On Memorial Day my wife Mary Kay and I had a chance to attend a Ted Nugent “concert” at the 100-year-old Hippodrome Theatre in Waco, Texas. Most all of us remember Ted for his music in the `70s. I go back even further to when he was with the Amboy Dukes and played “Journey to the Center of the Mind” in the `60s.
I’ve never been what some would call a huge fan—but I loved many of his songs. This event was less of a concert and more of a chance for Ted to talk about what Memorial Day and America means to him—with a few songs sprinkled in. What I got that night was a lesson in passion.
The following is from CelebrityNetWorth.com:
Ted Nugent net worth: Ted Nugent is an American rock musician who has a net worth of $20 million dollars. A musician and vocalist, Ted Nugent is recognized for his time with The Amboy Dukes and for his solo work. He is also a very vocal conservative and often champion’s issues related to hunting, conservation and gun ownership rights.
Born December 13, 1948 in Redford, Mich., Nugent is no stranger to controversy. Known for his onstage vulgarity and outspoken stance on the right to bear arms and hunting, he continues to remain relevant in many arenas. He is on the board of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and a strong supporter of the Republican Party.
Nugent initially gained fame as the lead guitarist of The Amboy Dukes. He is notable for such `70s hits as Stranglehold, Cat Scratch Fever, Wango Tango and Great White Buffalo—songs which still get airplay today on classic rock radio stations. He also starred in such reality shows as Spirit of the Wild (an outdoor television show named after one of his own popular songs of the same name).
There are several lessons I learned during his 6,600-something concert on Memorial Day. For many years he performed more than 300 concerts per year.
His wife, Shemane, introduced him. She worked for a rock and roll radio station in Detroit and wasn’t particularly attracted to him. He has been drug and alcohol free for more than 66 years. When you watch some of his old videos you’ll find this amazing. Most of us would think just the opposite. He said that life is easier this way because of the clarity that comes on so many issues.
I’ve never been a country fan. Ted said he never was either. However, he did play country once until he got the cast taken off his hand, he said. He reminded all of us the there is a phrase that best describes music. It is “let’s rock!” No one says “let’s country!” (Great line!)
Ted unashamedly calls all politicians “elected employees.” That is the only way he ever refers to them because he believes they all should be working for us. Novel.
Nugent said he can afford to live anywhere in the world that he wants. And, he does! I like the fact that he worked hard to achieve what he wanted to in life and does just that. Over the years he has performed for more than 55,000 marines, sailors and their families at Camp Pendleton’s ‘Rockin’ the Corps. He’s done USO tours and donated more than 6,000 backstage and concert passes to troops in the U.S.
Ted has been the recipient of commendations from police and the FBI, and takes terminally ill kids to his “Kamp for Kids.” He also takes them hunting and is a national spokesman for Big Brothers/Big Sisters and other programs.
It seems everything and anything he chooses to do is full of passion. As Mary Kay and I sat at the concert I leaned over and whispered to her “I’m getting this great lesson on passion.” I thought I was always very passionate about things I do—but now realize that I can’t hold a candle to the passion Ted Nugent exudes over anything/everything he chooses to get involved with.
This is a leadership lesson from someone who I just thought played some rock and roll. I’m now a huge Ted Nugent fan. I even like his music. Let’s Rock!
