Kid Rock's “Rebel Soul” tour, which stops off in Fort Wayne Tuesday, shares the same name as his ninth album, released in November.
The album, “Rebel Soul,” reflects the diverse musical styles for which Kid Rock is known.
It's not surprising since Rock, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, started out as a rapper, turned into a rock musician and occasionally makes a foray into country.
In its November cover story, Billboard magazine says the 14-song “Rebel Soul” album “has the punk rock, the Southern rock, the hip-hop he sings about in his 2001 hit 'Forever,' as well as the metal, blues, soul, country and even gospel that he likes to stir into one of the most diverse musical blends that's been consistently going for the past 20 years.”
A Rolling Stone review of the album says: “A sprawling disc of storytelling, pop history and partying, Kid Rock's ninth studio album seeks the grooves and reach of classic soul — with a Detroit bull-god spin, of course. Self-produced in Michigan with his colorful Twisted Brown Trucker Band, this ruggedly consistent and robustly sung music jumps genres and makes statements.”
According to reviews from earlier concerts on this tour, his set will be a mix of old and new songs, including several off “Rebel Soul.” Concert-goers also can expect pyrotechnics, smoke, confetti, streamers and balloons, not to mention a showy entrance.
Expect a showy performance as well. This is what reviewer Mary Colurso said on www.AL.com after attending a Kid Rock concert in Birmingham, Ala., on Feb. 23: “Rock's personal showmanship was the primary focus, the overwhelming factor — and the real reason fans bought tickets, anyway.”
