Photo: GettyMany of you will remember last year's 5 a.m. brawl between Kid Rock and some dude at a Georgia Waffle House. After a window was broken and a few naughty words were thrown around, both parties were arrested. Rock was charged with simple battery and ultimately sentenced to 80 hours of community service.
And before he even went to court -- under his own volition -- Rock hosted a fundraiser at a Waffle House that raised nearly $20,000 for a local homeless shelter.
The time has come for Rock to serve his community service, and Rock thought of a nice way to give back to his community: As he's done in the past, Rock offered to join our soldiers fighting in Iraq, performing and doing meet and greets. These non-profit performances (in a war zone!), he claimed to Dekalb County judge Alvin T. Wong, would be a novel approach to completing his community service obligations.
Thoughtful, right? Not so, said the judge.
Vehemently, and without compassion, Judge Wong has denied Rock's request for performance as community service, saying, "Giving him credit for something he would otherwise love to do in front of a camera completely defeats the punitive purpose of performing community service."
Our verdict: Wong is a dickwad!
The decision has upset Rock to his core -- just read his extensive blog on his website.
"I figured I would use the opportunity to turn a negative into a positive," Rock writes. "Apparently he thinks it's more important that I do something else rather than sing, shake hands, take pictures and spend time with the men and women who put themselves in harm's way to protect the very freedoms he and all of us live by. I really take it as a slap in the face."
What do you think? Should Rock's community service be covered by a trip to Iraq?
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Observer | May 21, 2009 10:40 AM
I was there when Mr. Rock visited the USO Warrior Center in Landstuhl and I must say I was appalled to see him stand there with his water bottle looking either very tired or very stoned not making one effort to meet any of the troops. The handshakes that and conversations that were held were at the initiation of the troops themselves. He just stood there and waited for the Heroes to come to him. I found it nauseating to see a celebrity use our wounded heroes for they're personal gain. On another note the other celebrities with him were great as they mingled and conversed with everyone.
Just my opinion and observation.
Phoebe | January 11, 2009 2:21 PM
Whats wrong with you idiots, Men get into fights every day, but no one gets 80 hours comunity service!! The Kid got a more strict punishment than average for the crime!!! End of story!! The Judge tried to make an example out of Kid Rocks fame & success & use it to selfishly benifit his own! I hope my son that is in Iraq gets to meet him while he is defending that Judges fredom to make such selfish arrogant decisions!!! Thanks KID!!! We love you!
Brutus | December 11, 2008 8:23 PM
Who gives a flying crap what his "fans" think?
Ive been to one of his concerts, them chicks are either fat, fifty, or fucked up!
Kid may get the hot chicks but he farts a big zero in the fan department
Amy | December 9, 2008 8:13 AM
If I got into a fight & a judge sentenced me to community service I highly doubt that I would be allowed to just go to work & then call it a day! HE SINGS FOR A LIVING HOW CAN YOU CONSIDER THAT COMMUNITY SERVICE!?!?!?
iraq is not for kids | December 8, 2008 7:00 AM
kid rock should do his community service in his community -not in a foreign country that has been illegally invaded[thats a fact by the way-sorry]u want to give the troops morale then bring them home and create real jobs for them-cause you have no freedom -u cant travel the world without always looking over your shoulder -when people hear your accents they judge u -thats not freedom but a fools paradise-irony is that u are a great country thats become like a giant inbred oaf lacking in any perspective-obama cant change that -u can though - last word -"the first warning signs to a sovereign country is when the judiciary is attacked" ask the rest of the world ...we know
Kiddo | December 7, 2008 7:34 PM
You people are crazy!
If these acts were so selfless, how did YOU hear about them?
If he wouldnt have gotten arrested in Georgia he would NOT have raised that money for the shelter!
He did that to maybe sway the judge by the time he went in!
You fans are so blinded by him.
And yes, Im a fan
Yes, I appreciate what he does for our troops (My brother is there now)
He just needs to quit acting like a baby!
