Rock legend Ted Nugent recently praised fellow musicians in a statement shared on Ted Nugent Spirit Campfire: Healing Through Nature. He highlighted his admiration for both established and touring artists.
Nugent expressed his enthusiasm for live music performances and recommended catching performances by notable acts. He commended Sammy Hagar’s musical talent in his remarks. He also encouraged audiences to experience Styx’s live shows.
“If I wasn’t me, I’d be in the front row watching my ass every night because my God, we have so much fun,” Nugent said. “I have more fun with my music than anybody in the world. Now, Sammy Hagar is close. Sammy Hagar is a musical soulful force to reckon with. If you get to see Sammy Hager, he’s got a new live thing from his live album, live music from his residency in Las Vegas. Get it.”
Nugent then turned his attention to Styx and its guitarist Tommy Shaw. He offered a colorful description of the band’s appeal.
“Also, if you get a chance to see Styx, with my fellow damn Yankee, Tommy Shaw. Styx, what an incredible, soulful band. He’s like a huge black monster in a little white guy’s body. Tommy Shaw, I love you. You’re such a damn Yankee. But if you get a chance, go see Styx,” he continued.
Nugent’s affectionate remarks toward Shaw reflect a decades-long relationship rooted in mutual respect and creative collaboration. The two rock musicians have shared far more than just kind words. They’ve built a significant chapter in rock history together that extends well beyond their respective primary bands.
Ted Nugent and Tommy Shaw collaborated as members of the supergroup Damn Yankees, which also included Jack Blades from Night Ranger, according to Wikipedia. The band formed in the early 1990s during periods when their primary bands were less active. This created an opportunity for these talented musicians to explore new creative directions together.
The musical chemistry between Nugent and Shaw was immediate and strong. Shaw and Nugent co-wrote songs such as “Come Again” for the Damn Yankees debut album, as documented by Ultimate Classic Rock. They blended rock and blues styles to create a distinct sound. Nugent admired Shaw’s soulful musical roots, countering Styx’s image as just “pretty music” by emphasizing Shaw’s deep connection to blues and soul influences that aligned perfectly with Nugent’s own musical philosophy.
The Damn Yankees enjoyed considerable commercial success. Their debut album achieved gold status quickly. Ultimate Classic Rock noted that Shaw explained Damn Yankees wasn’t intended to be a permanent project. Rather, it was a supergroup born from timing and shared musical goals during shifting periods in their careers. This understanding allowed the musicians to approach the collaboration with creative freedom and enthusiasm.
The association has continued occasionally through live collaborations and reunions in recent years. Fans have been delighted by revisiting classic Damn Yankees songs. This ongoing camaraderie highlights the lasting musical and personal rapport between Nugent and Shaw beyond their primary band commitments. Nugent’s recent praise for his “fellow damn Yankee” is a natural extension of their enduring friendship and professional respect.
