Vanilla Ice Eager To Perform At America’s 250th Anniversary Concert As Fellow Artistes Pull Out

American rapper and singer Vanilla Ice, whose real name is Robert Van Winkle, has spoken out about his enthusiasm for performing at the Great American State Fair, even as a wave of fellow artistes have withdrawn from the event.

The concert is part of a nationwide celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, organised by Freedom 250, a public-private partnership established by President Donald Trump.

Following the Washington, D.C., event’s announcement last week, a number of performers, including Bret Michaels, Martina McBride, The Commodores, Young MC, and Morris Day, backed out amid political controversy surrounding the show.

The ‘Ice Ice Baby’ singer, however, is standing firm. In a Friday interview with TMZ, the 58-year-old said he had no intention of being drawn into the political debate.

“I’m here to party with America, man. Music is made to bring people together, and that’s what we are here to do. We’re just gonna represent the Nineties,” he told the outlet.

Van Winkle framed his decision to perform as a celebration of the nation’s milestone rather than a political statement, adding that his relationship with his fanbase was his primary motivation.

“I don’t even vote, so I don’t even care. And if Biden called up and said, ‘My daughter is getting married, we need Vanilla Ice,’ I’d go play,” he said. “You play for your fans. We don’t get a chance to pick our fans; they pick us.”

Vanilla Ice is scheduled to take the stage at the event next month.