And Then There Were Three: Musical Acts Keep Bailing on Trump’s ‘Freedom 250’ Concert Series
Screenshot via X.
And then there were three…
The musical lineup for President Donald Trump’s “Freedom 250” concert series, marketed as the “Great American State Fair,” has been remarkably hard to keep up-to-date. Just one day after it was announced, two-thirds of the musical acts have dropped out — some even saying they had no idea they were performing at this event or were misled about it being “political” — and the whole mess seems to have reignited a decades-old feud within one group.
The announcement itself raised eyebrows immediately, with a list full of bands, rappers, and singers who mostly peaked before Gen Xers were copying Jennifer Aniston’s “Rachel” haircut from Friends (I’m allowed to make that joke. I’m a Gen Xer who watched every episode of Friends and made the ill-advised decision to get that haircut. It did not work on me.)
The original tweet was finally deleted by the Freedom 250 account at some point on Friday, but here is a closer look at the full graphic, which listed nine musical acts by name and promised “and many more!”:
Screenshot via X.
The listed performers include:
Vanilla Ice: “Ice Ice Baby”and “Play That Funky Music” were released in 1990 and the vast majority of Americans will strain to remember another song title.
Young MC: His biggest hit, “Bust a Move,” was released in 1989. He hasn’t charted on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 since the early ’90s.
C+C Music Factory: “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” debuted in 1990. One of the two co-founders, David Cole, died in 1995. The other, Robert Clivillés, is 61 and hasn’t been active with the group since the mid-1990s. The group went on hiatus in 1996, came back to release a few songs, collaborations, and produce work for other musicians from 2010 to 2011 before breaking up again. In 2003, Freedom Williams, who was the lead rapper for C+C Music Factory’s biggest hits, acquired the federal trademark to use the group’s name; Clivillés has bitterly denounced this as Williams trying to “profit/steal and distort from our hard worked & earned history.”
Milli Vanilli: After the stress and humiliation of being outed for lip-syncing, one half of the duo, Rob Pilatus, ended his life. Surviving bandmate Fab Morvan is the one on the “Freedom 250” poster.
The Commodores: Peaked in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Lionel Ritchie, the group’s most famous member, left the group in the early 1980s. The only original member remaining is William King, who is 77 years old.
Morris Day & The Time: Lead singer Morris Day is 69 years old. The band’s biggest hits were in the early 1980s; they last released music in 2011.
Flo Rida: One of two exceptions to the distant past tense fame of the rest of the lineup. Dropped a slew of hits in the 2000s and 2010s, both on his own and collaborating with other chart-topping musicians. Last studio album was 2012 and his last EP was 2015. He has continued to regularly release singles but hasn’t charted on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 since 2016.
Bret Michaels: He’s the frontman of Poison, but the band (which peaked in the late 1980s and early 1990s) wasn’t listed as joining him. He’s had a solid career as a solo artist as well but his last studio album was 2013.
Martina McBride: She is the second exception to the past tense fame of this list, steadily continuing to rack up Grammy nominations, and nominations and wins for a slew of Country Music Association awards, CMT Video awards, and American Music Awards from the 1990s through this decade.
Unsurprisingly, the lineup drew swift and vicious online mockery for the largely outdated list, for offering The Commodores without Ritchie, Milli Vanilli and C + C Music Factory unfortunately deprived of key members who had died, and for the overall impression this was a ’90s reunion tour.
And then the musicians began fleeing for the exits. Credit to NOTUS reporter Torrie Herrington’s puntastic headline, “Blame It on the Reign: Music Acts Exit State Fair,” riffing on one of the Milli Vanilli tracks that Morvan and Pilatus lip-synced.
Morris Day has been reported as the first to drop out, posting on Instagram, “Contrary to Rumor, Morris Day & The Time Will Not Be Performing At The “GREAT AMERICAN STATE FAIR,” along with a “🚫” graphic and a caption that read, “It’s A No For Me😎”
Young MC was also out within hours, writing a Facebook post in all caps to make sure people saw it, “I HAVE INFORMED MY AGENTS THAT I WILL NOT BE PERFORMING AT THE FREEDOM 250 EVENT.”
“The artists were never told about any political involvement with the event,” he continued. “And despite the claims by the organizers that the event is non-partisan, SPIN magazine describes it as ‘Trump-backed’. I hope to perform in D.C. in the near future at an event that is not so politically charged.”
Williams of C+C Music Factory shared his frustration in a seven-minute long profanity-laced video where he described confronting his agent about being unaware of the political nature of the event and Trump’s involvement, saying “You didn’t say nothing about Trump. You didn’t mention Trump…I’m getting all these texts, ‘We’re going to cancel C+C Music Factory. This is going to be a terrible show.'”
View this post on Instagram
“So I told my agent, ‘Yeah no, I ain’t good to do that,'” he continued. “I don’t f*ck with Trump. I don’t give a f*ck about Trump.”
Williams did hedge his bets, expressing irritation at people trying to tell him what to do, daring them to try and cancel him, because he wasn’t putting out records, he was touring. “You can’t cancel me,” he declared, pointing out that a lot of the audience at his shows were probably Republicans.
