In a recent interview on the Brutally Delicious podcast, Carmine Appice talked about Ted Nugent’s guest appearance on Cactus’ latest album. He said of Nugent’s guitar playing:
“He’s a really great guitar player, in my eyes. And people put him down for his politics. But you know what? He’s very vocal about it, and I kind of agree with him. To be that vocal… It’s America. To be able to have your freedom to say whatever you want and do whatever you want. And his audience is right with him.”
The drummer also discussed his ‘ballsy’ career move:
“I mean, I saw him play a gig [where he changed the lyrics to his song ‘Come And Take It’ to reflect his disdain for the current U.S. president]. It was, like, ‘F*ck Joe Biden.’ The whole audience was saying ‘F*ck Joe Biden.’ I said, ‘Wow.’ I said, ‘That’s ballsy.’ I mean, the guy’s got balls. I appreciate that.”
Others’ Thoughts On Nugent’s Controversy
Nugent is known for his controversial political stances. In addition to Appice, Tom Werman is one of the people aware of the controversy.
Werman produced several of Nugent’s early classic albums. During an interview last October, he was asked whether he believes Ted’s guitar skills are often overshadowed by his well-known political views. He said:
“Yes. I do think he’s among the better guitarists I’ve worked with — or the best. He has his own unique style. I think he was respected in the beginning, but when he started being political, that definitely overshadowed his guitar playing. You say Ted Nugent’s name now and people only think of one thing, which is his political posture.”
You can watch the interview below.
