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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

michelle13's picture

ps...forgot to ask how you celebrated 420....lol ;)
Lora Fickert Rock-Stone -Biggest Fan EVER...dont doubt me's picture

You are so fucking real man! That's why i love you and your my soul mate. Damn I wish we were friends!
Lisaloveskidrock's picture

Dont dis your name .. i love it .. MY .. NAME.. IS ... KID .. ROCK... ROCK .. ROCK Aleast your not going for "the dude formerly known as kid rock" .... Yup, were gonna be callin you the kid till your 85
Mary M's picture

Bob Ritchie, You are the man!!! I love the fact that you can be real to yourself and your fans! But most importantly you are real with your son! The truth shall set u free! I so admire you for who u are and that u keep it real when nothing else matters! (I do the same) I love how you share yourself (heart & soul) I feel ya! Keep on rockin' on! Your lyrics are the words right out my mouth! Sing me a song bobby!!! ;) Tell them what I want them to hear!!! I love you
Kevin Bradish's picture

Kid Rock, is a good name for an eighty year old Rock Legend from Michigan! Just keep on doin' what you do!
rocksavedmysoul's picture

I had to reread it. Best response to the interview is "I'd be broke Kid Rock." LOL
Jamie_46's picture

You freakin crack me up! I love it all and love that you have NO SHAME IN YOUR GAME. Keep doing what you do and Im 100% happy with it!!!!! MUCH LOVE ALWAYS

And this young man, is why I follow you, your true to you. No excuses, just matter of fact. Keep doing right by YOUR standards. The rest will follow :P And, screw 'em if they can't take TRUTH.
Karen Sargeant's picture

So what do you charge to play a birthday party? That would be the best gift ever!!!!!
michelle13's picture

Loved the questions and the answers....great interview ;)
rocksavedmysoul's picture

Ha ha ha, Lady Viper. Can I come to the party?
CONCETTA's picture

Kid Rock ..is not a stupid name. You are stubborn like a goat.. you are forever young..so..Kid Rock is a fine name.
Lady GZ's picture

all of this wow, Kid Rock is one outstanding person to me I love his music cause its original to me and he keeps it real. No matter how others trash your name or put you down all you can do is be you and thats what you do and thats what i admire about you Kid. So put your hands up and say fuck it, fuck what others say or think cause they dont know why you are the way you are only you and the Great Almighty King Jesus Christ knows. My dream is to meat you and throw this big ass party and chill out in the country with a big bon fire and say FTW
alden's picture

love me some kid-be fuckn honest
rocksavedmysoul's picture

It's not a dumb name. It will somehow always fit. It's iconic.
Buglady's picture

At least your not New Kid on the Block :) Have you ever done a duet with Taylor Swift ?
Debbie Gore's picture

Evening, Would LOVE to meet Gorgeous,Luscious Kid Rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!Have always wanted too!!!!!!!!!!!Have saw him @ 9 concerts in Nashville!!!!!!!!!!!!!2/18/2011 was last one,so far!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Have ALL his music,will Forever,if Im unable to have his Luscious-ass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Debbie Gore
patti_23's picture

Yay ! Loved it ...you are beautiful
Lora Fickert Rock-Stone -Biggest Fan EVER...dont doubt me's picture

I'll pay to have you play at my fucken birthday party! How much?
Lady Viper's picture

Nice read! Always is when it comes from the heart! However due to the spammers spamming you on here I did not feel like reading all 165 comments so I will just ask the question so i know how much i need to save up. LOL LOL You say you will play at my party-come up with the CASH! How much CASH does it take to have you play at my party? Pictures of dead presidents in your hand tax free??????? HUGS!
Marian_4's picture

Oh one more thing. What would Johnny Cash Do? And I forgot to say thank You for all the good things You do.
Marian_4's picture

Kid Rock is a great name and that is why I purchased the first CD. That hat,cigar and KR on the front. I had to ask myself.Who is that?What does he have to sing about? Alot I found out. Problem? There is no problem except that someone must be jealous if they are calling You names. So Un-Professional to do that. If (You) do not like Your name then change it,but I think it is a Great name. You know who You are and so do Your fans.So You are Kid Rock on stage,deep down inside You know that You are both KR and Bobbie Richie. And fans love both of them People during my life have called me names too. I do not care,because I know who and what I am. They have done some things to me that should be unforgiven,but I do and move on. As for the Waffle House,I had an incident once there too. I think some customers cannot handle the syrup.Did I ever live it down,No,but that chick will never confront me again. I was kinda like You with Your incident. I stood my ground. Right or wrong. Some people just mean to get under your skin. You live Your life true to Yourself and to others,so how is that trash? Not. During the time I have known of You,You have made me very happy. I smile and laugh when You send pictures on the net. Esp the helicopterAnd my favorite Rockstars.. That was sweet of You to do that. And the picture of You in that Giant chair over in another country. And CTM pictures and boat I did not get to go on And the Giant Yacht Picture..The list goes on and on. So,No,somebody has got You all wrong.You are a great person. Perfect No,Great Yes. I'd hang with You anyday.And don't change that wonderful name Kid Rock,because I have already turned Biscuit Butt on to You and when I ask him who's that? He says "That's Kid Rock" Future generations already know that name. And Young or old it's a fine name. And do not ever say Kid Rock is a dumb name. That name has made You very famous.Worth every letter in it. Genius when You thought of it.OK the End/Send Me another picture now.
kidrocket99's picture

I think I'm the broke Kid Rock and that makes me happy! And money doesn't buy happiness!
lpaulsen's picture

I saw the Esquire piece today the picture is AWESOME it would make the best poster!!!!! Your the best. Lori
lrgrogg's picture

Kid Rock, it is what it is, period. The Mayor has spoken.
T_21's picture

Right on!
loveofkid's picture

In response to THE Problem: I would like to know what everyones' beef is with Mr. Kid Rock, people love to poke fun cause I'm a fan. I say, what the hell has he ever done to you? And, have you ever even listened to the music? Bite Me! Dick! Rock on Mr. Ritchie!
itsrealnifeelit's picture

oh yeah it's REAL!!
klmartin86's picture

I'm sad to hear that you hate the name Kid Rock. I think it fits you. It is the name that has made you what you are today and you should be very proud of the accomplishment you have made in your life with that name. I can't imagine you having any other name beside Kid Rock. I'm 47 years old and I will still be listening to you when I'm 80. Your so right, you should never have room in your life for a--holes. Too many good people out there to hang with. P.S. When and if I win the lottery, I will book my 50th birthday party with you :)
Amy Woodell's picture

I'm cracking up. I've been to 5 Kid concerts. Hoping to make it to my 6th this year. I tell people all the time that you haven't been to a concert until you've seen Kid. It's true. My bro in law is a sheriff's deputy. He went to his first Kid concert 2 years ago. I had to warn him before hand that he wasn't a police officer while he was at the concert. He didn't understand at the time but he did later. He can't wait to see another show. :)

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