TED NUGENT/DIRTY AMERCANS
@ DTE MUSIC THEATER
by
Eva M. Trudeau
8/2005
Detroit,MI
I had the opportunity to catch the Ted Nugent show at DTE in Metro
Detroit. Being that this is Ted's hometown, the audience was excited and
packed to capacity. Patriots, Bowhunters, and lovers of Ted's music
filled the place.
The opening act, The Dirty Americans, took the stage and got the
audience ready for what was to be a great evening. Their set was hip and
jammming, with a sound and feel similar to that of The Cult, with a
slight hip-hop kick. The closing song, the Neil Young classic, "Four
Dead in Ohio", was bluesy and moody. Great harmonics and a thumbs up for
this group.
To say a Ted Nugent show would be anything less than rollicking, wild,
and passionate would be an understatement. Ray Charles' version of
"America The Beautiful" echoed through the speakers as the stage went
dark, for what was to be a fellowship of rock 'n' roll and patiotism.
Ted came out waving Old Glory and broke into the National Anthem,
bringing loud cheers and hands on hearts. After that, it was time to
rock and he broke out into "Free For All", this writer's favorite Nugent
song.
Ted was in rare form, with his anecdotes about politics, music, and
basically from what I could gather, having a blast onstage as he usually
does.
Onstage complementing him was "Wild" Mick Brown of Dokken fame on drums.
On bass was Barry Sparks, to back with his
distinctive style.
The stage was decorated with camouflage netting, bows, and rifles. The
audience was wild and pumped up, with the
intensity of the show. "Motor City Madhouse" had everyone cheering along.
Ted made no bones about his passion and love for our great country, and
his riffs and jams were wild and electric.
The song that got everyone on their feet and singing along was "Dog Eat
Dog".
Props were given to the Armed Forces and all service members, serving
our country here and abroad. Then Ted broke
out some of his older material, jams he used to play way back in the
day. Bluesy, soulful wails and riffs.
Then it was time for his famous "shooting" with the his long bow. This
show's recipient was Saddam Hussien.
A wall-high image was raised and he nailed it, with the his arrow, in
one fell swoop. Then it was time to break
into his song "Kiss My Ass". Everyone went nuts and raised their glasses.
Among the other songs played to much excitement were: "Little Miss
Dangerous", "Hey Baby", and the famous classic,
"Cat Scratch Fever."
Ted broke out into quite a few interludes with his incomparable
bluesy feel.
I caught "Stranglehold" and "Fred Bear", as I was leaving and it was
echoing in my ears for a few hours.
This is very much a highly recommeded show to anyone looking for a great time.
Many thanks to Ted's management for allowing me to cover it.
www.tednugent.com
Photos by Eva M. Trudeau
