Update: According to TMZ, Kid Rock’s Nashville-based bar will be closing.
Legendary outlaw singer Kid Rock is defying the Democratic mayor of Nashville, Tennessee’s order to close all bars in the city by keeping his own bar open despite fears over the coronavirus.
Kid Rock Refuses To Close His Bar Amid Coronavirus Concerns
According to the Daily Mail, Kid Rock’s business partner Steve Smith released a statement yesterday stating that they will not be closing Kid Rock’s Big A** Honky Tonk Rock & Roll Steakhouse until there is a “statewide mandate that directs all bars and restaurants to close.”
This came after Nashville’s liberal Mayor John Cooper ordered all bars in the city to close in an attempt to stop the spread of coronavirus.
“We appreciate the efforts of Mayor Cooper to combat the COVID-19 virus, but unless there’s a statewide mandate that directs all bars and restaurants to be closed, the request made by Mayor Cooper is unconstitutional as he is targeting a select group of businesses,” Smith said. “We are compassionate with those who have contracted the COVID-19 coronavirus and all who are helping manage the crisis as the entire world addresses the outbreak.”
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“However, a Tootsie’s patron as immediate as last night, mentioned having lived through the polio epidemic and didn’t recall such extreme measures being handed down in history,” Smith continued.
He signed off the statement with, “In response, Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Rippy’s, Honky Tonk Central, Kid Rock’s.”
JUST IN: Several bars on Lower Broadway, including popular Tootsies, Honky Tonk Central, Kid Rock’s bar, will remain OPEN after Nashville mayor asked them to close over #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/LfGJ1ZfzoU
— FoxNashville (@FOXNashville) March 15, 2020
Kid Rock’s Bar Was Packed Over The Weekend
Smith’s statement was released after a video went viral on social media showing how packed Kid Rock’s bar was over the weekend.
The crowded honky tonk drew attention after widespread calls for people to stay home and practice social distancing.
Downtown Nashville is undefeated. pic.twitter.com/BFIOzukFct
— Janna Abraham (@SportsPundette) March 15, 2020
Responses to Kid Rock’s decision to keep his bar open have been mixed.
One social media user commented, “You have a responsibility to your community. No one applauds this behavior.”
However, another internet user supported Kid Rock’s move, simply writing “stay open.”
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Living To Defy The Norm
Right now, restaurants and bars all over the country are shutting down. But the”Cowboy” singer is known to march to the beat of his own drum. So Kid Rock isn’t treating coronavirus any differently.
As a proud supporter of President Trump, Rock likely didn’t take kindly to the advice of his liberal mayor. Cooper is probably the last person this rocker wants telling him how to run his business.
It remains to be seen whether closing restaurants and bars around the country is the right call or an overreaction.
One thing is for sure, though. It’s going to take a lot more for Kid Rock to close his honky tonk than one liberal mayor.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
The previous headline “Kid Rock Defies Liberal Mayor To Keep His Nashville Bar Open Despite Coronavirus Concerns” includes Updated.
Correction Notice:
This article has been updated to reflect Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk & Steakhouse will be closing.