Let’s Not Make National News at Kid Rock’s Concert Tonight [OPINION]

Kid Rock is set to open Little Caesars Arena tonight and I'm concerned that it could get very, very ugly.

In the wake of teasing a run for Senate, Kid Rock has seen an increased level of scrutiny from those who disagree with his "political beliefs." I put that in quotes because a lot of times they sound more akin to the rantings of an angry teenager than a viable candidate, but I digress. I'm not here to weigh the merits of Kid Rock's potential Senate run, I'm here to ask you guys to keep it cool tonight.

Protesters have made it clear that they will be at Little Caesars Arena tonight for a multitude of reason, most of which are connected to the fact that the arena was partially funded by taxpayers, and they see Kid Rock's opening show as a slap in the face to the community in one way or another.

There have also been reports of counter-protesters threatening violence against protesters. Add to that the amount of PBR that is consumed with reckless abandon at (and before) a Kid Rock show and it's not hard to see how horribly wrong this whole thing could play out.

Before I address the protesters, let me say that I'm not a fan of Kid Rock's music or the prospect of his political career. We probably agree on at least some of what troubles you about the man, but that's irrelevant. What is relevant is this -- you guys need to let this one go.

I'd like you to seriously consider steering clear of that concert tonight. There are several outcomes your protest could bring about, and not one of them is the result for which you're hoping. Little Caesars Arena will not cancel a Kid Rock show, nor would any sensible promoter in Michigan.

Kid Rock is a moneymaker here in Michigan. He sells out his shows. All of them. Over the years, he's established a pretty large fan base here, and his contributions to the Detroit area are well-documented. Regardless of how you feel about him, there are people who see him as some kind of folk hero. Your protest signs are not going to change hearts and minds. In fact, they're more likely to bring the kind of attention you don't want... the kind of attention none of us want, actually.

Michigan has enough problems without making more over something as harmless as a concert. Let's everybody just do what's sensible, and play it cool tonight. If things start to go bad down there, I'm concerned that it will escalate quickly, property will be destroyed, and people could be hurt or worse. Let's not turn what is supposed to be a good time and the start of an exciting new chapter for the city into a "this is why we can't have nice things" meme for the rest of the country. Detroit gets enough bad press as it is.

The time to oppose Kid Rock's political career will come. This is not that time.

BUT IF YOU WANT TO LAUGH AT KID ROCK'S RESTAURANT...