10 Things You Don’t Know About Ted Nugent

Whether you refer to him as “The Nuge”, “Ted”, or “The Motor City Madman”, the one thing you can’t call Ted Nugent is timid. Though he is widely known for his influence on the American music-scene, the Detroit rockstar has made an overwhelming impact on society as well. In honor of his August 23rd performance at The Paramount, we’ve compiled a list of interesting facts you may not know about Ted Nugent.

The Lourds, Nugent’s first band, was given the opportunity to open for Diana Ross and The Supremes in 1962.  The band was given the chance after winning a local battle of the bands contest. At the time, Nugent was only 13 years old.

By the age of five, Ted Nugent had already learned how to hunt with a bow. Nugent didn’t begin learning how to play guitar until three years later. To this day, the rocker continues to specialize in bow-hunting.

On April 7th, 1968, a few days after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Nugent’s band, The Amboy Dukes, were invited to play at a folk, rock and blues jam session at a small New York City club. Artists who participated in the impromptu jam session included legends such as Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, and Janis Joplin.

Ted Nugent’s hit song, “Stranglehold”, has been widely used in the media. The guitar-driven song has appeared in movies such as Dazed & Confused, Superbad, and Invincible. “Stranglehold” can also be heard in television shows, including Freaks & Geeks, Entourage, and Friday Night Lights. The eight-minute track’s famous guitar solo was also recorded in a single take.

On July 4th, 2008, the rockstar marked his 6,000th concert in his hometown of Detroit.

Aside from his hit song, “Stranglehold”, being featured on several television shows, Ted himself has guest starred on “The Simpsons” twice. Ted appeared in Season 19 and 23 of the hit Fox cartoon. During one of his appearances, Homer Simpson even endorses Ted for the Republican presidential nomination!

Ted Nugent is a national spokesperson for Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E). He’s also an ambassador for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“The Motor City Madman” also has his own brand of coffee. The blend, “NugeJava”, can be purchased on his website. 

“Uncle Ted” has been known to ride a live buffalo on-stage during his concerts. Though his buffalo-riding days are past him, Nugent’s animated character in Guitar Hero World Tour is featured riding a buffalo. His song “Stranglehold” is the longest track on the video game. 


In 2003, Ted was the host of a VH1 reality television program. “Surviving Nugent’ was a program in which city natives moved into Nugent's Michigan ranch in order to survive "backwoods" activities such as building an outhouse and skinning a boar. The reality show was a success, which led to a 2004 spinoff. 

Don't miss Ted Nugent LIVE at The Paramount this Tuesday, August 23rd at 8 pm. Tickets for are on sale now through Ticketmaster or visit us at the box office open daily from 12 noon-6 pm. Keep up with us this summer by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter and signing up for our FREE online newsletter found on our website.

Where Do You Know Eric Stonestreet From?

Eric Stonestreet’s face seems like quite a familiar one, doesn’t it? He has certainly made his mark throughout film and television. You may not have even realized, but his face – and even his voice – has appeared way more than you might’ve originally thought! Here are five places where you’ve definitely seen Eric Stonestreet before:

1. Modern Family

You probably know him best as Cameron Tucker from Modern Family. Cam’s upbeat and hilarious persona seems like the perfect role, and has even won him two Emmy Awards out of three nominations. You go, Eric!

2. The Secret Life of Pets

This new, computer-animated comedy movie is downright adorable! In this must see movie, Eric plays the voice of Duke - a massive, mangy and seemingly reckless Newfoundland. Two paws up for this role!

3. American Horror Story

In the thriller American Horror Story, Eric Stonestreet appears as Derek, a psychiatric patient. Horrified of the urban legend of “Piggy Man”, he seeks help from Ben Harmon (a main character). Don’t worry Eric, Piggy Man sounds pretty scary to me, too.

4. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

When it comes to investigating, Eric knows what to do. His role as Ronnie Litre, a questioned documents technician, landed him on CSI for five seasons –and he’s always up for a challenge in court.

5. Malcom in the Middle 

Appearing on the first season of Malcom in the Middle, Eric plays Phil, an exterminator when Malcom’s family’s house needs to be fumigated…  Eric to the rescue!

