it's fucking Kid Rock."

I'll play your fucking birthday party you come up with the cash.

Kenny Chesney called me. We were talking about a tour or something. He texted me real early in the morning. It must have been six in the morning. And I texted him back. And he asked me, "Were you up all night?" I said, "No, no, I'm getting up for my son." He said, "Holy shit, don't worry, I'm not going to tell anybody you were up this early, because it'll ruin your image." I go, "You can't ruin my image." Make no mistake: Bob Ritchie's up early in the morning taking pictures of his son on the first day of his senior year. Kid Rock is passed out in a hotel room somewhere with four scantily clad women.

You know you got the devil on this shoulder and you got the angel on this shoulder? When I'm on the road, this motherfucker never says nothing.

Whatever you read, I'm all that. You can make me out to be a great single father who lives in a small town and helps his community, or you can make me out to be some drug-raging beat-your-ass-in-the-Waffle-House fucking rock star. I'm all that.

The Waffle House will be a cloud hanging over me forever. But not the worst cloud. Could have been worse. What if we were in a fucking Ruth's Chris? That would have hurt my image.

The vigorous workout I do onstage helps a lot.

The music gets you feeling good, you start cracking some drinks, pretty soon there's some girls there and the music, it sets your soul on fire. It does me, anyway.

When Junior was young, it was Christmastime, I had a gig the night before, and I was shit-faced, just beyond. Drugs and alcohol. I passed out in my bathroom, dead weight. My son comes in, he's like, "Grandma, something's wrong with Dad!" So my mom tries to get me to make this big excuse up: "Tell him you came home and you were tired and this that and the other." I'm sitting there at breakfast and I say, "Your dad got trashed last night." I'm going to sit here and lie to this kid? He's like seven. I'm like, "Big concert, party afterward, I drank too much and passed out. I'm not proud of it, but that's what happens when you do that."

It's tough, man. You throw a party for fifteen thousand people every night. And then it's kind of like you're not supposed to participate in it. That doesn't sit well with me. I don't mind throwing the party. But motherfucker, I want to party, too.

I see friends who are in different genres of music and they say they're so burnt playing the same stuff every night. That's why you see a country act wanting to go out and play an old classic rock song. But what cracks me up is that they all want to be Jimmy Buffett. I can't figure that out.

I know I'm not the best. I'm not the best singer, I'm not the best songwriter, I'm not the best player. But I know that what I fucking do, I'm the best at.

People ask all the time, "What would you be doing if you weren't Kid Rock?" It's simple: I'd be broke Kid Rock.

The problem I got is when people are like, Fuck Kid Rock, he's a piece of shit, white-trash whatever. I'm like, You wouldn't say that to me in a fucking bar. You'll get your fucking wig peeled back. So don't sit behind your computer and type it.

I've paid for more pianos in hotel lobbies than you can imagine.

One middle-finger "fuck you" is fun. Two is funner.

I don't do hookers, man. I'm in a rock band.

SOURCE: Tom Junod / Esquire

Comments

Deelailah13's picture

I love wat u said about hangn out with assholes.. soo true!! I love your theory about bein an 80 yr old man and bein called the kid... To bad theres not more men like u in the world your tough, but with a good heart & soul...I Love your attitude... Rock On Sexxxy!!!!!!!!! XOXO
CarCrazyQT's picture

My favorite: "One thing I found out for sure in life is, don't hang out with assholes. Surround yourself with good people. Whether they're the best or not, people are capable of learning if they've got good hearts and they're good souls.". Since I'm from the Motor City (and love cars & rock 'n' roll ;-), I love this one too!: "Detroit: Cars and rock 'n' roll. Not a bad combo." You "ROCK" Kid!
cheri_19's picture

we love you, don't ever change. We have seen you every chence we can since Joe c was on tour with you, thanks for showing up for Seger in GR but I have one question for you. when are you coming to DTE, there is a need baby, fill it. glad you don't do hookers LMAO! love you!
Doylene's picture

I got the $$$, lets schedule the birthday party!!!!!!
Cheryl J - Logansgram's picture

You are too funny! When I was little I thought the people singing were in the little radio box! I thought that was weird when I got older but other kids had some similar thoughts. Cracks me up especially coming from a great person like you.
DJLor's picture

This article just cracked me up....you are too funny!!! You think like I do only you weren't put in some stereotype where it was wrong to say it like it is. I am a good person. Sometimes too good for my own good. I have taken alot of crap from alot of people for way too many years. Your music has helped me through bad times and times when I just could not take anymore from all the self righteous people who think they are better than me. I know what a good person you are by the way you think, you just want to be you and that is great!!! Saw your show in Det Jan 15 2011, best time I've had in years!!! Loved everything about it. Keep on being you it is the best person you can be and the one God wants you to be. Love you, bless you and keep the music coming!
just because's picture

I agree, people are people, some are assholes some aren't, I try not to be one. I think we love you so much because you're the whole package... just enough of a bad boy, a dad, and a good man. Have a beautiful Easter weekend. Spend lots of time with your son. It goes by so fast. I wish you peace, love and happiness.
patriciakb's picture

I want to thank Kid Rock for coming to Romeo High School yesterday. It meant a lot to everyone. Thanks for supporting the music program...our school needs all the help we can get. The kids will never forget that day! Wish I was there too!
Gwendolyn_2's picture

This is why I like Kid Rock. He doesn't bullshit. He keeps it real.
stephrocks's picture

Great article...but you do hate Los Angeles which makes me sad. I love it out here great weather, music, food. I guess when you know the ins and outs of a place like this its just is natural. Do you still own that beautiful place in Malibu?
Sher's picture

