American rock legend Ted Nugent continues his restless touring over the past four decades with his 2014 Shutup & Jam Tour. Kicking off on the eve of the countries Independence Day, Nugent stopped at select cities including his landmark 6,500th live performance along the way. In support of his first new studio album since 2007’s Love Grenade, the tour promised to be a doozy with some new and old classics coming together. On Monday July 21st, Nugent and his band; bassist Greg Smith, drummer “Wild” Mick Brown, and vocalist/ rhythm guitarist Derek St. Holmes, came to The Paramount in Huntington, NY to rock a near capacity crowd.
In direct support for Nugent was up and coming Detroit, MI hard rock band Pistol Day Parade. Together since 2009, the band consists of Fuller (vocals), Rob Banks (guitar), Guido (guitar), Jason Lollio (bass), and Jason Hartless (drums). Signed to Gooba Music in 2013, they released their debut full-length album Burn; spreading the word of their no frills rock-n-roll sound. Performing songs such as vocally passionate “Where I Lay”, harder “New Life”, and moody “Angels On Fire”, Pistol Day Parade showed the audience each side of their diverse styling. Fuller sang with great emotional expression as Banks and Guido’s guitar work was thick and textured. Winning over the audience, they continued on playing a cover version of Phil Collins “In The Air Tonight”. Adding their own flair to the unmistakable track, it became clear that this band left a lasting impression during their first visit ever to Long Island. Their set closed out with the party like single “Rockstars Girlfriend” with people bopping their heads and even singing along. Pistol Day Parade have a bright future in rock-n-roll and this opening slot will only expand their reach.
Ready to experience the one and only Motor City Madman, looking around the room a mix of fans from all age groups and backgrounds, including Twisted Sisters Mark Mendoza, stood patiently awaiting the set’s start. Greeted with a roar from the crowd upon his arrival with his guitar in hand, Nugent and company kicked off with the track “Gonzo”. Wailing away on guitar with notes that not only bent guitar strings in ways only some dream of, he also had the audience in a frenzy through “Just What The Doctor Ordered”, and “Free-For-All”. Keeping the music loud, heart pumping, and raunchy, this is the way rock-n-roll was meant to be played and a high spirited Nugent expressed how much he adored playing it for people.
Moving along, Nugent kept the classics coming with “Turn It Up”. It was as if time had stood still and fans were transported back to the late 70’s when rock-n-roll music was king. Engaging with the room any chance he had the opportunity, Nugent went on to proclaim he did not invent love but he was going to perfect it at The Paramount as he went into the blood pumping “Wang Dang Sweet Poontang”. The chucking of the guitar combined with hits of “Wild” Brown on drums had everyone moving on the floor. It was at this point Nugent recognized blues rock hero Johnny Winter which passed a week earlier at the age of 70. Forming a strong friendship with Winter over the years, with a heavy-heart Nugent dedicated “I Can’t Quit You Baby” to him as St. Holmes electrified on vocals.
The ever vocal and opinionated Nugent kept it coming with humorous lines, serious commentary, and undying love for his country and music. While some may not agree with his political stands, no one can deny he has a good grasp on current events, societal issues, and is living proof that freedom of speech is a beautiful thing. In between the personal conversations, the band rocked out with “Live It Up”, “Queen of The Forest”, and new title track “Shutup & Jam”. While the new track features a blistering vocal performance by Sammy Hagar, Nugent recaptured the heavy hitting song’s mood in this live rendition that had fans whistling enthusiastically. They wanted more, and more they received with a series of golden classic rock hits winding down the madness with “Cat Scratch Fever” and “Stanglehold”.
Undeniably, Nugent and his well-established band are all immensely talented musicians. The attention to detail of each song performed was present the entire set through and Nugent’s guitar playing is second to none. He is not only entertaining to watch perform but has a personality that is endearing. Pick up a copy of Shutup & Jam! and check this killer tour before it concludes August 16th.
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