Don't miss your chance to see him LIVE at The Paramount this Sunday, July 17th at 8 pm. Tickets for Eric Stonestreet are on sale now through Ticketmaster or visit us at the box office open daily from 12 noon-6 pm. Keep up with us this summer by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter and signing up for our FREE online newsletter found on our website.

-Intern Rachel

Flashback Friday: These 20 Hits are Turning 20 This Summer

Now that summertime is in full swing, join us for a moment of silence for the dearly departed summers of our youth. It’s hard to believe that the Summer of ’96 was 20 years ago. Now that most 90’s kids have grown up, it’s hard not to be nostalgic of those carefree days. We’ve traded in our boom boxes and mixtapes for Bluetooth speakers and iPhones. Days we used to spend in the arcade are now spent “Adulting.” A lot about life in general has changed over the course of two decades. In honor of “The Good Ol’ Days” we’ve compiled a list of the Top 20 Hits that are turning 20 this summer, because taking a trip down Memory Lane never hurt anybody.

1) Wannabe - Spice Girls

Every 90’s girl learned a valuable lesson thanks to this song: “If Your Friends Say No, He’s Gotta Go”

2) Macarena - Los del Rio

Before the Whip/Nae Nae and The Soulja Boy there was the Macarena. You still hit this dance at every wedding you attend (don’t lie). 

3) Only Wanna Be With You – Hootie and the Blowfish

The song of every summer romance. 

4) I’m Just a Girl – No Doubt

 The first time we were introduced to Gwen Stefani. 

5) California Love – 2Pac

This song made everyone want to party on the West Coast at least once. 

6) Gangsta’s Paradise – Coolio

There’s no paradise quite like a Gangsta’s Paradise. 

7) Til I Hear It From You – Gin Blossoms

“I don't want to take advice from fools. I'll just figure everything is cool until I hear it from you.”

8) Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion

Even after this song was released, nothing could prepare us for “My Heart Will Go On” and Titanic just a year later. 

9) Sweet Dreams – La Bouche

The ultimate club song for the Summer of 1996. 

10) Ironic – Alanis Morrisette

Every 90’s kid learned what irony was thanks to this song. 

11) Give Me One Reason – Tracy Chapman

“Give me one reason to stay here, and I’ll turn right back around.” 

12) Always Be My Baby – Mariah Carey

If “Only Wanna Be With You” wasn’t the first song on your summer love mixtape then this song surely was. 

13) Wonderwall – Oasis

The first of many hits from Oasis. 

14) Un-Break My Heart – Toni Braxton

This music video made you shed a tear every time. 

15) No Diggity – Blackstreet (Feat. Dr. Dre)

The beat that automatically got you bopping your head.

16) If It Makes You Happy – Sheryl Crow

If you didn’t belt out the chorus to this hit, you were doing it wrong. 

17) Theme From Mission: Impossible – Larry Mullen & Adam Clayton

Everyone became a secret agent when they heard this song. 

18) C’mon N Ride It (The Train) – Quad City DJ’s

The coolest thing to happen to trains. 

19) Hey Lover – LL Cool J

LL Cool J + Boyz II Men = a winning combination.

20) Name – Goo Goo Dolls

No 90’s Hit List could be complete without the Goo Goo Dolls

- Intern Brittney

Jay-Z and Beyoncé Call Fans to Action after Recent Shootings

Americans across the nation began this week celebrating their independence. Unfortunately as this week comes to an end so have those initial feelings of elation. Fireworks have given way to firearms and holiday tweets have evolved into solemn hashtags mourning the lives lost to recent police brutality and gun violence.

In this week alone, two African-American men have been shot and killed by police officers. Alton Sterling’s confrontation with police and death was recorded by an eyewitness parked outside of a Baton Rouge convenience store. Merely 24-hours later Philando Castile of Falcon Heights, Minn. was shot and killed during a traffic stop. The entire ordeal was streamed live on Facebook by Castile’s girlfriend. These killings have prompted Black Lives Matter protests nationwide. Hysteria only increased after five police officers were killed and seven others were wounded at a Dallas protest late Thursday night.