Teresa | December 7, 2008 7:15 PM
I disagree with Judge Wong's decision. All of u folks that agree with the judge have u ever had community service? Majority of US judges allow u to pick ur own community service its not always picking up trash unless ur on a chain gang. If the judge was responsible for assigning where u do r community service the justice system would really be backed up. Community service is monitored outside the court system. This judge is just being hard core or perhaps Georgia is behind times with the rest of America.
I want to know how many of u have actually spent 10-12 days in the war zone alongside our soliders? I wonder why everyone seem to think Kidrock is such trash that he goes to Iraq for media attention? How many people actually knew that he has visited there 3 yrs in a row before this incidence? He goes there by himself with a guitar small bag of personal belongings and lives with the soliders. I wonder how many soliders from DeKalb Ga are serving in Iraq or who have lost their lives in the war? I cant believe that u all think that Rob Richie thinks he's too good to pick up trash when hes serving meals, doing dishes and cleaning up in Iraq.
Everyone is entitiled to their opinion but Kid has a warm compassionate side that the cameras and media doesnt see. Kid was in Florida this pass summer he picked up the Orlando Times on the front page Boy Scouts lose $10,000 in camping equipment from robbery of their storage area. Kid located the scout troop and donated $15,000 so these young men could attend camp. Never hear about that. Kid is always giving back to his community and for those who say Kid could careless about the homeless if u only knew how many people kid has helped through personal donations and fundraisers.
I just dont understand why 80 hours out of 280 hours plus in the warzone to support our troops who are Americans would not be considered community service. Has Judge Wong ever been in the miltary or have any children serving in Iraq? Iraq has been a long war with a majority of our soliders on their 3rd/4th duty. 75% of them are sufferring from PTSD with the need for comfort from home on the holidays with support from a celebrity who truely gives his whole self to soothe the minds and souls for just a short while. I would call that a humantarian act which is much more than community service.
You have never seen anything produced out of Iraq on Kidrock except for the videos/photos that the soliders take and post on you tube. I am an American that supports our soliders, even though our government turns their cheek this is just another example of a government offical disrespecting our soliders who are defending their freedom. Are u all aware that we have over 2,000 homeless Iraq war vets livin on the streets of American hell we still Vietman vets on the street of America? What has the government done to help those who have not lost their lives in war but have lost themselves to the war.
Kidrock is well aware of all the effects of this war on our soliders here and in Iraq. Kid and numerous other celebrities just did a benefit on MTV to raise money for the homeless Iraq vets. Do u really think that Kidrock cleaning toilets would serve the community better than supporting thousands of American soliders for 10-12 days making their life in hell a lil more bearable and help them make it through the holiday season? I wonder what the soliders from Georgia think about Judge Wong's ruling? I pray that God wil bless America with love, kindness and compassion to help their felllow brother or sister whom are less forunate. God Bless Kidrock and all the soliders whom place their lives on the line for defending our freedoms while keeping us safe. Merry Christmas
Kid Rocks Chic | December 7, 2008 6:06 PM
Well, I read a handful of these and I'll have to say you people are CRAZY! Kuddos to the solider who told it like it is...I will pray that you don't have to "eat sand" anymore. Thank you for your service and my freedom! To you people who think he should pick up trash to help the "local community" I have this to say...
Judge Wong can let KR go to Iraq to do some real community service and I WILL COME TO ATLANTA AND PICK UP TRASH ON HIS BEHALF.
Don't forget the second trip to Waffle House that raised $10K for the local homeless shelter. How is that not local community service. You people who think he deserves more punishment need to get the facts straight...yes, he got into a fight but he was defending the honor of that young woman. You should be so lucky as to have someone defend you in such a way. Hats off to KR for kickin' that rednecks a$$ and for spending his Christmas in a war zone instead of on a highway picking up trash in Atlanta.
