April 14, 1984, was my last Ted Nugent concert. So why has more than 38 years gone by? There really isn’t a great answer other than sometimes life gets in the way. The important thing is that I was lucky enough to get approved to cover the Motor City Madman as he roared into Orlando on the 4th show of his Detroit Muscle Tour. As I pulled into my favorite local venue, The Plaza Live, a pretty significant line had already formed. The show had been sold out for several days and I saw a couple of folks who were hoping to score some tickets in the parking lot.
Security was a little more stringent than usual and I completely understand that, given how politically charged the world is right now. After finally making it inside, I began my search for the “perfect spots” to shoot from. After my recon mission, I concluded that this was going to be a “wing it” kind of night, and I set up near stage right and waited for the arrival of Rick Monroe & the Hitmen. Rick Monroe is no stranger to the music scene and has performed in every U.S. state and 17 countries. Having toured with numerous country icons has helped shape him into the performer he is today. The Hitmen are comprised of Bobby Perkins on guitar, Alan Peeler on bass and Jason Bohl on drums.
The band hit the stage right at 7:30 and it was clear that they were in a partying mood. The fans were treated to some new songs including “World’s Gone Crazy,” which was released a few months ago. This song has it all and the main riff that is most prominent at the beginning, reminded me of AC/DC‘s “It’s A Long Way To The Top” which is nothing short of outstanding. 2018’s “Cocaine Cold & Whiskey Shakes” had the crowd singing along and Monroe took time to raise a glass for military personnel and 1st responders. Although the band’s main genre is listed as country, don’t be fooled, as they are very diverse. A fiery cover of Motorhead‘s “Ace Of Spades” and a snippet of the Eagles‘ “Seven Bridges Road” drives that point home. “Gypsy Soul” was chosen to close out the set. To me, this song embodies the heart and soul of this band. It’s the stuff that southern rock classics are made of, and Monroe’s vocals really shine.
I would really love to catch these guys on a headline tour with an expanded setlist, they’re that good. There are plenty of dates left so be sure to check and see when they’ll be coming to a city near you. In the meantime, please give their socials a click. I saved you the trouble and included them all at the bottom of this review.
Rick Monroe & The Hitman:
Rick Monroe: Lead Vocals, Guitar
Bobby Perkins: Guitar, Vocals
Alan Beeler: Bass, Vocals
Jason Bohl: Drums
Setlist:
1. Devil On Both Sides
2.Bad Stretch Of The Road
3.Trouble
4.Cocaine Cold And Whiskey Shakes
5.World’s Gone Crazy
6.Ace Of Spades
7.Gypsy Soul
Up next was one of the most polarizing rockers of all time. The Motor City Madman, Uncle Ted, or simply The Nuge, Ted Nugent has been rockin’ and rollin’ for close to 60 years. Having reviewed all sorts of concerts and different genres, I always try to be objective and report from a fan’s perspective. Keeping that in mind, here are my takeaways from one of the most prodigious, enthralling and guitar-slamming shows I’ve seen. Somewhere right around 8:45 the house lights went out and the curtain rose. A silhouetted Nugent appeared onstage, immersed in sea of alternating red and yellow lights, along with strobes. After some blistering riffs, the stage lit up and Nugent went right into “Stranglehold“, which by the way was my phone ringer for the longest time.
Wearing his trademark snakeskin cowboy hat, it was evident early on that Nugent hasn’t lost any of the mastery that has made him a guitar legend. With a large American flag displayed onstage, Nugent removed his hat and performed a blazing rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner.” Fan favorites like “Paralyzed” and “Free For All” had the crowd jamming and wanting more. When it came time to play “Come And Take It” from the new Detroit Muscle album, Nugent performed an impromptu lyrical change that resulted in “F**K Joe Biden” being added to the chorus, a chorus that was sung loudly by those in attendance.
Speaking of company, obviously Nugent isn’t alone onstage. Greg Smith is the man on bass and he’s also a talented vocalist. It’d be easier to list who he hasn’t played with than who he has. His resume covers everyone from Billy Joel to Blue Oyster Cult. I’m currently watching a documentary called “Hired Gun” and although I’m only halfway through it, I fully expect to see Smith in it as he’s clearly at the top of his field. Jason Hartless is the man pounding out the beats. At 27 years old Hartless is the young gun of this trio, although you wouldn’t know it by the length of his resume. It was cool to see that Tommy Clufetos was one of his mentors. I got to see Clufetos last month when he filled in for Tommy Lee on The Stadium Tour. Both Smith and Hartless blew it up during “Wang Dang Sweet Poontang.”
Nugent, a proponent of critical thinking, is the consummate entertainer. His flair and charisma allow him to capture the crowd’s attention from the second he steps onstage. Nugent proclaimed that he is “a free mother f***er” and that this show was the “soundtrack for free mother f**ckers.” The band closed things out with 3 of my favorites, “Fred Bear,” “Cat Scratch Fever,” and “Great White Buffalo.” Prior to “Great White Buffalo,” Nugent told the crowd “You are the great white buffalo.” He then proclaimed that he was the great white buffalo before finally stating that “Ron Desantis (Governor) was the great white buffalo.”
This was a great night and a great show. It felt good to hear these songs played live again after so many years. I was actually told that covering this show might garner negative attention. I’ve covered shows in large arenas and small-town pubs. I’ve even covered street performers playing in an alley. Never in a million years would I turn down a show because of what people might think. When we start bowing to what others think or believe is when things break down. Critical thinking applies to everyone. I’m not here to convince you to become a Ted Nugent fan, or how to vote or what music to listen to. That’s what critical thinking is for. Whatever decisions you make should in no way be influenced by the thoughts and opinions of others.
I had a few main takeaways from this show. First off, Rick Monroe & The Hitmen are big time. Secondly, Ted Nugent is a guy that loves his country and plays kick-ass rock n’ roll, and last but not least, I won’t be waiting so long again to see Ted Nugent play live.
Ted Nugent:
Ted Nugent: Lead Guitar, Lead Vocals, Bass, Percussion
Greg Smith: Bass, Vocals
Jason Hartless: Drums
Setlist:
1.Stranglehold
2.Star Spangled Banner
3.Gonzo
4.Paralyzed
5.Stormtroopin’
6.Free For All
7.Queen Of The Forest
8.Come And Take It
9.American Campfire
10.Hey Baby
11.Good Friends And A Bottle Of Wine
12.Wang Dang Sweet Poontang
13.Fred Bear
14.Cat Scratch Fever
15.Great White Buffalo
Follow Rick Monroe & The Hitmen Online:
Follow Ted Nugent Online:
I’ve had a love for photography since I was young. Whether it was a Polaroid or a Kodak 110, I was always the kid with the camera. My love of music goes back even further. Nothing beats being at a show when those lights go down and the crowd goes nuts.
