The adorably defiant, freedom loving, Motor City Madman Rocks Upstate New York one last time.
BY THOMAS S. ORWAT, JR.
Rochester, NY- One of the most notorious, controversial and talented individuals in rock music, Ted Nugent performed a high energy 90-minute concert last night at the acoustically brilliant indoor Kodak Center Theater. The 74-year-old, Redford, Michigan-born, guitarist/singer/songwriter is currently on his “Adios Mofo 23” farewell tour. Nugent recently explained that one of the reasons for the farewell tour was his hatred of being in hotels all summer long, because to him they are like a prison.
At 8:30pm, Nugent and the band took the stage for their final performance in Upstate New York. Immediately, Nugent mesmerized the audience, performing an intense feedback-driven version of the “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The audience was in awe, witnessing a true rock music legend perform and, for many in the crowd, for the very last time.
Joining Nugent on stage for his final victory lap is drummer Jason M Hartless, who has been in Nugent’s band since Spring of 2016, and newcomer bassist/vocalist Johnny Schoen, who replaced long time bassist Greg Smith a few months ago. The band stormed through a setlist that included many of Nugent’s most popular songs from his 50 years plus career.
Unlike some other classic rockers, Nugent’s bombastic guitar playing and vocals have not declined at all over the years. Some may argue that Nugent is better now than he has ever been, which is quite an accomplishment when you consider his legendary past performances, dating back to the early 60’s. During this particular performance, Nugent proclaimed that this was his 6900th show. All live, no overdubs or singing to tracks, 100% Rock n’ Roll!!!!
Considered as a rock music icon and living legend, Nugent is a unique entertainer. He is a musically gifted guitarist and equally sharp with his tongue. His in-between song stage banter is as entertaining as watching him performing. Nugent doesn’t hold back; he is a proud patriot and will lash out at anyone who threatens his right to bear arms or infringe on his freedoms. His targets on this evening included verbal attacks on Hillary Clinton, New York Governor Kathy Hochul and President Joe Biden. Nugent turned the chorus from his 2022 single “Come and Take It” to Fuck Joe Biden, to the delight of his devout audience. Nugent declared afterwards, “How can you not have fun at one of my shows!”
Some of the many music highlights of the show included the classic songs “Hey Baby” and Need You Bad” which bassist/vocalist Johnny Schoen took on the lead vocals. “Paralyzed” and “Free For All” were performed with raw energy and passion. “Cat Scratch Fever” which Nugent proclaimed as the “sexiest guitar riff ever written” put the crowd into a frenzy.
Nugent ended the evening with two of his most popular and epic tracks, “Stranglehold” and the “Great White Buffalo,” which Nugent screamed, “I’m the Great White Buffalo,” and then to the audience “You’re the Great White Bufalo.” Nugent proceeded to astound the audience for one last intense song, and afterwards walked off the stage.
There was no emotional goodbye speech, or curtain call. Nugent isn’t one for tearful goodbyes and neither is most of his followers. This performance certainly did not feel like a farewell tour show, but more as a celebration of one of the most entertaining musicians in the history of rock n’ roll, Ted Fuckin’ Nugent!
For more information on Ted Nugent, please visit www.tednugent.com
Opening the show was the southern rock influenced band Hillbilly Vegas, who just recently released a kick ass record entitled “The Great Southern Hustle.”
Hillbilly Vegas consists of Steve Harris (vocals and rhythm guitar) Stacy Thornburg (lead guitar, vocals), Johnny Reed (guitar, vocals), Robb Edwards (bass) and Troy Hollinger (drums).
Their performance was short and to the point and high lights included tracks “Two Gun Town” (video posted below) and “Shake It Like A Hillbilly,” By the end of their set they won over the audience and received a standing ovation.
Check out video from their performance at the bottom of this page. For more on Hillbilly Vegas, visit https://www.facebook.com/hillbillyvegasmusic/
SETLIST
The Star-Spangled Banner
Gonzo
Stormtroopin’
Paralyzed
Free-For-All
Snakeskin Cowboys
Wang Dang Sweet Poontang
Come and Take It
Hey Baby
Need You Bad
Good Friends and a Bottle of Wine
Fred Bear
Cat Scratch Fever
Stranglehold
Encore:
The Great White Buffalo
Thomas S. Orwat Jr.
RockMusicStar.com 
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