Jason Aldean Honors Charlie Kirk at Detroit Concert After Tragic Death
Country star Jason Aldean paid tribute to his friend Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, during his concert at Pine Knob Music Theatre in suburban Detroit on September 11. This followed Kirk's death on September 10 in Utah. Aldean dedicated his performance of "Try That In a Small Town" to Kirk, a song which Kirk had publicly defended.
Aldean's Tribute to Kirk
Addressing the sold-out crowd, Aldean expressed his sorrow over the passing of Charlie Kirk. He acknowledged the "rough couple of days" and described Kirk as "an amazing person" and "one of the best people, ever." He emphasized Kirk's positive impact and the tragedy of his untimely death. Aldean had known Kirk for several years, meeting him on multiple occasions.
"It’s a weird country that we live in, when you start taking people out because you disagree with their opinions. That’s not what we’re about here." - Jason Aldean
"Try That In a Small Town" Dedication and Onstage Display
Aldean dedicated his controversial 2023 single, "Try That In a Small Town," to Kirk, noting Kirk's support for the song amidst widespread criticism. Following the performance, Aldean displayed a fan-made banner that read "One For Charlie" with an American flag attached, prompting chants of "U-S-A" from the audience.
Details Surrounding Charlie Kirk's Death
Charlie Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on September 10 during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The shooting occurred while Kirk was answering an audience question. Tyler Robinson, 22, has been identified as the suspect in the shooting and has been taken into custody.
Reactions and Funeral Plans
Aldean expressed that Kirk's death was a "really tragic loss for everybody" and shared a tribute on Instagram alongside a photo of himself, his wife Brittney Kerr Aldean, and Kirk. Former President Donald Trump will reportedly attend Kirk's funeral in Phoenix, Arizona.
