Kenny Chesney Says He Refuses To Bring Politics Onto His Stage

Kenny Chesney is opening up about his decision to keep politics out of his performances.

Over the past three decades, the superstar has built his career around bringing people together, saying his concerts are meant to serve as an escape from the noise of everyday life. Because of that, he says he’s chosen not to use his platform to tell fans how to think or vote.

During a recent conversation with Bill Maher on the Club Random podcast, Chesney explained that he has never felt it was his place to influence fans politically from the stage, noting that people are already surrounded by those conversations everywhere else.

“I’ve never saw it to be my place to use my stage or platform, no matter where I’m playing, to tell people how to think or how to vote,” he stated. “They hear that…They get that everywhere else. Everywhere, on every device, every network. They’re there as an escape from all that stuff.”

Chesney’s comments came after the conversation turned to Bruce Springsteen, who, like Maher, hails from New Jersey. Maher admitted he is a Springsteen fan but said he has started to view the outspoken singer through a more political lens.

“Now that starts to get to be a … It’s so funny. Everything has to be political now,” Maher said.

Chesney agreed and said, “I just refuse to do it. I was very thankful when I came on your show in November that you knew I didn’t want to talk about that.” 

Of celebrities who are outspoken on their political views and hope to influence fans by talking politics, Chesney said stated, “There’s a certain ego, I think, that lives in there and a certain box inside your head and your soul that you have to check, for some reason, to think that you can make a difference.” 

During his appearance, Chesney also discussed nearly 30 years without canceling a show, why he stopped drinking before performances, and his upcoming Sphere residency. 

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Chesney returned to the stage at the Sphere in Vegas over the weekend, opening his summer run with an epic show that included hits like “Young,” “Beer In Mexico,” and “Keg in the Closet,” and a surprise three-song performance with fellow superstar Eric Church.