with Nuge Backstage
A TNUSA Meeting BACKSTAGE! 
..prior to the August-1998 Show at the Dodge County Fairgrounds
Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
reported by: SMR
while affilliated with WOZZ 93.5 fm
The Place: Dodge County Fairgrounds - Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Date: Friday, August 21, 1998, 8:00 pm
The Event: Ted Nugent Live
Reported by: SMR
(To properly set the stage for this concert review, I must first
elaborate on my presence at the above event. I was asked by a
local newspaper reporter to arrange a Ted Nugent interview for a
feature in the local newspaper. When the reporter discovered that
she would not be able to cover the event in person, she settled
for a phone interview with Ted, and asked if I could find the
time to cover the event for her. After a few last minute
adjustments to my busy schedule, I agreed to cover the event. My
job was to act on behalf of the local newspaper, look for photo
opportunities, interview Ted on hunting related issues, interview
local concert goers, and any other local relatable topics, such
as the Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, a place where Ted
has been rumored to have hunted many times before. This
opportunity offered full press credentials, free access to the
Fairgrounds, and backstage privileges.
The following report will be segmented into two parts: The
Backstage portion, which was an organized meeting of the Ted
Nugent United Sportsman of America, and The Concert, which is
self-explanatory.)
Part I: BACKSTAGE
I arrived early to the Dodge County Fairgrounds,
approximately, 4:50 pm, as instructed by the local
reporter, and an assistant for Ted Nugent from "Tedquarters," at
World Bow Hunters in Jackson, Michigan. It is customary for Ted
Nugent to hold an organized meeting backstage prior to his
performance. The name of his organization is Ted Nugent United
Sportsman of America (formerly Ted NugentWorld Bow Hunters). The
TNUSA has membership nationwide, and has strong representation
in the Badger State. Ted publishes his own magazine (bi-monthly),
and its readership includes membership in the TNUSA. The
organization is a unique mix of "work-hard, play-hard" types,
including professionals, conservationists, politicians, and your
everyday "average Joes." The organization is comprised of people
who believe in family, the wholesomeness of the great outdoors,
the 1st & 2nd amendments, and that it will be sportsman
themselves who will preserve the wild for future generations.
Upon arrival, I had the opportunity to talk with several
local members of TNUSA. The backstage meeting was set
for 6 pm, which afforded me the opportunity to talk to many
people, concert goers, and TNUSA members. It wasn't until the
arrival of TNUSA State Director, Robin Stibb, that more details
about the meeting unfolded. Robin greeted me, and knew of my
authorization from "Tedquarters" to cover the meeting. We
exchanged a few tidbits from previous concerts and meetings. I
had come to know Robin through previous backstage opportunities
with WOZZ, and a personal initiative at a local grocery store
several years back, where I had arranged a Ted Nugent personal
appearance to benefit a local hunters organization fund-raiser.
Robin went about his duties, and I proceeded to interview the
assembling crowd. Many of the early crowd in waiting were in fact
TNUSOA members who had pre-arranged authorization to attend the
formal meeting backstage. This was accomplished by making contact
with their regional director. One couple had made the drive from
Cadot, WI. (home of RockFest) for this evening's event. That was
over 200 miles away. He and his wife were there to gather details
about forming a local chapter in their neck of the woods.
Eventually, the awaiting members were informed by Mr Stibb that
Ted was, in fact, running late due to air transportation
problems, and the meeting would not commence until about 6:30 pm.
Finally at about 6:15, all authorized backstage attendees were
assembled, and escorted backstage. I myself was the only reporter
in attendance. There was a photojournalist in our group, but I
was not able to determine who, or what organization he was
representing. As I looked back over my shoulder as our group was
being escorted backstage, I noticed the grandstand filling up
with concert goers, laying out their blankets, as to stake their
claim on a specific row or seat. There were the usual
zebra-striped shirts and caps scattered throughout the assembling
crowd, and I felt anticipation in the air.
As the group of approximately 50 people arrived at the
meeting site backstage, we found the usual hustle and
bustle of roadies and promotional personnel going about their
tasks. Someone had taken the time to arrange a circle of folding
chairs just outside the trailer, which I assumed is where Ted
would be preparing for his show. The group was then addressed
once again by Robin Stibb, State Director. He explained that
Ted's plane had in fact landed safely, and that he was en route
from Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport via Limo. He also
explained that due to the transportation problems, the meeting
would not run as long as Ted would like. Robin then introduced
State Senator David Zien, (REP) from Eau Claire, WI. Senator Zien
delivered a speech touching on the issue of an amendment before
the state legislature, dealing with the "modification" of the 2nd
amendment from the U.S. Constitution, specifically tailored for
adoption by the Wisconsin Legislature. He explained that allowing
this Bill to pass would be unconstitutional, and would adversely
affect hunters' rights in the Badger State. He encouraged all in
attendance to contact their State Congressman or Senator, and
express their displeasure over the proposed bill. Senator Zien
himself is up for re-election, and seized this opportunity to
convey his views. Senator Zien also spoke on the history of the
American flag, and held up a replica of the famed "Don't Tread On
Me" flag: the yellow and black one with the two snakes
intertwined. He invited all in attendance to autograph the
banner, and he would present it to Ted upon his arrival. It was
obvious to me that the Senator had scored some points with this
crowd, as they gave him a rousing round of applause at the end of
his presentation. I talked candidly with the Senator for a few
moments and found him to be very genuine and sincere about
hunting-related issues, veterans issues, and his zebra-striped
Harley Davidson which he had trailored in the backstage area for
all in attendance to see. He explained to me that it was he who
turned Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson on to the joys of the
open road via the Harley Davidson. It is a well documented fact
that Tommy Thompson is an avid Harley enthusiast, and hosts an
annual statewide ride every summer of which the Senator is always
a part. I reminded the Senator that Gov. Tommy Thompson has also
decreed Ted Nugent the "Official Dairy Rocker" of Wisconsin.
