Ted Nugent in his usual outrageous form at fair

By Bill Chapin

Flanking Ted Nugent at the Jackson County Fair Tuesday night were a U.S. flag, a Michigan flag, the "Love Grenade"' from his latest studio album cover, and two huge amplifier stacks decked with big animal skulls and even bigger guns.

"Let's hear it for my little friend, Jackson,'' Nugent said, indicating a large vintage machine gun to his right.

"We made a special arrangement tonight that all the children get a free machine gun,'' he told the crowd, which roared with approval. "And in case you need a permit, I have a special permit. It looks like this.''

Even if you weren't among the more than 3,200 in the grandstand crowd, it isn't hard to imagine which finger The Nuge had extended when he pulled his hand from his pocket.

The Motor City Madman, Uncle Ted, The Whackmaster -- no matter what you call him, Nugent always can be counted on to say something outrageous. But for much of the evening, he simply talked about celebrating his return to his home state in between blazing guitar solos.

"Uncle Ted reporting for duty,'' he said. "Tell me, admit it ... you missed me.''

It was Nugent's first show at the fairgrounds since 1995 and his first ever during the county fair, despite having lived in nearby Concord Township for many years. He moved to Crawford, Texas, in 2003, but he returns to his Michigan ranch several times each year, especially during the prime hunting season of October through December.

Fair Manager Steve Thelen said he is pleased the weather, which is the biggest factor affecting attendance, has been mostly cooperative.

"We're doing well,'' he said. "Today was a little humid, but the (forecast) says it's supposed to break.''

Nugent appeared on stage with a scream a few minutes after 9 p.m.

"Let's get it on, boys!'' he said. "Celebrate Jackson's county fair. These are my blood brothers out here.''

With that he started shredding a Hendrix-like version of the national anthem on his Gibson Byrdland guitar.

Fans at the concert were glad there was something other than country and pop on this year's grandstand schedule.

"My first reaction was, `Finally, a good rock 'n' roll act,'' said Al Wright of Vandercook Lake.

"If you play guitar, you understand,'' Wright, 42, said. ``He really plays great guitar. He's got so much energy.''

A few rows away, 11-year-old Andrew Paul was enjoying his first rock concert. He even made a sign that read, 'Play Cat Scratch Fever'' on one side and 'Uncle Ted Rocks' on the other. His ticket was a birthday present from his aunt and uncle.

"Me and my dad, we're both hunters, and he would always watch (Nugent's reality TV) show, and then I got into this songs,'' Andrew of Eaton Rapids said.

Kelly Houser of Rollin said Nugent is a good role model for young people. She brought along her 16-year-old daughter, Bree.

"Ted Nugent has morals and values,'' Houser, 47, said. "He stands for something, and he has guts and stamina. ... And he's anti-drugs and alcohol. He sends a good message to the kids.''

-- Read Bill Chapin's blog, including a short e-mail Q&A with Ted Nugent
 
Source: MLive.com Everything Michigan