The interview Kid Rock did for THE COMMON THREAD book was fascinating.
Here I was talking with this loving, single father who gives free concerts for troops in combat zones and substantially supports military families. As I listened to him, it was almost impossible to believe that in his teens he sold drugs out of a car wash! But it soon became clear to me that he was a gracious, bottom-line guy.
Robert James “Bob” Ritchie—better known as “Kid Rock”—is an American singer-songwriter and musician, credited with five Grammy Award nominations and six Platinum albums with sales of 23.5 million.
“You’ve got to be careful what you consider an obstacle in your life. What I once thought could be the biggest obstacle in my life turned out to be the greatest thing that ever happened to me and one of my biggest lessons.”
Turning Point in His Life
Kid Rock is talking about a truly life-changing moment: a turning point that forced him to really become a man. “I worried that it was going to screw up my life, but it became the most educational and important thing! See, back when I was still pretty much a kid myself, my son basically showed up on my doorstep when he was six years old. The truth of the matter is that you don’t have a lot of choices at a point like that. Sometimes life makes choices for you, and your choice is in how well you handle it.“ “I had a kid, and he needed someone to look out for him and raise him. So I instantly became a parent. Fortunately—as unprepared as I may have been—I had a good support system backing me up. I had enough family and true friends who stood by me—and with me, and they helped me figure things out in my own way. Somehow with a lot of help from people like my sister, we all came through it together.
California Celebrity World vs Michigan
“I had to learn it again a few years ago when I took my kid to California and kind of ‘lost my way’ in that celebrity world for a while. The truth is that I belong in Detroit. That’s where I was made, and that’s where I have people who have truly given a damn about me—even before anyone else knew my name. It’s great to have fans, but you have got to know who your true friends are. Now, I know I’m not the usual spokesman for traditional family values, but that’s what I’ve learned so far.”
“Life Will Hand You Challenges.”
“Eventually, it gets to us all and gives us things to handle. But I’m living proof that those challenges can change your life for the better and save your soul—and even save your ass. My son means the world to me. Learning how to view and accept apparent “obstacles” as life lessons—and even blessings.
Concerts for Soldiers Overseas
In-between recording and touring, Kid Rock is a steadfast, loyal supporter of the United States military. He gave proceeds of a concert to the families affected by the bombing of the USS Cole in 2000. He has quietly made numerous trips with the USO—and on his own—to play concerts for soldiers overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. He even made his album Born Free available to military members as a free download.
Kid Rock’s Insights:
- “Keep the people you love and trust around you as much as you possibly can.”
- “Surround yourself with people who will always have your back no matter what.”
How can you use Kid Rock’s mindset to help you overcome obstacles? Can you relate to his advice of surrounding yourself with as many beloved and trusted people as possible?
Copyright 2015 Jerry Gladstone