“Go f*ck yourself,” he said before launching into a rant about how Trump was “fucked up” because he had “let that white girl [Renee Good] get shot in the face by those motherf*cking ICE p*ssies.”
(Williams was bipartisan in his profane disdain for politicians. He had some similarly harsh words for former President Bill Clinton and former President Barack Obama “who never did sh*t for you,” adding “I don’t vote for none of these n***as!”)
“But I might do the motherf*cking show,” Williams said. “Me, Bret Michaels, Vanilla Ice, what’s that p*ssy-n***a from Detroit named? That skinny f*ggot? Oh, Kid Rock! Who else you wanna put on the show? I don’t give a f*ck, n***a!” (Kid Rock has not been announced as a performer for the event despite his friendship with the president and others in his administration.)
“But the day I let you motherf*ckers tell me what to do is the day I die, I wanna make that sh*t motherf*cking crystal clear…So y’all can suck my d*ck with that ‘don’t do a show for Trump’ sh*t, I don’t give a f*ck about Trump.”
Thus far, what is not crystal clear is if Williams will perform or not.
Meanwhile, Clivillés took another rhetorical swing at Williams in an Instagram post that he later deleted, accusing his former bandmate of having “done his best to misuse our name, C&C Music Factory, which means Clivilles & Cole Music Factory.”
“Freedom Williams should not be using this name to tour or represent what this group stands for,” Clivillés continued. “Any political or religious show or comment Freedom Williams makes regarding any shows, views or opinions Freedom Williams makes as an individual … [and have] absolutely nothing to do with C&C Music Factories [sic] viewpoint at all.”
“The group stands for love and peace of all people globally and neutrality. We take the side of love and peace always. Please go to his page and vent,” Clivillés urged his followers.
He later added a new Instagram post with a screenshot from Williams’ video that called it a “7-minute Toilet Rant.”
View this post on Instagram
The full text of Clivillés’ statement:
With respect to the Freedom 250 concert, I was neither involved in, consulted regarding, nor have I endorsed the event. Any political, ideological, religious, or personal viewpoints expressed by Freedom Williams are his own and should not be interpreted as reflecting my views, the views of David Cole’s estate, or the views of the original creators and producers behind C+C Music Factory.
For many years I have worked to preserve the integrity, legacy, and history of the brand and the music we created. I believe fans deserve transparency regarding who is representing the group and in what capacity.
While I am aware of various trademark filings that have been made over the years, my position remains that the legacy, goodwill, reputation, and global recognition associated with C+C Music Factory were built through the creative work, productions, recordings, and success established by myself and my late partner David Cole.
My concern is not simply the use of a name, but the public confusion that can arise when audiences, promoters, media outlets, sponsors, or organizations are led to believe that a performance, appearance, endorsement, political affiliation, social position, or public statement represents the views, approval, or participation of the original creators of C+C Music Factory when it does not.
Out of respect for ongoing legal and business matters, I will refrain from commenting further at this time.
Best regards,
Robert Clivillés
Co-Founder, Producer, Songwriter
C+C Music Factory
Cole & Clivilles Music EnterprisesP.S. The Ignorance and Disrespect this Gentleman has to mis-represent our personal names Clivilles & Cole aka C&C is just mesmerizing.
“The Real Milli Vanilli” released a statement bashing the inclusion of their name by saying that “the original/real vocalists” were not involved and “will NOT be performing” at the event.
“Others using the name ‘Milli Vanilli’ that appear on the advertisement should be considered a tribute band with no association vocally or musically to our sound or songs,” the statement added.
One member of Milli Vanilli, singer Jodie Rocco, told the AP that the event organizers never reached out to her, her sister Linda Rocco, or any of the others, describing herself as “shocked” to see the name on the list.
Morvan, however, does seem to still be in. He issued a statement to Consequence that was published Thursday evening:
I am here to entertain and unite people, not divide them. Let’s celebrate life & music and take a trip down memory lane. I feel honored to be a part of the Great American State Fair as it will celebrate the 250 Year Anniversary of America with so many other accomplished artists. Looking forward to reconnecting with you across the USA this summer and to finally sing Milli Vanilli songs live in person!
In other words, the only member of Milli Vanilli who is singing is one who was lip-syncing when their songs were released in the 1990s.
The Commodores were out Thursday afternoon, announcing in an Instagram post that they “will not be performing at the Great American State Fair” because “[o]ur music has always been our voice and we choose not to publicly affiliate with any single political party.”
“We support the betterment of all Americans,” the message concluded.
View this post on Instagram
And then McBride decided her boots were made for walkin’ as well, posting a statement on X accusing the event organizers of being “misleading” in how they presented it to her, claiming it was “a nonpartisan event.”