Tommy Thompson invited Ted to speak before a state symposium on
hunting and fishing issues in July of 1996, where Gov. Thompson
dubbed Ted "Official Dairy Rocker."
After my conversation with Senator Zien, I continued to
canvas the backstage crowd for more details and
information about the evening's meeting. Also in attendance
backstage were TNUSA Regional Directors from the Fox Valley Area
(Appleton, Oshkosh), and Dodge County areas. The man responsible
for the upkeep of Ted's websites was also in attendance. I took
this opportunity to share a few cyber-stories of my own.
He explained that Ted is very
cyber-active, and visits several on a regular basis (pre-arranged
visits). Ted uses a lap-tap unit for most of his chatroom visits
due to the huge demand on his personal time, the fact he is on
the road for so many days out of the year, and the need to remain
mobile. We exchanged some cyber addresses, and he gave me some
tips with regards to inviting Ted into a chatroom environment.
Suddenly, out of nowhere it seemed, Ted arrived and took
his position front and center. He apologized for the
transportation delay, and then addressed the crowd. He spoke of
the need to make contact with our elected officials, so that the
feelings and the heartbeats of all American Blood brothers who
aspire to the call of the wild can be properly conveyed. He
challenged the meeting attendants to take an active roll in the
political process. "Tell your elected officials what you want
them to do for you, or tell them to get the hell out." He told
them to stand firm on the belief that this Country "was founded
on the strengths of people like you." Working-hard, playing-hard
Americans who can be proud to say that they stand up for what is
right. At that point, Robin Stibb explained to Ted that the
Senator had been discussing the need for the same ideals, and
made a point to mention the bill that was being proposed to the
Wisconsin Legislature, with regards to the 2nd amendment. Senator
Zien also reminded the group that he felt there was a need for a
Wisconsin resident to be seated on the Board of Directors of the
NRA. Ted echoed that sentiment, and explained to the group how
his position on the NRA board was not political in nature, rather
that it stood for some of his most fundamental beliefs. At this
point in the meeting, Senator Zien presented Ted with the "Don't
Tread on Me" flag, which had been autographed by all in
attendance. Ted instructed one of the stage hands to display it
prominently over one of the amps up on stage. "I want everyone
out there to see it" he said.
Ted then asked the group if there were any questions that
he could answer, or issues that needed to be addressed.
The look on the faces of some in attendance went from intense
interest and focus, to looks of confusion and timidness. Director
Robin Stibb motioned to me to "go for it," so that's indeed what
I did. It was obvious to me that no one else in that group was
prepared, or was too shocked to ask a question, so I proceeded. I
asked Ted how he finds time to edit his own publication? Did he
enjoy writing, and how did he get his start? He responded to each
question separately, and went on to say that he in fact writes
columns or stories for up to 28 different publications, most of
them relating to hunting or hunting-related issues.
He once again polled the audience for questions. I looked around,
and it appeared to me it would be myself, once again,who would ask the question. This time
I felt a little uneasy, because no one else in attendance would
rise to the occasion. Ted sensed the uneasiness with the group,
and thanked me personally for stepping forward and
asking the next question. It seemed to me that a large majority of the crowd at the meeting was maybe
there for only one reason! The almighty Nugent Autograph! (I
think I was right). I asked Ted if there was truth to the rumor
that he hunts in the Dodge County vicinity on a regular basis,
primarily, the Horicon Marsh. He answered the question honestly,
stating he hadn't hunted the Horicon Marsh since 1979. I
interrupted his answer and explained an analogy that had come to
mind, how everyone in Wisconsin claims to have been to the famed
"Ice Bowl" game between the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas
Cowboys. I explained to Ted and the group how his past hunting
experience in our State conjures up the same kind of stories,
especially in the greater Dodge County area, where everybody and
their brother either knows someone or has personally hunted with
Ted. The analogy seemed to be the ticket. It got a round of
laughs from the crowd, and Ted segued into an autograph session,
first thanking everyone in attendance. As the autograph session
continued, those in attendance talked about their anticipation
for a great show that was soon to come, and also swapped phone
numbers and addresses. Ted ended the session abruptly and sped
off to his trailer to prepare for his onstage assault. As the
backstage meeting dissipated, I couldn't help but to feel very
satisfied about the notes I had taken, and the conversations and
commentaries I had just heard. Along with the fact that every bit
of it was on tape, hence the mini recorder which I had brought
along for the ride.
Reported by: SMR - WOZZ Radio, Appleton, WI.
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