Def Leppard and Jason Aldean to Headline Thunder Stadium concert Series in Winnipeg
Winnipeg is gearing up for its first major stadium concerts in eight years, as veteran rock band Def Leppard and country superstar Jason Aldean are set to headline a brand-new music festival.
The “Thunder Stadium Concert Series,” organized by True North Sports + Entertainment and the Winnipeg Football Club, will take place across two nights in July at the iconic Princess Auto Stadium.
A Party of Rock and Country Music
“The Thunder Stadium Concert Series is built to last,” stated Kevin Donnelly, Senior vice President of True North Sports + Entertainment. “The plan is to make this an annual festival that Winnipeggers, Manitobans, and folks across the entire region can plan on.”
The festival will be a testament to the enduring appeal of both rock and country music, catering to fans of both genres.
Def Leppard, renowned for their hard-hitting anthems and undeniable stage presence, will headline the “Rocking Thunder” night on july 9th. They’ll be joined by fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, iconic rock band Foreigner, and Canadian favorites Toque.
The following night, July 10th, will be dedicated to country music enthusiasts, featuring Jason Aldean as the headliner. Emerging talent Nate Smith and Madeline Merlo will also take the stage, alongside Tyler Hubbard of the multi-platinum duo Florida georgia Line.
Economic Impact and Community Support
Economic Progress Winnipeg has pledged significant support to the concert series, allocating $250,000 to ensure its success. The city agency anticipates an remarkable $1.8 million economic impact on Winnipeg, highlighting the immense potential of large-scale events to revitalize local businesses and contribute to the city’s economic growth.
Controversial Choice: Jason Aldean
Despite the excitement surrounding the festival, Jason Aldean’s inclusion as a headliner has sparked controversy. In January 2023, Aldean performed at Donald Trump’s inaugural ball, a move that drew criticism given the US President’s stance on trade issues impacting Canadian businesses.
Furthermore, Aldean’s song “Try That in a Small Town,” released in 2023, ignited widespread debate. Lyrics such as, “Cuss out a cop, spit in his face, stomp on the flag and light it up, yeah, ya think you’re tough. Well, try that in a small town, see how far ya make it down the road,” have been interpreted as a critique of Black Lives Matter protests. Aldean has denied any connection between the song and the movement, claiming he is a victim of “cancel culture.”
The song’s music video, subsequently banned by CMT, depicted protesters confronting police and included a scene filmed in front of a Tennessee courthouse infamous for past lynchings and racial violence.
Zilla Jones, a Black Winnipeg lawyer and author known for her work advocating against discrimination, expressed her concerns about Aldean’s inclusion, stating, “I find the choice of Jason Aldean counterintuitive and inappropriate, given the current trade war between Canada and the United States.”
Looking Ahead to a Rockin’ Summer
Despite the controversy, the Thunder Stadium Concert Series promises to be a thrilling experience for Winnipeg residents and music enthusiasts from across the region. The return of stadium concerts and the diverse lineup of both classic rock and country talent are sure to create lasting memories for attendees. the economic impact on the city adds another layer of significance to this event, showcasing Winnipeg’s ability to attract large-scale events and contribute to its economic vitality.
Jason Aldean Concert Sparks Controversy in Winnipeg
Country music superstar Jason Aldean’s upcoming concerts in Winnipeg have ignited controversy, with critics raising concerns about the artist’s lyrics and their potential impact on the city’s diverse community.
Aldean’s song “Try That in a Small Town” has drawn widespread attention for its lyrics, which some perceive as promoting violence against individuals engaging in criminal activity. Critics argue that the song’s message, coupled with its music video, which features imagery associated with racial tensions, creates a divisive and potentially harmful surroundings.
“They talk about going after people with guns, running people out of town,” stated Councillor Sherri Rollins, expressing her concerns. “Though he doesn’t actually use overtly racialized language, it’s clearly targeted at people of color, Black people that he perceives are committing petty crime.”
Councillor Devi Sharma echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Winnipeg’s diverse population. “To bring in somebody that is going to divide the community and basically pit half of it against the other half with public money — I don’t appreciate that,” she remarked.
While the City of Winnipeg’s Economic Development winnipeg acknowledged the controversy surrounding “Try That in a Small Town,” they clarified that the government agency was not involved in booking the artists for the concerts. Natalie Thiesen, tourism vice-president, explained that the funds supporting the concerts originate from visitors through the City’s accommodation tax.
True North, the association behind the concerts, defended their decision, stating that they had been planning the announcement for months and couldn’t control external factors. Though, the controversy highlights the complex intersection of music, politics, and societal values, raising questions about the role of artists in shaping public discourse and the obligation of organizers in considering the potential impact of their events.
As Winnipeg prepares to host Jason Aldean’s concerts, the debate surrounding his music and its implications continues. The controversy underscores the importance of engaging in thoughtful conversations about the messages conveyed through art and the responsibility of individuals and institutions to promote inclusivity and understanding.
Country Star Jason Aldean Headlines 2025 Inauguration
Country music superstar Jason Aldean is set to perform at the 60th Presidential Inauguration, raising eyebrows and sparking debate about the choice of entertainment.
The performance, scheduled for January 20, 2025, at the Washington Convention Center, will undoubtedly be a highlight for supporters of Aldean’s brand of conservative country music.But the decision has also drawn criticism, particularly in light of controversy surrounding his recent hit song, “Try That in a Small Town.”
“the tariffs are a struggle. It’s going to impact everybody, but Jason Aldean didn’t do it,” said [Name Redacted], who organized the Inaugural event. “He’s a country entertainer that’s hugely popular and we’re thrilled to have him on the lineup.”
When questioned about the controversy surrounding “Try That in a Small Town,” [Name Redacted] stated, “If people don’t like the entertainment, they don’t have to come. That’s the beauty of entertainment that’s available on a ticket price. If you don’t like it, don’t buy the ticket.”
Economic Impact Amidst Controversy
The inclusion of Aldean, known for his outspoken views and anthemic music, raises questions about the potential economic impact of the Inauguration. The event is expected to draw thousands of visitors to Washington, D.C.,boosting local businesses and hotels. Though, the controversy surrounding the performer could also lead to protests and negative press, potentially impacting tourism.
political Implications
The choice of Aldean as a headliner reflects the increasingly important role of country music in American politics. The genre, popular amongst conservative voters, has become a powerful platform for expressing political ideologies.Aldean’s performance is likely to be viewed as a symbolic endorsement of conservative values by the incoming governance.
Public Reception
Public reaction to Aldean’s performance has been mixed. Some argue that the event should not be politicized and that music should be a unifying force. Others believe the performance is a legitimate expression of the President-elect’s taste and a reflection of the diverse tastes of the country.
Ticket Sales and Event Attendance
Single-day tickets and two-day passes for the Inauguration will go on sale to the general public starting Friday. Season ticket holders for the Winnipeg Jets, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Valour FC, and the Manitoba Moose will have early access to tickets beginning Tuesday.
The Inauguration promises to be a significant event,attracting media attention from around the world. The performance by Jason Aldean will undoubtedly be a focal point, generating both excitement and debate as the new administration takes office.