Peace and Blessings
Trace | December 7, 2008 5:31 PM
It's a matter of protocol as anything else. Kid Rock's lawyer should have educated him that you DO NOT dictate what you will and will not do to the judge handling your case. Also, being humble & repenting helps; not calling the judge out in the public eye. That is what that guy did to Rock at the Waffle House.
how it looks from abroad | December 7, 2008 12:43 PM
to think that hunter s thompson used to write for R.S. -
Mary | December 7, 2008 12:00 PM
Boo hoo! Kid Rock didn't get what he wanted, so he's lashing out like a child. Gee, what else is new? Stop getting into fights, and you won't have to worry about performing community service! The judge is 100% correct! Kid Rock can go to Iraq on his own time. He needs to perform his community service in the community where the fight took place to pay back that community for the time (which equals money) he's cost everyone involved for his own childish actions.
Regal | December 7, 2008 4:27 AM
I dunno why people are saying "normal people" don't get to "choose their punishments"....it's not at all uncommon for some form of volunteer work to qualify as community service. One of my friends recently got in a little trouble and was given community service, but it's not as if the judge necessarily tells you where to go or what to do.
I'm sure the judge CAN assign someone to a specific job, but I would say if a typical person raised $20,000 for a homeless shelter and then spent a week of their time volunteering in Iraq, they'd be in the clear.
og | December 7, 2008 4:15 AM
Guys and Gals, Kid rock can still go to Iraq and perform for 80 hours if he chooses or 180 hours, which would be really cool of him if he did. It just won't count towards his community service. It's not like the judge's decison is preventing him from every going to Iraq to perform for the troops.
Thommy | December 6, 2008 11:14 PM
First off I am a vet who has spent the better part of the last three years eating sand. If the judges wants he can join me the next time I ship out and he can see what we go through. He can't see hell from his bench, but I can see it on the other end of my rifle. I love the fact that Kid Rock has taken his time to see our troops on the front lines. You have no idea what it does for morale. First off judge when he does this it is normally without a band. It is just him and a guitar somtimes a few GI's will join in. Give the guy credit for going above and beyond. He does not earn any money doing these USO tours and he brings a little peice of home to us. You got this one wrong judge....peace...I'm out!!!!
Kiddo | December 6, 2008 10:27 PM
The thing people at his website dont understand is, while admirable, his work in Iraq is not conducive to community service in the local community. Yes it is a wonderful thing but the definition of community service is to benefit the local community.
While his tour is a great morale booster for the troops, it does not directly benefit the community in Georgia.
And his little autograph show at the Waffle House shouldnt count towards anything in this debate. He did that as a preemptive strike, hoping it would help him in the long run.
For someone whos done so much not for media attention, people here sure seem to know about every little thing. Like other people said, he should just buck up and do both,whats so wrong with that?
Sure he paid for golf clubs, sure he paid for boy scout stuff, we all heard it on the news. Hes got a ton of money,nice to spread it around. He could always do it anonymously, but thats not the case.
If his USO tours are truly a selfless act he would never have asked it to be counted as community service!
Angel | December 6, 2008 9:38 PM
Whats really sad and disgusting, reading all these comments, is the hate filled comments by people that dont have a clue what Kid Rock has done in Iraq. Hes not up on a big stage singing and then on the plane and back home.
He is embedded in full gear in Combat zones. Serving meals to troops, visiting injured at hospitals. This last trip he was there when caskets were loaded on to planes for there ride home. It has been life altering for him. Servicemen and woman have posted pics on KR's website and posted their stories of how Kid Rock visit made them feel.
Some of you people are really sad and angry.
Angel
PS KR doesnt have a problem with serving his time but to have some Judge say he goes to IRAQ for Camera time. Thats just disgusting.
Anonymous | December 6, 2008 5:53 PM
I think popesquire.com said it best:
NOTE TO KID ROCK: Naomi Campbell didn't get to model for the troops as part of her community service - she mopped floors. SO CAN YOU!
