Gavin Rossdale, the lead singer of the rock band Bush, has shared an unexpected source of inspiration behind his recent interest in country music. As he prepares to perform at the upcoming Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California, Rossdale revealed that his exposure to country tunes largely comes from his son’s school ride playlist. The 60-year-old musician explained that he spends about half of his time listening to country artists like Zach Bryan, thanks to his son’s musical preferences.
Rossdale lives with someone who enjoys playing country music during school runs, which has introduced him to a range of Americana and country sounds. He mentioned that while his son also listens to yacht rock—a soft rock genre from the late 1970s and early 1980s exemplified by bands like the Doobie Brothers—Rossdale finds himself drawn more to the darker and unique qualities of country music. He expressed admiration for artists like Zach Bryan, appreciating the individual style and emotional depth they bring.
The musician shares three sons—Kingston, Zuma, and Apollo—with his ex-wife, Gwen Stefani. Rossdale also noted that co-parenting with Stefani is a smooth process, describing it as a “two-lane highway” that never merges but allows them both to focus on their children. His relationship with music continues to evolve as he explores different genres and styles.
Rossdale is set to perform with Bush at Stagecoach 2026, which runs from April 24 to April 26 at the Empire Polo Club. He expressed confidence that despite coming from a rock background, his band’s energy and enthusiasm will resonate well with country music audiences. Rossdale believes that the connection between rock and country fans lies in their shared appreciation for live performances that are passionate and engaging.
Reflecting on his career spanning several decades, Rossdale admitted he once thought life would be over by age 40 but now views his ongoing journey as an incredible bonus. He likened music to a “crazy wife”—sometimes challenging but something he controls and continues to explore deeply. The experience of performing live alongside talented band members keeps him motivated and inspired.
As the festival approaches, Rossdale’s newfound appreciation for country music highlights how personal influences such as family can shape an artist’s musical tastes. His story also underscores the growing crossover appeal between rock and country genres, offering fans a fresh perspective on the evolving landscape of American music.
