In a candid conversation with the Brutally Delicious podcast, Carmine Appice opened up about Ted Nugent’s guest role on Cactus’s Temple of Blues – Influences & Friends album, released on June 7 by Cleopatra Records. The discussion veered into Nugent’s controversial political views, alongside his undeniable musical talent.
“I think he’s a really great guitar player, in my eyes,” said Appice, as reported by Blabbermouth. “And people put him down for his politics. But you know what? He’s very vocal about it, and I kind of agree with him. To be that vocal… It’s America. To be able to have your freedom to say whatever you want and do whatever you want. And his audience is right with him.” Appice continued, recalling a memorable experience attending one of Nugent’s shows, where the guitarist altered the lyrics of “Come and Take It” to reflect his disdain for President Joe Biden. “It was, like, ‘F*ck Joe Biden.’ The whole audience was saying ‘F*ck Joe Biden.’ I said, ‘Wow.’ I said, ‘That’s ballsy.’ I mean, the guy’s got balls. I appreciate that.”
Last October, in an interview with Greg Prato of Songfacts, Tom Werman, who produced several of Nugent’s iconic early albums, also weighed in on the intersection of Nugent’s political views and his musical career. Werman expressed that Nugent’s guitar skills often get overshadowed by his outspoken political stance.
“Yes. I do think he’s among the better guitarists I’ve worked with — or the best,” Werman admitted. “He has his own unique style. I think he was respected in the beginning, but when he started being political, that definitely overshadowed his guitar playing. You say Ted Nugent’s name now and people only think of one thing, which is his political posture.”
Despite their differing political ideologies, Werman revealed that he and Nugent maintained a professional relationship that centered around music. “I’m a Democrat, and sometimes my friends will say, ‘You still talk to Ted Nugent? How can you even work with him?’ And I explain that we got along really well musically and otherwise. We didn’t talk about politics. He’s got a lot of integrity, especially compared to some of the other individuals I’ve worked with. He’s a talented guy and he loves life. I think he’s way too outspoken, but that’s what he feels he must do. We don’t relate on that level.”
In this conversation, both Appice and Werman paint a picture of a talented, outspoken artist whose politics may overshadow his music in the eyes of many, but who remains respected for his unique approach to guitar playing.