Mike | December 6, 2008 2:03 PM
Community service isn't supposed to be an ego stroke. It's also not supposed to be fun. It's supposed to be, gasp, PUNISHMENT. I think the judge is 100% on the money. Perhaps two weeks of working at the animal shelter would do it. I like the idea of Kid Rock picking up garbage, as well.
Kid Rock is a joke. He grew up in an upper middle class household, but presented himself first as a rapper from the lower class, and now he's a redneck. But it's all a lie.
When he could have served his country he was selling crack and fathering an illegitimate child. Now I see him in an Army National Guard ad before I watch a movie. JOIN UP, Kid Rock. But no. He'll do propaganda to convince some of his fans to sign up, though.
Maybe two weeks at Walter Reed or Landstuhl would change his mind. I think he needs to see a bunch of mutilated young men so he understands the gravity of his actions.
He's No Nick Nolte | December 6, 2008 1:44 PM
That mugshot is the best I've seen Kid Rock look in years!
Ben | December 6, 2008 1:10 PM
You can tell Wong is not a true american de pants or whatever it is de rob this asian slong and teach him a lesson on culture, dickwad
Norwegianopinionator | December 6, 2008 6:23 AM
I'm surprised to read Rolling Stones' childish description of the judge, as a 'dickwad'. Is the magazine somehow suggesting that Kid Rock (as in: makes rock music for kids) should be allowed to make up his own punishment, when there are already clear laws in place, that apply to EVERY American citizen? Why?? Is he only a guest in the U.S.? Look at his post-verdict behaviour, it should give you a good indication of what the Kid's moral fabric is made of.
theaman | December 5, 2008 11:43 AM
Dear Judge Wong,
With all due respect, I am writing to you to say I am very disappointed in your ruling to deny Robert Ritchie AKA Kid Rock the opportunity to perform his 80 hours of community performing for our American troops serving overseas. What bothers me the most is your comment “giving him credit for something he would otherwise love to do in front of a camera”. Have you ever been to Iraq Judge? I’ve seen some photos of some of his trips and believe me there is not a camera crew following him around and he is not sleeping in the Hilton. Mr. Ritchie does this because he is truly a caring man and knows he is blessed in so many ways. He can’t bring the troops home for the Holidays but he has the means to go to them.&am p;nb sp; Every time he goes I pray he comes home safe to be with his own young son.
What are you accomplishing by denying this request? I would say his fund raising that brought $20,000 to a homeless shelter in your neighborhood alone would be worth time served. Mr. Ritchie gives from the heart all the time. Did you know that last year a high school girl’s golf team had their clubs stolen? Mr. Ritchie stepped up to replace the clubs for the team? And earlier this year a Boy Scout troop in Florida had $10,000 worth of equipment stolen and again he offered to assist the boys. Over and over throughout the years this man has always performed community service without cameras and at his own free will. Unfortunately, the media only likes to report on the bad things. Please don’t put Mr. Ritchie in the same category as other celebrities. Bad things happen to good people and what happened at the Waffle House was not provoked by this man.
American Troops overseas need Kid Rock more than your community will benefit from his service.
Anonymous | December 4, 2008 2:49 PM
You call a judge who is making sure a celebrity follows the rule of law just like the rest of us have to a "dickwad"? Well that makes you a douche-tard...
Joe C | December 4, 2008 11:05 AM
Take your punishment like a man, you white trash wannabe....I'm waiting for you in hell Robert.
uncle timmy | December 3, 2008 8:41 PM
quit bellyacheing sissy!! your lucky they don't send you to a max prison, like they did me when I was a young man.. punk.
If I was a rich little spoiled bedwetter like you, I could have gone and sang 'kumbiay' like you want too.. toughen up sissy.
Served My Time | December 3, 2008 6:41 PM
I live in metro Atlanta right nextdoor to the county where Dash Rip-Rock got sentenced and when you get community service around here, you will be cleaning bathrooms at the local YMCA, or load up on a jail bus & go out on the highways picking up trash, or if your really lucky you might get to wash garbage trucks and cop cars!! I think that is more in line with what good ole judge Wong has in mind serving the community where you got in trouble and so he should! Going on a tour you already planned on going is not serving the community, it's serving the troups. He thought he was being real slick! I hope he has to complete the community service by the end of the year & has to cancel his Holiday plans to be here in good ole Hot L'anta slopping soup to the homeless or something!!
