AC/DC And Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Impact On Kid Rock

The early ’80s was a crucial period for rap-rock as the rockers started to use rap elements in their music. Still, this genre influenced the music world until the late 2000s, unlike many subgenres that quickly faded away. Kid Rock was one of the building stones of this genre’s long-time continued popularity.

The musician who started his career by focusing primarily on rap and hip hop and continued with rap-rock brought both himself and the genre to the fore with his unique style. The 1998 record ‘Devil Without a Cause’ took music critics’ attention with its genre-mixing sound, especially with the song ‘Bawitdaba.’ Rock bands like AC/DC and Lynyrd Skynyrd became an inspiration in creating such successful works.

Kid Rock Paid Homage To AC/DC And Lynyrd Skynyrd

As the two notable names in the rock world, AC/DC and Lynyrd Skynyrd influenced many musicians. Kid Rock, who created outstanding works in rap-rock, was one of these artists. The musician started his career focusing on rap and later became a pioneer in rap-rock by adopting the genre. While creating his unique sound, names such as AC/DC and Lynyrd Skynyrd were his inspiration.

He even expressed his admiration for these bands in one of his songs. The single ‘American Bad Ass’ from his compilation record ‘The History of Rock,’ released in 2000, included the names he respected from the rock scene. In the song, Kid Rock counted ZZ Top, Korn, The Rolling Stones, along with AC/DC and Lynyrd Skynyrd among the bands that were the kings of rock and he loved the most.

The song’s lyrics include:

“I like AC/DC and ZZ Top/ Bocephus, Beasties and the kings of rock/ Skynyrd, Segar, Limp, Korn, the Stones/ David Allen Coe and no show Jones.”

Kid Rock had a chance to share the same stage with Lynyrd Skynyrd in 2005, replacing the lead vocalist Johnny Van Zant. He sang the group’s hit song ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ at the concert to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Later, he released a mash-up including Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ and Warren Zevon’s ‘Werewolves of London,’ which gained global success in his 2007 album ‘Rock N Roll Jesus.’ Kid Rock took the stage with the band again in 2018 in their last show before retirement.

You can listen to ‘American Bad Ass’ below.