Kid Rock tries to bring focus back to his work

by The Associated Press

Kid Rock and Lyrnrd Skynyrd

Kid Rock is back in the headlines.

The Detroit native’s current radio hit, “All Summer Long,” landed in the Top 20 of Billboard magazine’s Pop 100 and Hot Country Songs charts. In Austria, Ireland, Germany and Switzerland, it peaked at No. 1 on the singles chart.

Built on samples of Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves of London” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama,” “All Summer Long” diverts attention from Rock’s recent exploits.
As anyone who keeps up with pop culture knows, he: married Pamela Anderson in 2006, a union that ended quickly and disastrously; punched Anderson’s ex, Tommy Lee, at the 2007 MTV Music Video Awards; was arrested a few weeks later in connection with a brawl at a Georgia Waffle House.
Rock, who will share a bill Saturday with Lynyrd Skynyrd at Verizon Wireless Music Center, talks about his sixth studio album, “Rock N Roll Jesus”:

Question: Your music has not been genre-specific. Is this album?

In my previous albums I have always touched on different genres whether it has been hip-hop, country and the rock element. On this one I just feel more comfortable in my own skin than I have ever felt as an artist, songwriter, as a father, just as a human being. This is the record that everything has come together on.

Are you afraid that your tabloid headlines will overshadow your music?

I think it has in the last few years……. I never wanted that, but I knew what I was getting into when I got into everything I got into. The stove was hot and I wanted to touch it. I touched it and it burnt the hell out of me. I am hoping to bring it back to the music now.

Do you regret marrying Pam Anderson?

No. I fell in love. It was a great thing……. I was a complete idiot in love. I always say getting married was a ball. Being married sucked. Maybe for some people it is not meant to be.

What constitutes success for you on this album?

I wouldn’t be honest with myself if I said that it wouldn’t hurt if this album didn’t sell. It would. It would be painful because I think it is my best album to date……. I am scared of being broke and famous. That helps me to make myself better and always try to improve as a songwriter and singer so I don’t ever have to face that.

- By Alicia Quarles / Associated Press

Kid Rock
With: Lynyrd Skynyrd and Back Door Slam.
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, August 16th.
Where: Verizon Wireless Music Center, 12880 E. 146th St.
Tickets: Sold out.

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