Billy | December 3, 2008 5:16 PM
The judge is right. Take your medicine like a man, if possible.
Jake | December 3, 2008 4:28 PM
Kiddo Rocko already goes to iraq to perform. He's just looking for free publicity and to make people think he's macho. He's a war-monger lover, republlican puke soul. nya!
Gally | December 3, 2008 3:53 PM
I know a lot of people don't like Kid Rock, but raising money for a homeless shelter and performing for the troops are good, positive things to do.
Getting into a fight with someone who bad mouths you off, at a waffle house, is not a big deal, and does not have a huge negative impact.
The punishment should fit the crime. I say the judge is being a dick.
emily | December 3, 2008 3:28 PM
Im Romerica1.
One more thing.
Kid rock is not above picking up trash on the side of the road. Just because he may have status and wealth, he couldnt give two shits about people in poverty -- because it does not effect him. His fame does not define who he is as a person. Just because he may have money, it does not make him any better then the people in homeless shelters. Ive seen people with nothing become something and people with everything have nothing.
I think kid rock needs to stop being a pussy, the pop psychology bullshit, expressing emotion and buck up and serve his sentence in silence -- just like the rest of us.
there are far more things in life to worry about then picking trash up on the side of the road.
romerica1 | December 3, 2008 3:24 PM
Kid Rock is not exempt and it is not beneath him to stand on the side of the road and pick up trash. He is no better and has no more value then the guy standing out asking for food. A person's wealth and status does not define who they are as a person -- because I have seen people who have nothing become something and people who have everything become nothing. Stop being a pussy, stop with the pop psychology bullshit, and serve your time -- just like the rest of us.
romerica1 | December 3, 2008 3:20 PM
I agree with all of the critics on this blog. Kid Rock is not above the law and his status, wealth, and socio-economic class should not have an influence on the outcome of his crime.
Why would someone who has a tremendous amount of influence on young listeners and in many cases is put into a role model position loose control over a couple foul words exchanged?? It shows a major lack of maturity and self respect when you would get into a fight over drama. If you want to fight so bad, why dont you be seen on an episode of Jerry Springer? Im sure the trailor park white trash bimbos would love nothing more then for you to join them -- because that, sir, is exactily what you look like when you pull stupid stunts like that.
I applaud the judge because he disregarded all of the negative media and other non-sence by making an example out of Kid Rock. He did humanity a favor by showing that just because someone may have money or fame, it does not automatically grant them leneancy for a crime.
With that being said, I do support the troops 100%. I love this country and I respect them for serving and protecting -- HOOAH. I also like Kid Rocks music and the fact that he is one of few who actually support and respect the troops and is interested in raising moral and the spirits of our warriors in battle.
But as others have stated, stop with the bleeding heart bullshit, grow up, and do your community service.
Nathan | December 3, 2008 2:40 PM
You know what? The judge is right. Kid Rock would have gone to Iraq anyway. As punishment for being a douche bag and getting into a fight at a waffle house, he should have to do somehing "in the community", like picking up litter or serving at a community centre or perhaps visiting some war veterans if he's that keen on the war thing. Stop with the bleeding heart bullshit about the Iraq war and do your community service man, sheesh, I thought he was cooler than that.
N
Cletus Van Damme | December 3, 2008 2:25 PM
What kind of a douche gets in a fight at the Waffle House, anyway? What kind of a douche thinks he gets to pick his own community service? And how big of an uber-douche do you have to be to throw out the words "for the troops" in order to get out of doing what anyone else would have to do?
Congrats, Bob Ritchie -- Winner of the prestigious Cletus Van Damme Society's Douche of the Year award.
