Kid Rock appeared alongside special guest host Dan Gilbert to discuss Detroit’s financial woes on CNBC’s Squawk Box Wednesday morning.
Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert James Richie, highlighted Detroit’s style, encouraged migration to the city, and eventually — condemned Madonna’s lack of contribution to Detroit’s revival. The statement by Richie was prompted by a comment from Gilbert regarding artists who have given back to the city in recent years.
Dan Gilbert, who is responsible for numerous redevelopment projects in Detroit’s downtown, referred to Richie as “Professor Rock” for his insightful statements regarding the event ticketing business. He went on to praise him for his generosity to the city of Detroit, specifically for Richie’s low-priced performances during the 2013 summer concert season. Richie’s concert tickets were famously sold for $20, while beer prices were as low as $4.
“I just want to thank you for everything that you do for Detroit,” Gilbert said. “When you think about our city and the musicians — Eminem, Kid Rock, Madonna, and Bob Seger, and Ted Nugent, and Motown and all their artists… What is it about Detroit that creates this environment of so many musicians?”
As Madonna’s name was mentioned by Gilbert, Richie cupped his hands over his mouth as if he were preparing to shout.
“I was going to yell, ‘Madonna ain’t done nothin’ for Detroit’,” Richie said.
The response was answered with laughter from the CNBC hosts, but not from Gilbert. “Let’s not count her out yet,” Gilbert said. “Let’s not count her out.”
“Now I picture my mom sitting in front of the TV saying, ‘Bobby, you don’t have to blow someone’s candle out to make yours glow brighter,'” Richie said.
Watch the full conversation via CNBC here.