Shannon Curfman has by no means talked about her well-known boss within the media—not as soon as in 15 years. However now, after a lot hesitation, the outspoken singer and guitarist from the Twin Cities lastly bought permission to discuss the person she calls “Boss” at work and “Bob” outdoors of it.
The world is aware of him as Child Rock—the party-loving, beer-drinking, outspoken musician who helps Donald Trump and has been one of the vital controversial stars of the previous 30 years.
Curfman has blended emotions about Child Rock, whose actual title is Bob Ritchie. This was clear from what she wore throughout a lunch interview in Minneapolis—a Taylor Swift Eras Tour sweatshirt and a gold “American Unhealthy Ass” necklace that Child Rock gave her years in the past.
She and Child Rock don’t see eye to eye on many issues. She leans liberal, whereas he’s strongly conservative. However she says their conversations proceed, which is what issues most to her.
“He loves speaking and studying. He’ll focus on politics with anybody at any time,” Curfman stated. “He’s by no means gotten mad at me about it. I’ve gotten mad at him, although.”
Regardless of their variations, Curfman says Child Rock listens, even when he doesn’t change his views.
“I attempt to change his thoughts. He’s by no means actually tried to alter mine,” she stated. “He’ll clarify the place he’s coming from.”
Curfman understands that many households and mates undergo related disagreements, like at vacation gatherings when individuals argue about politics. However for her, the bond with Child Rock goes deeper than politics.
“I’ve recognized Bob since I used to be a child, lengthy earlier than politics turned a giant deal,” stated Curfman, 39. “When somebody for therefore lengthy, it’s simpler to see past political opinions. We could not agree on the whole lot, however we care about one another.”
She noticed this care firsthand throughout her eight-year relationship with a lady, who helped elevate her now 16-year-old daughter. Ritchie not solely accepted her household however protected them.
Curfman as soon as requested him, “Do you like me as a bisexual or pansexual individual, or do you simply occur to know one? How are you going to say sure issues concerning the LGBTQ neighborhood however nonetheless inform me you like me?”
His response shocked her: “If you wish to get married, I’ll marry you guys. I’d be honored.” That solely made issues extra complicated for Curfman.
Her then-partner generally confronted harassment at Child Rock live shows, which upset Curfman. Child Rock didn’t appear conscious of it.
“That’s the disconnect,” she stated. “Individuals at his degree don’t all the time know what’s taking place of their viewers.”
Curfman additionally believes Child Rock doesn’t absolutely understand how a lot affect he has. Some followers take his phrases at face worth with out pondering critically.
In 2020, she observed a giant change when Child Rock turned very vocal about rejecting COVID-19 guidelines, criticizing Dr. Anthony Fauci, and claiming the election was stolen from Donald Trump.
“There was a shift—he turned so outspoken and controversial. For some time, Bob and Child Rock appeared like two totally different individuals. Then they began feeling like the identical individual,” she stated. “I feel lots of what he stated and did through the pandemic was out of boredom.”
However Curfman admits that Child Rock isn’t just a celebration man—he’s additionally extremely disciplined.
“He’s so sensible, all the time studying and dealing,” she stated. “Monday by Friday, he’s in mattress by 9 p.m. and up by 2 or 3 a.m. He works out, hikes, performs pickleball every single day, and listens to audiobooks. He’s very structured.”
Once they exit, although, he can’t simply have a traditional night time—he’s all the time in efficiency mode. Years in the past, Curfman and her daughter would stick with Ritchie and his son at his dwelling in Detroit.
“It felt like a traditional household dinner—Bob, his son, me, and my daughter. However after I say it out loud, it sounds loopy. It’s like we’re speaking about two totally different individuals.”