Garret Speece | December 3, 2008 2:14 PM
The good news is that the experience will serve as fodder for Kid Rock's next song, a heartfelt power ballad, exploring our troops' bravery, his persistent struggle against "the man," and those long, lonely days on the highway, starin' out the tour bus window. The song's riff will borrow from "Dust In The Wind," with sampled beats from DMC's "It's Tricky." The video will feature reflective slo-mo'd shots of tanks rolling through the desert, rippling American flags, Kid's own mugshot and Kid staring pensively out (wait for it...wait for it) a tour bus window.
Dude makes Chad Kroeger sounds like Yeats.
Kid who? | December 3, 2008 2:02 PM
The judge is spot on right.Whatever he does shouldn't be in front of the cameras.He should get exactly what any other average person would get for the crime.Period. Entertaining the troops is so lame. If he wants to go to Iraq he should be outfitted with gear and take the place of a real soldier on the front line and do their job for 80 hours.THAT would be community service.Whatever task he must do should be something that he would NEVER want the cameras to see.He needs a dose of humble pie.
kliff | December 3, 2008 1:56 PM
The rest of us 'average folk' don't get to decide our punishment, the judge does.
Get used to it, Kiddo!
Anonymous | December 3, 2008 1:48 PM
Kid Rock gets what he deserves. After all he's been punishing everyone with horrible music for years
Angel | December 3, 2008 11:43 AM
QUOTE Scott | December 2, 2008 7:29 PM
"Bad Boy George"
The judge is silly - Kid Rock has a huge fan base of Breeder-racist-homophobe good ole' boys who would would be more than obliged to shell out 50 bucks to see him in concert-
Why not turn it into a huge fundraiser and make 100k off of it for Glaad,Peta,Planned Parenthood or something noble I am sure this is financially a better idea then having him picking up trash on the side of the road and making no money.
OH Yeah!!!!!! Cause saving Chickens from Colonel Sanders and Killing millions of Babies is way more important than our troops.
Some if you people make me sick!!!!
Todd | December 3, 2008 11:08 AM
I haven't been to this site in a long time and won't be back again as it seems if whoever is being covered isn't part of your beloved liberal left, the reader base thinks they are morons who are wrong and inexcusable.
As was stated by the article, Rock of his own volition already raised a sizable amount for a local homeless shelter. Rock has performed numerous tours for the troops, some with USO backing and others, such as last year, on his own void of any extra security and precautions as he was with embedded personnel on the front. This was not a new novel idea he concocted for his community service.
If you go back through all of his charitable doings and givings including donating over $10,000 worth of supplies to a Boy Scout troop who had their trailer of materials stolen prior to a big camping trip, you will find there are few artists today who are as sincere and firm in their support of a cause they find worthy and justifiable. Just because those causes don't include PETA or the "Elect Barack Obama Because He Is Gonna Fix Everything Because Everyone In Hollywood Says So" fund does not mean he is not a genuine individual.
W. Smith | December 3, 2008 10:51 AM
"Vehemently, and without compassion".... WHAAAAHHHH!!!! Kid Rock is such a victim!
Glen | December 3, 2008 8:41 AM
Why does he get 80 hrs of community service for slapping some guy at a Waffle House at 5am in the morning? You Yanks are fuckin' strange, you're so conservative it's frightening. Sounds like the judge is desperate for his 15 mins of fame...
Kliff | December 3, 2008 8:18 AM
Haha. I can't wait to see Kid Rock in orange overalls on the side of the highway picking up trash.
zimmy | December 3, 2008 6:56 AM
even though entertaining the the troops is important -- i feel his community service would be better spent organizing and running a feed the homeless and hungry in his detroit/ michiban -- and organizing concerts with his vast number of musician friends to raise money for relief of homeless--- unemployed -- and elderly...
Dana MacLemore | December 2, 2008 11:51 PM
After reading the R.Stone cover story on Kid a few months ago,
I gotta say Kid Rocks and if he can raise money for a good cause
that is public service big time. Let Judge Dickwad decide who gets
the cash.
