At the conclusion of Ted Nugent's concert Wednesday at the Midland Theater, he and his band staged a backlit recreation of the iconic image of American soldiers raising the flag on Iwo Jima. Nugent's many critics might suggest the reenactment was a jingoistic and self-serving ploy. Most of the approximately 1,300 fans who cheered the effort perceived it as a wholly appropriate patriotic gesture.
A polarizing figure for decades, Nugent is an expert provocateur. Although he enjoys an unlikely career as a prominent conservative political commentator, Nugent began making waves in the music industry in the late '60s with the Michigan-based Amboy Dukes. As a solo artist, Nugent sold over ten million albums in the United States in the 1970s. He headlined a concert at Arrowhead Stadium in 1979. Songs from the era that made him a star were the obvious highlights of Wednesday's one-hour-and-fifty-minute performance.
"Free-for-All," the first of 16 songs Nugent performed, set the tone. Its metallic guitars were propelled by a relentless funk groove. As with many of Nugent's best songs, it focuses on the single-minded pursuit of female companionship. Irredeemably crude, "Free-for-All" is both infantile and irresistible. As rendered Wednesday by Nugent and an impeccable three-piece backing band, it's certainly durable. Songs like "Stormtroopin'" and "Motor City Madhouse" also sounded no less formidable than they did when they were new. Heavy metal's answer to Maurice Ravel's Bolero, the insistent "Stranglehold" continues to cast an evocative spell.
"This is real American rock and roll and rhythm and blues the way God meant it to be," Nugent declared.
With little variation in tempo or style, a couple of artistic lulls were probably inevitable. The worst moments came during "I Still Believe." It sounded like an intentional parody of an ill-conceived patriotic song. Unfortunately, Nugent wasn't joking. A couple of dodgy songs weren't enough to sink the set. Sung by original vocalist Derek St. Holmes, "Hey Baby," the evening's sole nod to pop music, was the night's most rewarding song.
When St. Holmes wasn't acting as the lead vocalist, Nugent peppered most songs with interjections and asides. While initially amusing, Nugent's constant chatter had lost much of its appeal by the end of the show. He resembled a profane preacher as he testified about "feeling the spirit." And when he repeatedly referred to himself as "Uncle Ted," Nugent's tone suggested a deranged host of a children's television program. Nugent's political commentary was limited but venomous. He encouraged, for instance, the audience to vote against "the c***suckers in the White House" in 2012.
Nugent's performance included a brief demonstration of his prowess with a bow and arrow. His shot at the crosshairs on the back of a guitar was almost a bullseye. A bit of ill-advised chatter aside, so was Nugent's concert.
"Free-for-All," the first of 16 songs Nugent performed, set the tone. Its metallic guitars were propelled by a relentless funk groove. As with many of Nugent's best songs, it focuses on the single-minded pursuit of female companionship. Irredeemably crude, "Free-for-All" is both infantile and irresistible. As rendered Wednesday by Nugent and an impeccable three-piece backing band, it's certainly durable. Songs like "Stormtroopin'" and "Motor City Madhouse" also sounded no less formidable than they did when they were new. Heavy metal's answer to Maurice Ravel's Bolero, the insistent "Stranglehold" continues to cast an evocative spell.
"This is real American rock and roll and rhythm and blues the way God meant it to be," Nugent declared.
With little variation in tempo or style, a couple of artistic lulls were probably inevitable. The worst moments came during "I Still Believe." It sounded like an intentional parody of an ill-conceived patriotic song. Unfortunately, Nugent wasn't joking. A couple of dodgy songs weren't enough to sink the set. Sung by original vocalist Derek St. Holmes, "Hey Baby," the evening's sole nod to pop music, was the night's most rewarding song.
When St. Holmes wasn't acting as the lead vocalist, Nugent peppered most songs with interjections and asides. While initially amusing, Nugent's constant chatter had lost much of its appeal by the end of the show. He resembled a profane preacher as he testified about "feeling the spirit." And when he repeatedly referred to himself as "Uncle Ted," Nugent's tone suggested a deranged host of a children's television program. Nugent's political commentary was limited but venomous. He encouraged, for instance, the audience to vote against "the c***suckers in the White House" in 2012.
Nugent's performance included a brief demonstration of his prowess with a bow and arrow. His shot at the crosshairs on the back of a guitar was almost a bullseye. A bit of ill-advised chatter aside, so was Nugent's concert.