The frightening regularity of police brutality and gun violence has prompted responses from politicians and celebrities alike. Two of the most notable figures speaking out are Jay-Z and Beyoncé. Jay-Z released a song, titled “Spiritual”, on Tidal late Thursday night. The track was inspired by the imprudent handling of high-profile instances of police brutality. The new single certainly has fans excited, considering this is the mogul’s first project as a lead artist in three years. The raw lyrics of “Spiritual” give listeners a small look into Jay-Z’s anger with the treatment of young black men in America. This is most directly seen in the track’s hook when he states “Yeah, I am not poison, no I am not poison / Just a boy from the hood that / Got my hands in the air / In despair, don’t shoot / I just wanna do good, ah.” Unlike most songs found on Tidal, “Spiritual” is currently streaming for both subscribers as well as non-subscribers.

A letter from Jay-Z was also attached to the song. The letter explains the inspiration behind the track and calls her serious social reform. Jay-Z confesses the song was initially recorded and meant to be released in 2014 after the death of Michael Brown, however at the time he didn’t have enough time to complete it.  The note concludes with a quote from abolitionist Fredrick Douglass: “Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organised conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe.”

Beyoncé has also made her stance on recent events very clear. During her concert in Glasgow, Scotland on Thursday, Queen B had a moment of silence to honor all of those who have been killed by police brutality. The moment became even more solemn when the names of victims of police violence were displayed on giant screens behind the pop star.

After her Glasgow performance, Beyoncé posted a letter on her website. Like her husband, the artist expressed her anger for the events which have unfolded of the course of a week. The letter ended with Beyoncé encouraging her fans to contact their local politicians in order to protest on behalf of Sterling, Castile, as well as the other victims of gun violence.

Moment of Silence at @Beyonce's #FormationWorldTour Glasgow show. #AltonSterling #PhilandoCastile pic.twitter.com/3QjzpX5Wk7

— Lauren. (@laurendotwilson) July 7, 2016

The power couple is only two of the countless artists who have expressed their anger and frustration for recent events. On Wednesday, Canadian-rapper Drake released a statement of his own. In the statement he calls the United States his “second home”. The rapper also added “No one begins their life as a hashtag. Yet the trend of being reduced to one continues.” Chris Brown has also expressed his pain as well. On July 7th the RnB singer released “My Friend,” a song which he states is intended for those who are “dealing with injustice.” Brown has also been vocal about his anger on social media. In a series of images and videos on Instagram, he urges celebrities to “use their power and voices” in order to enforce change within our society. 

A video posted by 1 (@chrisbrownofficial) on Jul 8, 2016 at 5:42am PDT

- Intern Brittney

Lettuce: Vegetable or Funk Party?

Don’t be fooled by the name, for Lettuce is not simply the produce you may think it is.

Since originally budding in Boston, Massachusetts in the early ‘90s, the band Lettuce has blossomed into something special. The band spoke for itself through live performances, and through mostly word of mouth to thank for their growth, they have thrived into something we can all bite into.

Essentially, you can think of Lettuce as a melting pot of a jam band. Each of the seven notable musicians, of which Lettuce is made up of, no doubt fills the group and their live concerts with energy, creativity and soul. With inspirations rooting in bands like Earth, Wind and Fire and Tower of Power, Lettuce is certainly worth the hype. 

Act after act, they have become an incredibly popular and prominent band, specifically in the jam band community. Appearing at many festivals with bands like Umphrey’s McGee, the Motet, Lotus, STS9, the Floozies and tons more, they have succeeded at creating a noteworthy name for themselves.

Just this summer so far they have already racked up a pretty impressive lineup. Making appearances at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Fool’s Paradise, Summer Camp Music Festival and many more, they are eager to still hit even more events this summer. Headed for, to name a few, Camp Bisco, Lollapalooza, LOCKN’, they are ready to blow you the funk away!

Each member’s individual talent and passion contribute to the funk party that they bring. Sound pretty groovy so far? Well it doesn’t stop there. Not only do they come with strings and drums, but horns and keys, too! The blend of all these joyous deep sounds with the groups love for music and performing will put you on your feet so bring your groove shoes and prepare to dance.

Why would you want to miss a night full of dancing and Lettuce’s first time headlining a Long Island concert? Come get your dose of funk this summer at the Paramount on Friday, July 8th and get up to get the funk down. 

Tickets for Lettuce are on sale now through Ticketmaster or visit us at the box office open daily from 12 noon-6 pm. Keep up with us this summer by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter and signing up for our FREE online newsletter found on our website.

