Ted Nugent recently decided to hire the worldwide known boxer Mike Tyson as his personal fighter to punch those that oppose his ideas. In a recent interview, Nugent discussed how he would approach Bruce Springsteen, whose political views are different from Nugent’s.
As you know, Ted Nugent is a strong supporter of the Republican Party and often states his frustration towards people who support leftist parties and sympathize with the former Obama government and the current Biden government in the USA. The guitarist also boldly expresses his opinions on various other subjects like owning guns and being pro-hunting. While his political views shake the country day after day, his followers listen to him carefully during his live shows, in which he also jams with his guitar.
On the other hand, Bruce Springsteen is known as a patriotic American, and most American men look up to him. His lyrics, style, and the fact that he carries the American flag wherever he goes have inspired people all over the country. Springsteen’s attitude towards politics has been chiefly about depicting social conflicts, understanding the economically disadvantaged, and standing up for injustice. However, he also openly supported Barack Obama and even started a podcast with him called ‘Renegades: Born in the USA’ on Spotify.
However, when it comes to Springsteen and his music, none of his opinions matter to Nugent. He had previously stated that he would hire boxer Mike Tyson to punch those who disagreed with his ideas, but he recently admitted that he wouldn’t do that to Springsteen. Even though he considers Bruce a ‘dirtbag supporting communists,’ he still respects his contribution to rock history.
In his recent conversation, he started by saying how different he and Springsteen are in terms of ideologies but admitted that he still enjoyed working with him and the E-Street Band very much. Therefore, it is clear that Nugent respects Bruce Springsteen’s music so much that he can disregard his political views.
Here is how he started his speech about Springsteen:
“You couldn’t get further apart ideologically, politically, or truth logic and common sense wise than me, and Bruce Springsteen, but here I’ll show a little love for Bruce. Number one, I’ve been able to perform on the Conan show with the E-Street band, which is one of the greatest joys in my life. I’ve always been surrounded by the best musicians, that’s a perfect example. We played ‘Jenny take a Ride’ by Mitch Ryder, and Max and the guys performed it with unbelievable accuracy, perfection, and soulfulness.
So, I give them that salute for having that quality of virtuosos that deliver his music and instead of going after Bruce for being a dirtbag and supporting communists like Biden and Obama. People that ruined the quality of life, especially for minorities. How he can’t see that, I don’t know. But, I would like to be right here live on that Jameson show with my friends Jim and Don to salute Bruce Springsteen because he always supported Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels.”
He continued to state that if he were to see Springsteen, he wouldn’t let Tyson punch him, and instead, he would send him off. Surprisingly for such an opinionated person, Nugent said that he would thank him for putting all his heart into the music he makes and enriching people’s lives. Springsteen especially gained Ted Nugent’s praise when he made a 9/11 tribute song in 2020.
Here is how he continued:
“If I met Bruce, I wouldn’t punch him. I always have Mike Tyson with me, and I’d give him a hundred bucks to punch assholes, and I wouldn’t have Mike punch him. I would say, ‘Mike take a minute off, go, find another asshole to punch.’ But I’m gonna say, ‘Thank you’ to Bruce Springsteen because we share the reverence and admiration for musical integrity and enthusiasm.
You have to admit, Bruce’s career is based on his musical heart and soul. The delivery and the content of his lyrics I don’t abide by most of the time. I love the reference to the Dust Bowl in ‘Joad,’ but I would thank him for his enriching lives with powerful music. I wouldn’t go into his communist predilections. I also thank him for doing a 9/11 tribute. He’s also got some great spirit.”
You can watch the full interview below.
