Ted Nugent / Adios Mofos, A Hard-rocking Tribute To American Values

“My name is Ted Nugent, and I’m exactly what the Founding Fathers wanted every American to be,” exclaimed the Motor City Madman during Saturday night’s visit to The Mill in Terre Haute, Indiana, a stop on his final tour Adios Mofos.

Ted Nugent

The Mill Amphitheater, Terre Haute, IN – 22 July 2023

Words And Photography: Ben Tschetter

The present year marks 60 years of The Nuge’s musical career, decades after forming Amboy Dukes and then branching off to form his wildly rambunctious and successful solo career (since 1975).

Nugent’s visit to Indiana showed that despite being on what’s billed as his final tour, he is at the absolute top of his game.

As the patriotic Nugent appeared onstage to the deafening welcome of the roars of nearly 5000 people, the rocker proclaimed, “I love the Heartland,” before launching into his thunderous rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner, which he opens every show with. “I love REAL America,” he added.

Nugent’s high-energy set consisted largely of fan-favourite tunes and iconic hits spanning his impressive career, and every song was a hard-rocking good time.

From Nugent staples such as Stormtroopin, Wang Dang Sweet Pootang, and Fred Bear, to ball-breaking, unstoppable guitar rock anthems like Cat Scratch Fever and Free-For-All, Nugent and his talented band members Johnny Schoen (bass) and young buck (with quite an impressive resume) Jason Hartless (drums) tore up the stage for over two hours of bluesy, gritty, and raucous jams that had their sea of fans in rock ‘n’ roll heaven.

But certainly, the highlight of the evening was the band’s performance of the gargantuan Stranglehold, Nugent’s masterpiece. “Since I created the number one guitar lick in the history of the world, I might as well play it,” he bragged.

And play it, he did. The already incredible track from 1975’s Ted Nugent solo debut reached a new level of electrifying and mind-blowing on the live stage.

As the notes filled the air, it would be hard to deny this is one of the greatest rock classics of all time and absolutely one of the greatest song performances we have seen live. Words don’t do it justice, but the price of tickets was certainly justified by this one anthem alone.

Nearly as entertaining as the music itself is the commentary between at each Ted Nugent show. A vocal supporter of American freedom and anti-tyrannical government, Nugent shared his love for the armed forces and patriotism and shared unapologetic remarks to those who seek to strip that from American citizens.

Met with cheers from the crowd of Ted’s “Shitkicker blood brothers”, Nugent kept the fire in the hearts of the crowd ignited for country, values, and rock ‘n’ roll.

Perhaps not commentary for the faint of heart, but certainly what people need to hear in an age polluted with corruption, hurt feelings, and political correctness. “God bless America. Stand up for what you believe in”, shared Nugent.

Uncle Ted, at “75 years of piss and vinegar”, is living proof that rock is still alive and well. With his soaring vocals, screams as penetrating as they were in the ’70s, and blistering riffs, he’s aged like a fine wine and is backed by solid bandmates to deliver hard-hitting rock punches each night.

Die-hard fans and casuals alike will have their expectations far exceeded. “These guys and I, we put our heart and soul into every lick we play, every night,” Nugent stated after the triumphant grand finale Great White Buffalo. And that, they delivered.

With ears ringing from a tremendous and unforgettable evening of hard rock, my only complaint is that I had not seen the legendary Ted Nugent sooner. Be sure to catch him while you still can, or forever regret missing one of the most jaw-dropping performances of your life.

Currently announced, Nugent’s Adios Mofos tour travels through the midwest and the southern United States before concluding on 21 August. No word on future dates.