Right on.... ;)
sweet1's picture

I would love 4 u to play @ my sons b day graduation party. How much do u charge.....
KrazyK's picture

I love your music, I love the person you are. You don't pull any punches you say what ya have to say if they don't like it tough shit.. I'm a devoted Kid Rock fan and back ya 110 %. Keep on keepin on my friend. Maybe one day I will get to me ya in person. I have to tell you this story, last year my 48 year old only sister was diagnosed with lung, adrinal, liver, and brain cancer. I live in Victoria Texas and I needed to get to her and take care of her until the end of her life's journey. She lived in Sanford Florida. I want you to know that your cd kept me rolling and awake for 1100 miles to get to her. It was funny cause she knew I loved ya and she would call me every once in a while and say, hey Kim have you seen Kid Rock at any of the Wafle Houses along I-10 & I- 75, I said nope but I'm sure lookin, she said you wouldn't know what to do if you seen him, I laughed and said yeah I'd probably just have to give him a big ole kiss. I had my sister all wrapped up with you. They were Harley Riders and went to Sturgis often and went to Daytona all the time, stopping by the Cabbage Patch along the way ( women wrestle in coleslaw ) it gets pretty wild.. but she lived life to the fullest. I really miss her alot and it's very hard because I talked to her everyday. She passed away sadly 3 weeks shy of meeting her first grandchild. I am filling in for her, because I want Tristyn to know everything about her Grandma, and she will, I have fun spoiling her along with my own Grandson. Anyway I could write a book for ya, maybe one day I will. One thing that is very important to me is always tell your loved ones how much you love them because you never know when it may be your last time telling them, and of course live life to the fullest. I love ya... Have fun, stay safe and this fan is behind ya all the way!! Kim from Tivoli Tx
Badlands Choppers Ltd.'s picture

you shoot from the hip Mr. Ritchie, and I respect that.... and what you said is so true, don't hang with assholes, (one is better off alone), ....
slgordon's picture

NOW THATS A INTERVIEW ! WELL SAID MY FRIEND ! AND THOSE WHO DOG YA R JUST JEALOUS ! SO KEEP ON KEEPIN ON , RIGHT ON, AND U R ONLY WRONG ABOUT BEING THE BEST ! " CUZ I DONT KNOW OF ANYONE ELSE THAT PUTS ON A SHOW AND ENTERTAINS AS GOOD AS U DO" ! SO DONT SELL UR SELF SHORT EVER, U R THE SHIT SO DONT FORGET IT ! BOB RITCHIE IS DA BOMB LV YA DUDE
PaulaAbdalas's picture

Still real, still Kid, Still rockin' ... u kick ass any day of the week. It must be great bein' u, and its great to see u do it so well!
brenda_32's picture

U R WHO U R AND IF THEY DON'T LIKE IT...WELL I GUESS THEY HAVE A PROBLEM.....KEEP IT REAL AND ROCKIN...CAUSE NO 1 CAN DO IT BETTER IN MY EYES....WOOHOO!!!!!!!
Melissa Ferguson Hale's picture

I have twin daughters who are also seniors this year.
Melissa Ferguson Hale's picture

Someone after my own heart.
Krangel4ever's picture

Bahahaha I fuckin love this interview!! Kid Rock is bad ass...but Bob Ritchie is the fuckin man! My oldest child is a senior this year as well....I can so relate to taking his picture on the 1st day of senior year. Before we know it they will be grown and gone! Matter of fact we are 3 weeks away from graduation! Holy Shit where has the time gone!!! Anyway keep doing what you do and don't change a thing..this is why we love you! See ya in Dallas!!
jtric's picture

I Love you too!
GGLDUMY's picture

I almost forgot....... Happy 4-20 woo woo hahaha
squerl's picture

Different dads & Separate mothers don't mean nothing cause we are still street & soul brothers & even GOD NOWS Y So I half 2 say { Preaching To The Choir } thack U & our's from ME & mine ROCUP&ROLLON
vita's picture

MR. Rock I think you're one special person who has worked very hard to reach your goals, & the best is yet to come. vita
GGLDUMY's picture

Brutally blunt.... sadistically honest... LOVE IT! What you see is what you get and thats it! Fucking right... Good for you, living it your way and fuckem if they can't handle it....
akamrsritchie's picture

I LOVE YOU
Nae's picture

You set my soul on fire every time I hear your voice. ...
CONCETTA's picture

Good to know .Still love your stuff
Menchnme's picture

Thanks for keepin it REAL. There are 2 or more in all of us! The Parent/Partier/Person. Your music is amazing, your love for your son is perfect, your caring for your fans is Fantastic! Taking our son to your Shows is always a planned family event. we have also introduced many friends to your music by bringing them as well. The words in your music always bring out so much emotion in your audiences. The surprise guests are like whipped cream on Banana Splits, Ice Cream on apple pie, and icing on the cake! I always tell people Your awsome because you say what the rest of us can't get away with. Thank YOU again for that!!!
SANDY_35's picture

Hi Kid, Have you ever been north of the "D"?? You need to come to Port Huron sometime, soon. We all love ya here- and would love to see ya come around. I can guarantee your welcoming committee would be regular folks of all ages- sometimes it can be hard to drive home from DTE or The Palace or other venus when we have all partied at your shows!!! I read your posting about the esquire mag piece, and everyone who knows about you and your music and your love of your family knows the difference between Bob Ritchie vs. Kid Rock, glad to know our visions about you are correct!! One more thing, from a poor gal in Port Huron, thanks for jumping on the scalpers. Those money hungry assholes make it real hard for a working gal like myself to get tickets to your shows. Loved the Born Free Saginaw show, look forward to your tour this summer in the "D"- or the "P" for Port Huron! Love and respect always, Sandy

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