Ted Nugent has been dazzling crowds with his insanely energetic and entertaining live shows for the better of four decades now. We caught up with our favorite conservative rocker just after he completed his 2010 "Trample The Weak, Hurdle The Dead" tour and right before he took off hunting to unwind from the rigors of the life on the road as a rockstar. Thank you "Terribly Ted" for being so kind and taking a few minutes to share your thoughts with us about your career, charitable work, and political views to help us celebrate the 2010 mid-term elections.
We encourage all our fans to visit www.tednugent.com for all things Nuge and to browse republicanrock.com for all sorts of cool Ted Nugent fanfare -- Terrible Ted links, the Ted Nugent Song Poll, the Guest Book to leave Mr. Nugent a message, the Daily Nugent National Anthem, Nuge's most recent Washington Times editorial, the link for a free mp3 download of Ted jamming on the Star-spangled Banner and much, much more.
Republicanrock
In an industry strewn with the wreckage of one-hit wonders and careers with shelf-lives shorter than a gallon of 2% milk left on a Texas backporch, you have been at this since 1958. To what do you attribute your longevityand success?
Ted Nugent
Unbridled defiance against all things status quo and the soulless lie of peer pressure, fueled by a Herculean work ethic and discipline to push myself relentlessly to be the absolute best that I can be. I am allergic to excuse making and addicted to excellence.
Republicanrock
How were you able to stay away from drugs and alcohol in an industry where use & abuse is rampant and almost expected?
Ted Nugent
The same way I was able to stay away from stabbing myself in the eye with an ice pick -- self preservation and a lust for quality of life. Plus I knew instinctually that hippies and beatniks were here for my entertainment and humor.
Republicanrock
So, how tolerant has the entertainment industry been to you with your conservative political views?
Ted Nugent
It has been a fascinating adventure, I assure you. My ultra pragmatic rugged individualism, also known as "conservatism" has been both embraced and scorned as it should be. There have always been independent people and sheeplike, dependent people. I havealways stood proudly on my side of the line drawn in the sand. All my musician friends, from Sammy Hagar, Kid Rock, Billy Gibbons, Chad Smith, John Rich, Toby Keith, Tom Morello and many, many others from very diverse political walks, show genuine respect, even admiration for my politics, and openly express the same. On the other hand, the zombie left, like Bill Maher, Jann Wenner and a handful of lunatic fringers genuinely hate me, and have expressed so. Ultimately, none of that has any effect whatsoever on my gravity defying career, because my music is a force to reckon with far beyond any political misgivings. My music is a volatile soundtrack for tough, hard working defiant people everywhere. We all get along just fine.
Republicanrock
Please tell us a little about the Ted Nugent Kamp for Kids and some of the success stories coming out of this program.
Ted Nugent
This glorious youth charity came from the inspiration of my bowhunting hero Fred Bear. It is a 501C3 nonprofit, volunteer charity dedicated to teach young people the critical quality of life issue of hands on conservation via the pure and perfect hunting, fishing, trapping and great outdoor lifestyle as the ultimate environmentalism that it is. I have kept in touch with graduates dating back to 1989 who now have their own children attending this wonderful annual camp. We are truly doing God's work.
Republicanrock
A 10-year-old conservative kid just beat your avatar in a boss battle playing "Stranglehold" on the Guitar Hero World Tour video game. Now he thinks he wants to grow up to be a conservative rockstar. What would be your advice to him/her?
Ted Nugent
Remain clean and sober, aim small, miss small both literally and figuratively. Focus on the spirit while managing your body and soul to be the best warrior you can be. And learn every Chuck Berry and Bo Diddly lick with attitude.
Republicanrock
Suppose MTV resurrected "Celebrity Death Match" and it is Ted Nugent versus Lady Gaga in her meat dress. Who wins and why?
Ted Nugent
I would be the ultimate gentleman and win with as little damage to her as possible, but would have to eat her dress.
Republicanrock
Is there any way we could arrange for free MP3 downloads of your rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner for our active military either from tednugent.com or republicanrock.com?
Ted Nugent
My incredible wife and I created Freedom's Angels, a charity to help wounded US Military warriors and their families as a small gesture to say thank you for their amazing sacrifices. So h#$% yeah! ... for any of our superior warriors anytime!
Note: Since our interview, "Uncle Ted" has made his version of the Star-Spangled Banner available for free download on www.tednugent.com, not just for military and their families, but for anyone who is interested. This is only for a limited time, so click here today to be directed to the correct Nugent website page for the download.
