Kid Rock added a verse to Cody Johnson’s “‘Til You Can’t” to honor the late Charlie Kirk during his performance at Hondo Rodeo Fest on November 8. He chose to cover a Johnson song during his performance after stepping in for the Texas native, who was originally slated to headline but had to cancel due to a burst eardrum requiring surgery and recovery.
In the midst of his performance at the Arizona-based event, Kid Rock took a moment to slow down his energy-filled set to perform Johnson’s chart-topping hit. After singing the first verse of “‘Til You Can’t,” Kid Rock paused to share that he wanted to add a verse to the Johnson track.
“Now, a few weeks ago, I woke up alone early on a Sunday morning and had this song stuck in my head. And in that moment, someone or something spoke to me and told me there was still a verse missing from this song, and to get up and write it down. So I did. And now, I know exactly who was speaking to me that morning,” he stated as a photo of the late Turning Point USA CEO, Charlie Kirk, appeared on the screens behind him.
Kirk’s photo remained on display as the stage background for the rest of his performance of the song. “There’s a book that is sitting in your house somewhere that could use some dusting off/ There’s a man that died for all our sins/ hanging from the cross/ You can give your life to Jesus/ and he’ll give you a second chance/ ’til you can’t, ’til you can’t,” he sang on the newly added verse while strumming an acoustic guitar.
He then closed out the song with Johnson’s final verse before the stage went dark, only showing a photo of Kirk.
Kid Rock, an outspoken Patriot and longtime Republican, took to social media the day Charlie Kirk was killed, writing, “God Bless Charlie Kirk. A true PATRIOT. Pray for him.” Kirk was shot in the neck while speaking during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.
One month after Kirk’s passing, Kid Rock opened up about Kirk’s death with Laura Ingraham on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle.
“I mean clearly since Charlie Kirk lost his life… was assassinated, you’ve seen a huge shift, we all have, it’s undeniable. It’s both bittersweet… It’s terrible that something like this had to happen to really bring everyone back to their faith and even someone like myself whose always been very spiritual, but even more so in the last several weeks. I find myself writing those songs, and I’ve been writing a Gospel album for the last year, working on a Gospel album, so it’s not anything new, but yes, I have a lot of faith and hope in the younger generation.
Kid Rock was among a star-studded lineup of performers at the second annual Hondo Rodeo Fest that also included Jon Pardi, Riley Green, Jason Aldean, Nickelback, Treaty Oak Revival and more. The event took place at the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chase Field, in Phoenix, Arizona from November 7 through November 9.
The Hondo Rodeo Fest launched in November 2024, featuring a new three-day rodeo competition paired with nightly, full two-hour country music concerts showcasing top acts. The invite-only event brought together world champion cowboys and cowgirls across eight categories, all vying for a $1 million prize purse. Adding to the excitement and star power were Cord McCoy’s world-renowned bucking bulls. During the day, fans enjoyed a free Western culture festival with live music, food, shopping, and interactive brand experiences.
“We are excited to bring the world’s best rodeo athletes and country music stars back to the home of The Hondo Rodeo Fest, Phoenix Arizona!” CEO of The Hondo Rodeo Fest, James Trawick, shared via a press release in May when the event was announced.
For more information on Hondo Rodeo Fest, visit their official website.