Set list: Free-for-All; Stormtroopin'; Wango Tango; Just What the Doctor Ordered; Wang Dang Sweet Poontang; Need You Bad; Turn It Up; Rawdogs and Warhogs; Dog Eat Dog; Hey, Baby; Fred Bear; I Still Believe; Motor City Madhouse; Cat Scratch Fever; Stranglehold; Great White Buffalo.
| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star
Wow, his commentary aside, I'm sorry I'm missed this one. Didn't know St.Holmes was touring with him again otherwise I may have considered it. And what more could any Nugent fan ask for from that setlist?
Posted by: Pellboy | July 14, 2011 at 08:19 AM
"Nugent's tone suggested a deranged host of a children's television program."
May be the funniest line I have ever read in a concert review!
Sweaty Teddy still rocks. Not really a fan like I once was, but I'll always enjoy 'Stranglehold'. That song kicks ass!
Posted by: onthemark | July 14, 2011 at 09:07 AM
The best thing about the Motor City Madman is Derek St. Holmes.
Posted by: Pall Mall | July 14, 2011 at 09:30 AM
In my opinion he's a jerk. But his music stands on its own. Having Derek St. Holmes on stage makes me think maybe I should have gone... naw... not worth listening to Ted's inane drivel... He should just shut up and play guitar.
Posted by: Nivek9 | July 14, 2011 at 09:38 AM
Derek St Holmes! I would have been there. I hope he can still hit that chorus high note in "Just What the Doctor Ordered." I'll pass on "Fred Bear"... awful song.
That said, I saw J. Roddy Watson & the Business last night and they were as dynamic as usual. 11:45 start time is making me feel old today.
Posted by: wadkc | July 14, 2011 at 10:12 AM
If you want to see what a hypocrite Nugent is, read his story about how he dodged the Vietnam draft.
Posted by: live music fan | July 14, 2011 at 10:51 AM
Derek St Holmes!!!
Isn't he in Spinal Tap?
Posted by: F*Ck'n A Damn Straight! | July 14, 2011 at 11:43 AM
Pics on Midand Theater facebook
Posted by: gary dean | July 14, 2011 at 11:51 AM
I was there at Uncle TED'S party. Best two songs of the evening were "Just What The Doctor Ordered" and "Great White Buffalo" (which he may've changed the song's arrangement, a bit) but it was STILL great! Half the reason I was there in the first place was that DEREK ST. HOLMES is back touring with him. Plus the opener BRENT JAMES wasn't bad. Glad that I wound up going.
Posted by: Bubba | July 14, 2011 at 01:00 PM
More photos on the Artist Spotlight Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/theartistspotlight
Posted by: Artist Spotlight | July 14, 2011 at 02:44 PM
Ted is a tool. An amusing tool, but a tool nonetheless.
Posted by: L. Iberal | July 14, 2011 at 04:28 PM
That's Uncle Tool to you, hippie!
Posted by: GB | July 14, 2011 at 08:49 PM
Wish I could take Nuge's music without Nuge himself.
Posted by: mankvill | July 14, 2011 at 09:55 PM
http://www.newshounds.us/2007/08/26/proof_ted_nugent_is_a_draft_dodger_will_hannity_keep_defending_him.php
Posted by: Darrell | July 14, 2011 at 11:41 PM
Your article is very good fit to be read because it adds new value to me
Posted by: Andy | July 15, 2011 at 05:28 AM
haha, Spinal Tap was the first thing I thought of.
Posted by: KC Jones | July 15, 2011 at 08:26 AM
Derek St. Hubbins I think was the name in Spinal Tap. A truly perfect movie. I wish those guys would do another mocumentary. Best in Show was just as good.
Posted by: joe | July 15, 2011 at 08:35 AM
It's David St. Hubbins in Tap.
And the best line is "As with many of Nugent's best songs, it focuses on the single-minded pursuit of female companionship."
Posted by: Andy Lester | July 15, 2011 at 09:54 AM
Spot on Randy.
Posted by: joe | July 15, 2011 at 02:21 PM
The numbers all go to eleven. Look, right across the board, eleven, eleven, eleven...
Posted by: Green | July 15, 2011 at 04:06 PM
Love Sweaty Teddy but why no reviews anywhere for Ben Folds and Kenton Chen concert on Sunday. Ben Folds played for close to 2 1/2 hrs straight in the heat - that deserves a comment. Ben always entertains and this concert was not a disappointment. Loved it!
Posted by: Metalmomma | July 15, 2011 at 04:13 PM
No mention of J. Roddy Walston & The Business at the record bar either or anything on the girl that died at the beaumont club last night.
Posted by: Green | July 15, 2011 at 04:51 PM
1,300 of the dimmest people in Kansas City, all centrally located for an hour and a half.
Posted by: Bobo | July 20, 2011 at 02:00 PM