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Review: Ted Nugent brings ‘Sonic Baptizm’ tour to The Paramount in NY (Includes first-hand account)

Stolen Rhodes serving as his opening act, and they warmed up the stage for “Uncle Ted.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Nugent screamed with excitement as he took The Paramount stage, and went on to dedicate his concert to the military and Armed forces. He began his set with a rocking version of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which received a raucous response from The Paramount audience, and he immediately broke into “Gonzo.” “I love this shit,” Nugent screamed. “I know what you’re looking for,” he added.

He went on to give his Long Island fan-base some “Free-For-All.” “We got the groove going. You love the groove,” he said, prior to complimenting the crowd for being “real music lovers” and “real New Yorkers.” It was followed by “Snakeskin Cowboys,” where red and yellow lights dimmed from the stage.

“It’s all about that groove. That Motown shake,” he said. “You know we’ll do this all night long. You always inspire me every night Long Island.”

He shared that he is honored to have his “buddies” from the U.S. Army, the Air Force, the National Guard and others at his show. “We’re the only band that plays like this. I have the best band in the world and the best attitude,” he said, and introduced the ever-talented bassist Greg Smith, who is originally from Long Island, as well as gifted drummer Jason Hartless on drums, who is from Detroit, Michigan.

“We’ve been practicing,” he said, and continued with “Yank Me, Crank Me.” “Real guitar music is still alive,” he said. The Motor City Madman revealed that he is almost 68 years old, and tonight marks his 6,551st career concert. “I’ve had more fun this year than any other year in my life. Say ‘thank you’ Uncle Ted,” he told the Paramount crowd.

“Maybe I should act my age and play some country music,” he said, jokingly, prior to noting that he has one mellow song in his set, and that is “Wang Dang Sweet Poontang.” He allowed Greg Smith and Jason Hartless to play some neat solo parts towards the end of this tune.

Of course no Ted Nugent concert is complete without his three classics, the poignant “Fred Bear,” as well as “Cat Scratch Fever” and “Stranglehold.”

The Verdict

Overall, Ted Nugent’s show at The Paramount was high-octane and fun. It was unfiltered at times, unapologetic, witty and badass. Nugent and his band earned an A rating for a job well done.

To learn more about Ted Nugent, his music and tour dates, visit his website.

Markos Papadatos
Written By

Markos Papadatos is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for Music News. Papadatos is a Greek-American journalist and educator that has authored over 20,000 original articles over the past 18 years. He has interviewed some of the biggest names in music, entertainment, lifestyle, magic, and sports. He is a 16-time "Best of Long Island" winner, where for three consecutive years (2020, 2021, and 2022), he was honored as the "Best Long Island Personality" in Arts & Entertainment, an honor that has gone to Billy Joel six times.

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