Royal Oak, Michigan (CNN) – Who says Republicans only love honky tonk?
On the eve of Michigan's nail-biter of a primary, Mitt Romney supporters put their hands in the air Monday to welcome bad boy rocker Kid Rock – whose surprise appearance in Royal Oak was a closely held but widely expected campaign flourish.
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Rock, who maintains close ties to Michigan, his birth state, played "Born Free" for the audience at the Royal Oak Theater.
The song is Romney's official campaign tune and is played when the GOP candidate enters and leaves the stage at events.
Romney introduced Rock by calling him "a friend."
"I'm happy to introduce a son of Detroit, a friend, a guy who makes great music who introduces me by DVD everywhere I go - Kid Rock!" he said.
During the one-song concert, Romney stood with his wife, Ann, and tapped his foot, clapped his hands and nodded his head to the beat.
A campaign aide said before Rock agreed to perform, he requested a meeting with the candidate at the rocker's home in Milford on Thursday. The two men spoke for about an hour about Romney's commitment to Detroit, Michigan, and the troops.
During the meeting, Romney personally asked Rock if he would perform at his rally. Rock e-mailed the candidate the next day to agree to the idea.
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Mitt Romney probably never heard of Kid Rock before Thursday.
only one thing to say...bought and paid for.
Freakin' love KId Rock!
Hey Kid Rock, as they say, youze been used!!!!!
Kid Rock should have gone with Romney to Ford Field...like that he might have had someone there.
Well that does it for me Kid Rock is a sell out .... Too bad
Kid Rock...Mitts the wrong guy to meet with about Detroit. I guess I'll pass on any future Kid Rock concerts.
You can have Kid Rock. One of the worst musicians ever.
Nice job Kid Rock! Whomever the GOP candidate is, the folks will rally big-time. Obama is one and done.
really? and this matters to...who?
There goes whatever's left of Kid Rock's street cred...
Good for you Kid! I see more rockers jumpin on this bandwagon!
Kid Rock , wasn't he the husband of Pamela Anderson ?
Governor Kid Rock.
Wow! This endorsement should surely stem the tide of his failing campaign...!
I was waiting with baited breath for Kid Rock's endorsement so I would know which candidate I should support. Thanks, Kid.
Kid Rock ROCKS!
And the same can be said for Mitt Romney! What a great president you will make.
I'm impressed.... now where did I put my Darth Vader costume?
mitt romney and kid-rock. ironically that is perfect.
There goes any respect I might have had for Kid Rock. Romney is the kind of guy you would hire to play the president in a B movie, not actually elect.
Too bad Kid Rock. Just when I was starting to like you. May you join the vast empty space of what's his face from Are You Ready For Some Football.
Obama will bring his favorite and personal guest: Kanye West. Who remembered him as he was still anti-Bush.
Wow, if Kid Rock likes him he must be cool huh? Give me a break.
COOL
Don't like Kid Rock.
Progressive Romney..I don't think so. I don't want my freedoms taken from me slowly. Give me a real conservative..Santorum!