In a recent conversation with Scott Itter of Dr. Music, the iconic conservative rocker Ted Nugent addressed his absence from numerous “best guitarists of all time” lists. Nugent, known for his outspoken nature, delved into the topic with his characteristic candor.
When asked about his exclusion, Nugent recounted an interaction with an interviewer who pointed out that Joan Jett was included in the Rolling Stone guitar player list, but he was not. Nugent expressed his admiration for Jett, calling her “the real McCoy” and praising her as a top-notch garage band performer. However, his comments were misinterpreted, leading to accusations that he harbored animosity towards Jett.
Nugent clarified that he never suggested he should be on the list. Instead, he named several guitarists he believed deserved recognition, such as Derek St. Holmes, Jim McCarty, and Dave Amato. Despite his humility, critics accused him of having an inflated ego.
Nugent also highlighted the lack of acknowledgment for his achievements in the 1970s. He mentioned that his band was the top-grossing act globally from 1977 to 1979, yet this fact is often overlooked. He also noted that Meat Loaf’s career began with a guest appearance on Nugent’s 1976 album “Free-For-All,” a detail frequently omitted in discussions about Meat Loaf’s career.
Addressing rumors and misconceptions, Nugent vehemently denied any jealousy towards Eddie Van Halen, stating that he had always praised Van Halen and even supported him during his recovery from rehab. Nugent attributed the negative portrayal of him to his conservative beliefs, asserting that his views on God, family, and country make him a target for the left.
Nugent drew parallels between his situation and that of former U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting that both are unfairly demonized by the media and other powerful entities. He accused these groups of spreading lies and attempting to undermine those who spotlight abuses of power.
In a video from December 2021, Nugent criticized the inclusion of Joan Jett on a list of top guitarists, calling it a lie and questioning the credibility of such rankings. He reiterated his belief that many other guitarists, including Derek St. Holmes and Rik Emmett, were more deserving of recognition.
Joan Jett responded to Nugent’s comments in a 2022 interview with NME, dismissing his claims and suggesting that he was simply bitter. She also referenced a controversial story about Nugent allegedly dodging the Vietnam War draft, a claim Nugent has repeatedly denied.
Nugent addressed Jett’s remarks during a YouTube livestream, reiterating his respect for her music but maintaining that she did not belong on a list of top guitarists. He emphasized that his criticism was not personal but based on his belief in recognizing true guitar virtuosos.
Nugent also took the opportunity to refute the draft-dodging allegations once more, explaining that the story was a humorous anecdote about a friend and not a reflection of his own actions. He accused his detractors of clinging to lies because they have no valid arguments against him.
Throughout the interview, Nugent remained unapologetic and steadfast in his beliefs. He expressed pride in his career and his values, asserting that the attempts to discredit him only serve to highlight the dishonesty of his critics.
