Anything’s Fair game for Nugent

By Steven Patrick

Ted Nugent is a walking, talking institution of rock n' roll. People may love him or hate him for his political opinions and views on hunting, but the wild man from that state up north has continued to deliver guitar riffs that have delighted classic rock fans for more than four decades. His work with The Amboy Dukes made him a household name in the late '60s and early '70s. Then Nugent's decision to go solo only yielded him more success along with classic tracks like "Stranglehold" and "Cat Scratch Fever." At 59 years old, Nugent shows no signs of slowing down in 2008. Recently, the Motor City Madman released a new live cd/dvd entitled "Sweden Rocks," and has embarked on an ambitious summer tour of the US. "Sweaty Teddy" is also starring in Toby Keith's new movie, "Beer For My Horses," and is going to release a new book in October entitled "Ted, White and Blue: The Nugent Manifesto."
Nugent will be making a stop at the 2008 Ohio State Fair, and was gracious enough to answer a few questions concerning his new CD/DVD, movie, book, and anything else that came to mind.

UW: Why did you pick the Sweden show to release as a live CD/DVD?

There are so many demanding logistics that need to align in order to professionally capture a live recording that it simply all came together at that great Swedish festival. The band was killing, even though we kill every night, the state of the art filming and recording production team was advantageous for that show, the Swedish crowds go berserk for our music, and the planets aligned. Beautiful.

UW: What would be your message to college-age voters in the 2008 election?

Pursue a crash course on the dastardly history of socialism and communism in the world, and admit to the horrible parallels to everything Barack Obama stands for. America is on the cusp of dangerous backwards momentum, and this deceptive politician will push her over the brink. I would tell every American that the scourge of apathy and liberal denial is suicide for America. Vote for McCain and stay on his ass to stick to the US Constitution and Bill of Rights, or fire him and find a true leader who will. We the people must get tough and demanding now more than ever.

UW: What can fans expect from your new book?

Brutal honesty and irrefutable evidence that the amazing quality American Dream that is my life is available to anyone willing to fight for rugged individualism and genuine independence by putting their heart and soul into being the very best that they can be, even when it is difficult and trying. It is more than worth the sacrifices necessary to achieve.

UW: Your albums contain a lot of Native American references. Do you have any affiliation with a particular tribe, or do you just identify with their outdoor-focused lifestyle?

I have blessed to share many spiritual campfires with my American Indian BloodBrothers over the years, and my music is powerfully motivated by their hunting lifestyle and spirit. My song, "The Great White Buffalo," is celebrated by many of us as the official song of The Great Spirit of America

UW: Is "Beer For My Horses" your official acting debut?

I played a featured role in the #2 rated Miami Vice TV show. Not to mention all my PG13 concerts are truly Oscar performances.
 
UW: Do you have any road stories related to Columbus or Ohio in general?

I have been joyously rocking the great Buckeye State since the 1960s, and every rockout has been off the charts, intense, and fun. Ohio deserves me.

UW: Do you think the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will ever wake the hell up and induct you?

Not as long as dope smoking, mindless leftwing anti-gunners and anti hunting numbnuts are in charge, no. RnRHOF founder Jann Wenner is one of the most soulless clowns in history. That they put a toxic no-talent wench like Patty Smith (who?) in the same Hall Of Fame as Bo Diddly and Chuck Berry is blasphemous and downright dishonest, and insulting to those true masters who so deserve to be revered.

Ted Nugent will be playing the Celeste Center on Saturday, August 9; at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include Fair admission. For more information, please call 614-644-3247 or visit www.tednugent.com.

Source: UWeekly.com