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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

gthd's picture

Love the frankness and love your music.
MaryMaryQuiteContrary's picture

You are sweet and kind, talented, a great father, and know how to get trashed in a good ole fashioned Detroit City kind of way. You keep the ROCK in Detroit, and us Detroiters will always love you for that. I live in TN now, just North of Chattanooga. Waffle Houses are know for late night/early morning brawls. That's why people go there after the bars close. The one at 696/Orchard lake was notorious for fights and drunken craziness. Same with the ones I lived near in TX. I prefered Jack in the Box Drive Thru Brawls. Something about that big clown face asking me if I was ready to order, over and over, and people behind me honking because I'm taking to long to read the 50,000 items on the menu, gave me a bad attitude, and I'd have to get out of my car and go to the car behind me, and open up a huge can of WhoopAss. 12 Mile and Orchard Lake Road was my preferred "Jack in the Box" fighting rink. Then they closed it down, and we all went to "The Nugget Fine Dining, Open 24 Hours". Just not as fun as Jack in the Crack. Love you Rob Ritchie, and you also Kid Rock!!!
Maria_22's picture

You get funnier, and smarter (yes, I said smarter) in every interview. Keep it up!
Kassrock's picture

Those are great! :)
Gigi_3's picture

Don't do hookers you're in a Rock Band LMAO!!
Gigi_3's picture

Right on!!! Love me some KR!!
Just_Jen's picture

Kid, they all want to be Jimmy Buffet because he has the most naked 20-something women dancing in the crowd per capita before the show and they are not being paid if you know what I mean. Mom and Dad got Jimmy Buffett tickets for their 40th wedding anniversary. Mom watched Jimmy and you can guess what held Dad's attention! He also mixes one great margarita! Lol! Hoping for a sweep tonight! Pavel for Pres! Now you know why they want to be him! BTW, I'm listening to Kracker in a Margaritaville on my way to a hockey game with a margarita in hand gearing up for Bob Seger tomorrow! Can you say heaven?
Kid Fish's picture

Yep!! When you get trashed.. You just might pass out..
ria rich's picture

I LOVE IT YOUR THE BEST
Bobbie Jean_2's picture

ps - you are the best, give yourself some credit! that's all.... :)
STAUTER007's picture

What I have learned is yes once you have chosen a name your are in fact stuck with it! Go figure! Also there are wolves in sheep clothing every where. ( Not Just Hollywood...These folks are opportunists which are exactly that. Don't give a fuck type people. I only care about my self type of folks.) So that is why it is important to pay attention all of the time instead of some of the time. Skipping the whole nonsense. The article looks fine to me I might pick one up when I am out! (Besides I need something else to read now! LOL) Good Job! I like keeping up with the new it keeps you young and fresh and interesting! What else? I like bumping in to your gigs! Keep it up! I'm off to go do!
Nanette Sader-Robinson's picture

LOVE YA ROCK! LOL!
catwoman_2's picture

I AGREE WITH MOOREEN STATEMENT. WHEN PEOPLE HEARD I AM GOING TO SEE BOBBY AT THE WINSTAR,BORGATA AND IN CT,THEY LOOK AT ME LIKE I'M FUCKING NUTS!!!! THEN I ASK THEM IF THEY EVER REALLY HEARD HIS MUSIC OR KNOW ANYTHING OTHER THEN THE STUPID STORIES. THEY DON'T!!! BOB IS ONE OF THE FEW STARSWHO IS REAL . HE DOES NOT TRY TO HIDE BEHIND AN IMAGE CREATED TO SELL CDS. HIS MUSIC ALSO HELP ME GET THROUGH A VERY DARK TIME IN MY LIFE . TO BE HONEST I WAS NOT ALWAYS A KID ROCK FAN, BUT ONCE I TRULY HEARD THE WORDS OF HIS SONGS AND LISTEN TO THE MAN , I'M IN LOVE !!!!! WHAT I LEARNED FROM BOB (KID ROCK ) YOU CAN'T JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER. THANK YOU FOR BEING REAL, FEW PEOPLE ARE IN THIS WORLD. JANET
rocks party girl's picture