PS I love this blog. It's aff the beaten track informative!
Marty | December 2, 2008 11:23 PM
I'll take the chocolate chip waffles with whip cream and four Budweiser tallboys, please. Oh...and can I get some cheese fries with that too? Thanks!
Bickle | December 2, 2008 10:53 PM
I fuckin hate Kid Rock, that's all I have to say about that.
Anonymous | December 2, 2008 10:21 PM
*correction*
Carrie went because she DIDN'T cause trouble.
my bad
k | December 2, 2008 10:20 PM
Artists in the past has gone to Iraq to perform for soldiers not because they had to do community service but because they wanted to.
For example, Carrie Underwood went to Iraq during Christmas to perform for them. She went because she caused trouble but to spread holiday spirit.
Rock should do community service the proper way.
I don't think community service is just making people do good deeds but making people do good deeds in the MOST HUMILIATING WAY BY MAKING THEM DO THINGS THAT THEY DON'T WANT TO DO
Kevin | December 2, 2008 9:59 PM
If Kid Rock is such a noble figure, why doesn't he BOTH go to Iraq to perform AND do separate community service? Seems pretty simple to me. Is he too important to make a small, trifling contribution to his own community?
Seems like his quip about "turning a negative into a positive" is little more than cover for wanting to take a shortcut at the expense of potentially benefiting anyone he isn't specifically choosing to benefit.
The message is, "I'll fly halfway around the world for the troops, but not lift a finger for the people who live in my own area." If he can even see them from his mansion.
This guy needs to grow up and take some responsibility for his actions. Do your service, count your blessings, and shut up.
Busted | December 2, 2008 9:28 PM
I think the sentence "community service" was intended to be punishment. As righteous as performing for the troops may be, it doesn't amount to the same punishment than anyone else convicted of the same crime would get. Kid Rock should not get special treatment. The guy was convicted of battery, not shoplifting, and that is serious. War zone or not, basking in the love of US soldiers will not make him think twice before hitting someone else again.
Chuck | December 2, 2008 8:47 PM
Kid Rock is nothing more than White Trash. Let him do what the Judge orders. I hope he has to pick up trash on the side of the road, since he is trash himself.
He will probably Overdose and DIE soon anyway.
Michael | December 2, 2008 8:19 PM
Community service is to be done where the judge says, not where the defendant decides. Do you think Boy George wanted to pick up trash.
Scott | December 2, 2008 7:29 PM
"Bad Boy George"
The judge is silly - Kid Rock has a huge fan base of Breeder-racist-homophobe good ole' boys who would would be more than obliged to shell out 50 bucks to see him in concert-
Why not turn it into a huge fundraiser and make 100k off of it for Glaad,Peta,Planned Parenthood or something noble I am sure this is financially a better idea then having him picking up trash on the side of the road and making no money.
Angel Bryant | December 2, 2008 6:56 PM
I dont know about Georgia but in most states, it is your choice as long as you are volunteering your time for a non profit. I know people that have performed set up duties for churchs or read to the elderly in nursing homes. I dont see how this differs except Kid Rock is putting his life endanger and missing the holiday with his son and family just like all of our troops.
Kid Rock has gone to Iraq on his money (not with USO) because he believes in our young men and women fighting for democracy and freedom. He has gone when no one else would. He served the troops their Christmas dinner. He went to the hospitals to cheer up the injured with just his guitar. And NO CAMERAS< NO MEDIA......
It makes me sick that this man is accused of doing all this for some glory when it couldn't be further from the truth.
commonsense | December 2, 2008 6:35 PM
HELLO? It is NOT kid rock's choice what he does for community service!
lordbean | December 2, 2008 6:16 PM
The judge didn't have a right to do that at all. He may have his own personal opinion about this, but whether or not he approves of the choice doesn't matter--it's whether or not it counts as community service, and this definitely does.
biggest kid rock fan ever | December 2, 2008 5:27 PM
and I agree with the judge...sorry Bob, you were gonna go to Iraq anyway. And, I'm actually so disappointed you're behaving this way about it, because you always do things, like perform for the troops, WITHOUT the publicity. So, why not deal with community service the same way? The entire point of the punishment is to make you pay for your mistake, retribution of some sort. Youre the bigger person here - you already raised 20k on your own for that shelter! You should have stood up and asked to work at that shelter.