The text of McBride’s post:
I would like to talk to you and clear the air. I will not be performing at the Great American State Fair on June 25th. I was presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading. I asked lots of questions and was assured that this was a nonpartisan event that was meant to celebrate ALL 50 states. In my mind I thought this was a great way to celebrate the states and also bring people together in the way that only music can. I saw it as just a bigger version of so many state fairs I have performed at over the years, celebrating community and what makes each state special. Sounds fun, right? Wholesome, even. Yesterday, things started changing and what we were told is, in fact, not what is happening.
I’ve spent my entire career singing songs about real people with real issues. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to be a voice for those who have felt like they didn’t have one. It greatly upsets me that any fan who has been moved by my music may now feel like I’m abandoning the meaning behind those songs. I assure you, that is not the case. I appreciate every single fan who has reached out. I hope to get back to the D.C. area very soon.
– MM
As for Vanilla Ice, he’s still in, posting a video on Tik Tok expressing his enthusiasm for celebrating America turning “two-fiddy” at this “magical” event.
@vanillaiceme This is awesome. America is turning 250 years old. I’m honored to do this concert and get everybody dancing, That’s what it’s all about. We are all one. This is to bring everyone together and celebrate the birthday of our country. And all of the soldiers, veterans, army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Police, EMS, Firefighters, space Force, Coast Guard. thank you for your service. Thank you for our Freedom. Happy birthday America. #Amer#America250py#happybirthdayi#America ♬ Ice Ice Baby – Vanilla Ice
“I’m super honored to do this concert with everybody,” he said. “We’re gonna bring back the ’90s — put your dancing shoes on, you’ll be happy, trust me, it’s all about enjoying the great times from 250 years, from George Washington to now, and all the presidents and everybody in between.”
“This is gonna be epic!” he said, adding that he was “proud to be an American and proud and honored for this event,” along with quoting a few of his own lyrics.
Michaels broke his silence in the early hours of Friday morning in a long message posted to his Facebook and Instagram accounts, saying that he had made the “difficult decision to step away from this performance.”
View this post on Instagram
Wrote Michaels:
Hello to all my awesome friends & fans,
I wanted to jump on here real quick and talk about the upcoming Freedom 250 event in Washington, D.C.
When this opportunity was originally presented to my team, it was described as a celebration of our country through music and a chance to honor our veterans, active military, first responders, teachers and hardworking Americans from all walks of life. As the son of a veteran, and coming from a family that has proudly served, that is something I have always been honored to support.
As many of you know, I’ve spent my entire career bringing people together through music, positivity and good vibes. My shows have never been about politics. They’re about giving people a place to come together, have a great time and forget about life’s stresses for a few hours.
Unfortunately, what was presented to us as a celebration of our country has evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of. Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable.
Because of that, I have made the difficult decision to step away from this performance.
This isn’t about politics. It’s about staying true to what I’ve always believed in. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. That’s one of the freedoms our veterans fought for and something I’ve always respected. But as a father, friend and bandmate, I have to take threats and safety concerns seriously.
I believe in our country, in the freedoms we’re afforded, and in the idea that for over 250 years we have gone through both highs and lows together and remained resilient. Music is a universal language that unites us, not divides us. Just like it did when I entertained a record-breaking crowd of over 100,000 at the St. Louis Arch for an Independence Day celebration with people from across the country who came together to honor our freedoms through music. The focus was on the music, the fans and celebrating together.
I will continue to proudly support our veterans, active military members, teachers, first responders and the organizations that serve them, just as I always have.
I also want my amazing fans in Washington, D.C. to know that I love you all, and I fully intend to come back and perform in our nation’s capital under circumstances where the focus can remain on what it should be – the music and the fans.
In the meantime, we’ll keep the Live & Amplified Tour rocking, and I look forward to seeing all of you out on the road soon.
This is said with much love, gratitude, and respect.
Your friend,
Bret
(A lead singer with long texting issues)
So far, Flo Rida is the sole musician who has remained relatively mum as the controversy has swirled.
Flo Rida has posted several tweets Wednesday and Thursday about his concert tour, new songs, and music videos, but nothing about the “Freedom 250” concert. His fans, however, have not been silent, posting dozens of replies to his most recent posts demanding to know if he plans to perform for “Trump’s state fair.”
The rapper and singer, whose real name is Tramar Lacel Dillard, did reply to one person who commented about the concert on one of his recent Instagram posts.
“Performing for Trump? Why??” the person asked, getting three laughing emojis from Flo Rida. Thus far, that appears to be his only comment on the controversy.
Screenshot via Instagram.
To sum up — because this has been rather confusing to follow — the original announcement listed nine artists, one is in, one is a maybe, one is in but he wasn’t the original singer and the original singers are a no, five are no, and one has been quiet.
Vanilla Ice has said yes. Flo Rida has not really commented. Freedom Williams of C+C Music Factory said he wasn’t going to do the show but also said he might, and has not clarified; the surviving co-founder of the group is furious about the whole situation. Fab Morvan, who was lip-syncing, is singing; the people who actually sang for Milli Vanilli are not.
The five others — Martina McBride, Young MC, The Commodores, Morris Day & The Time, and Bret Michaels — have said no.
This article has been updated with additional content — many, many, many times.
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