True Bobby
moreena's picture

When I tell someone I love Kid Rock...they look at me like I'm fucking nuts...but u know what?Kid Rock is a caring father...talent musician...really cares about our men and women overseas...and is most of all true to himself.So fuck everyone else!!!U keep doin' what u r doin' Kid..we all love ya!!!!
karen_83's picture

I love the open honesty. Can't wait til August when you come to Charlotte, NC. Haven't missed a concert in 10 years. People are going to think I'm nuts, but you've done rap, rock-n-roll and a little bit of country. I'd love to hear some gospel, Maybe one day???? Looking forward til August 2011!!!!
Bonnie17's picture

Whew! Glad to know I'm not the only one who tells my son the way it really is, much to my mom's dismay! I don't get explicit, just real. And why would I listen to my mom anyway? I've seen the kind of kids she's raised - ;) I also take the first-day photos no matter how early I gotta get my ass out outta bed. It's a tradition, aint it? ~Bon
420allday's picture

Great interview. you always tell it like it is. Would love to have you over for a party but you don't have to play. You can just sit back and kick it with us and get shitfaced. I like to keep a tight loop on my friends also. I hear you pass by my place quite often when your out partying.
D4evr's picture

You're right ... I never saw a MFR Quite like You !!! U R The BEST !! & I also agree ...U R 'ALL THAT' !!! & Then Some ;)
AmyShep28's picture

What's funny is that every one of us on this fan club, and every single fan out there reads this and says "that's why I love Bob, if I could just MEET him, we'd DEFINITELY be friends"...you have that normalness about you, and the fans that love you also know how much you give back. There aren't many artists like you left out there. You're still playing for your fans AND have stayed the same person you always were. Always proud to be a fan. Can't wait for the shows this summer!
krfan_3's picture

Can't wait to read your autobiography!!!
angela lothamer's picture

Love it!!!! With that said how much for a private concert in my neck of the woods.....
Leah_6's picture

U are the best artist to me. I rock out to u every day. New music and old. I don't personally know u but what I do know is ur a good man. And don't ever change ur name that is so ridiculous when artist do that. I want to rock out to KID ROCK to my dying day. Roll On Cowboy
connielynn77's picture

This just adds to the laundry list of why I LOVE Bobby.......so real! Great writing!!
NRANJ's picture

listenin to live trucker "mother fucker quite like me" love the free bird in it. and your not the best. the ONLY one better was ronnie van zant. him being gone, i guess you are.
DarkAngel_2's picture

I believe that you are one of the few genuine artists that shine and remain true to themselves. I was fortunate to have been at your Hollywood Fla show and it was a heart pounding high energy show. Well worth the trip. I hope to be able to go on the cruise next year if it becomes an annual event. You seemed to have a real connection with your fans which was phenomenal!!!Everyone has an opinion but I stop negative comments in their tracks. Nobody talks smack about "KID" to me . And I agree if they can't say it to your face they have no business typin it out.
MissJessicaJean's picture

I wanna PARTY with KID ROCK! I wanna KICK-IT with BOBBY! I love this article, will have to buy the magizine to read all of it. You are such an honest and true person. ** Love how you imaged the guys rocking in the stereo. **I was my grandma's square dance partner when I was 9. She has now passed and I wouldn't trade one minute of it .** Still have some assholes hanging around, but trying to weed them out. **Please don't ever change ur name... I do not think it's dumb **You may not think ur the best, But Me and and a million others think differantly.
Sabrina_13's picture

love it
CajunLady's picture

Yo Bobbbbbyy!!! Want to run for President? :)
KRSVal's picture

You always make me smile, Kid Rock/Bob Ritchie/Saint Robert James of Rock and Roll. :) :) :)

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