Your heart's in the right place, and I have seen countless shows and you're the best performer ever...but dude, would you let your kid get away with something like this and do something as a punishment that he was gonna do anyway? Don't think so.
Anonymous | December 2, 2008 4:00 PM
This is total bullshit. Somebody ask that judge if he will travel to Iraq and entertain the troops in a war zone.
Angel Bryant | December 2, 2008 3:48 PM
To begin with, the entire charge was a crock of crap. Some drunk jerkoff sat there for 30 minutes insulting a woman at the table with the band. He was obviously looking for a fight. Rock even offered to buy him breakfast to shut him up. But no, He was looking for trouble and he found it.
The media will always report on the crazy crap that celebs get into but rarely report on the great kind hearted things that some, like Kid rock do. He is in a position to make a real difference in the lives of his fellow man and he does continually and NOT IN FRONT OF A CAMERA as this Joke of a JUDGE has implied. Just the time he spends with sick children alone more than covers his 80 hrs.
For this public servant to say entertaining the men and women that serve our country isnt worthy of community service is an insult.
I hope the people of Dekalb Cty Ga are as disgusted as I am and this power trippin Judge gets the boot next election.
If you agree with me
send Alvin T Wong a letter
atwong@co.dekalb.ga.us
PS for the idiot that said Kid Rock is entertaining in Iraq outside the green zone so he can sell records. Dude are you insane. You obviously have never been in a combat zone.
iraq n' roll | December 2, 2008 3:26 PM
Rock should pick up trash on the side of the road like anyone else who is ordered to perform community service. Going to Iraq to play for soldiers is certainly a noble cause but playing in front of a bunch of people, soldiers or otherwise, who he hopes to sell albums to is creating a benefit for himself and isn't punishment.
mothballs | December 2, 2008 2:36 PM
nah. Leveraging charity work you're already planning on doing doesn't fulfill the punishment requirement of community service. Working two solid weeks at that homeless shelter for which he raised money, now that would be different. Or maybe spending an extra two weeks in Iraq working full time at a children's hospital as well as doing the planned USO shows... Or even two full time weeks at a vet's hospital back home. Cleaning a shitload of bedpans would provide the deterrence needed next time the 5am "come down" grump-a-saurus rears it's ugly head.
mikeky | December 2, 2008 2:32 PM
i'm no friend of 'the man', but in this case, the judge is right. why should community service be what kid rock does anyway? since when is doing your regular routine called 'community service'? rock just wants to keep doing what he's doing and call it something different. for convenience. which misses the point entirely of punishment.
please. he's just trying to get out of doing anything that could be considered punitive. he could stand to pick up some trash (like boy george) or clean some toilets. it'll be good for him. kudos to the judge. so kid rock--man up and do your penance, you whiner.
soldier | December 2, 2008 11:55 AM
The Judge is an arrogant ass. He has no clue what the it is like over in the war zone. Soldiers out their life on the line everyday and having seen some of the performers that come over they do as well. Life is not easy over there...the judge should not be re elected.
Anonymous | December 2, 2008 11:37 AM
judge dickwad should be forced to eat waffles for 7 whole days.
solid as iraq | December 2, 2008 11:37 AM
that judge is just trying to make a point out of celeb bad behavior (think paris hilton's judge). kid should be allowed to go to iraq and perform. it's more than the judge would EVER think of doing.
Anonymous | December 2, 2008 11:35 AM
no way -- kid is just trying to get out of picking up garbage (like fellow law-breaker bad boy george). don't use iraq as an excuse