-Intern Rachel

Sleep With Kanye And You'll Be FAMOUS

Just when you may have thought Kanye West was simmering down after his release of The Life of Pablo, back in February, and his recent concert tour announcement; you thought wrong. West, aside from his prominence through talent and music, is also commonly known for his controversial public displays, tweets and apparently now his music videos.

As his mantra states, “Just do it big,” many of us can come to agreement that he is doing just that. Whether it is negative or positive attention, the renowned artist has once again managed to remain “big” and assume his position of front and center in the spotlight.

Talking about big, Kanye West premiered his new music video, Famous Friday, June 24th. All friends, fans and everyone apart of the KarJenner crew eagerly anticipated this premier. The music video was inspired by the piece, “Sleep”, by painter Vincent Desiderio. However, Kanye put his own little dramatic spin on it. West’s video revealed a shocking twelve nude bodies of famous celebrities in bed, and right smack in the middle, Kimye, themselves! Bodies surrounding the couple include Taylor Swift, Donald Trump, Chris Brown, and a bunch more!

It’s no surprise that this suggestive and explicit video came from Kanye, now is it? Aside from the video itself, the reactions and attention that it has gotten are a whole other story. Desiderio, painter of “Sleep,” gives his approval and claims West “…deserves his due for producing a beautiful and compelling video.”

Chris Brown responded with a shot of him commenting on his “plumbers butt” and posted an additional picture of a Barbie doll edition.

Ray-J, ex of Kim Kardashian, along with others, was in deep shock. He opened up and explained that he was offended and confused as to why he’d be included in something like this. Wanting nothing to do with Ye’s nonsense, he made a brief statement about how it affected his relationship with his fiancée. Ray J told Entertainment Tonight that he is "just trying to stay positive."

During an interview with Hollywood Life, a source also leaked that Rihanna’s only complaint was being sandwiched between Trump and Bush, and claimed “she’d rather lay next to the devil while drink boiling hot water in hell than to share sheets with either of those two.”

Lena Dunham, writer of Girls, referred to the video as “sickening” and disturbing”. Even former president of the United States, George Bush, had a rep who made sure it was clear that Bush was not actually in the video, and that he’s in better shape than pictured; thanks for the update George. Kayne West is certainly stirring up the pop-culture community. Photos and meme’s mocking the audacious rapper’s video are everywhere. Chris Brown wasn’t the only one to poke fun.

Ironically enough, just as Kanye West claims to have made Taylor Swift “famous,” Paris Hilton actually did have quite an influence over Kim Kardashian. Hilton explains in a 2015 interview that she feels responsible for Kardashian’s rise to fame. With this being said, maybe you’ll find this meme a bit ironic, as we shouldn’t forget who made West’s wife famous.

Kanye is boldly welcoming any lawsuits, even encouraging them. Kanye reportedly tweeted, but within two days deleted, “Can somebody sue me already “I’llwait,” obviously referring to his music video.

Can this open invitation mean potential legal issues for the daring big shot? Kanye, it’s time to lawyer up.

-Intern Rachel

Tom DeLonge of Blink-182 Responds!

Fresh off their appearance at the Firefly Music Festival, Blink-182 is gearing up to release their 7th studio album titled “California”. This time around, the Blink-182 lineup looks a bit different with founder/lead singer/guitarist Tom DeLonge out of the band, and Alkaline Trio singer Matt Skiba, in. Bad blood is nothing new to the band since they have already experienced a breakup that lasted from 2005-2009.

Earlier this week, reports began circling that DeLonge had left Blink to ‘search for UFO’s’. By now it is no secret that DeLonge has been fully invested in his extraterrestrial studies. He has a book titled Sekret Machines which discusses potential extraterrestrial life. We also got a glimpse of his obsession when he wrote the catchy Blink anthem ‘Aliens Exist’. However, DeLonge was not too fond of the reports about him and he wasted no time to comment on them. DeLonge took to his Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to show his frustration with the media reports writing “Quitting the band to search for UFOs? Hahhaha WTF is wrong with you media. I’m actually talking to Travis [Barker] about us right now… Never did quit, remember?” 

Still standing by his previous claims that he did not quit the band, DeLonge then goes on to say that he was even talking to Blink drummer Travis Barker! The two even exchanged tweets which were sure to get the Blink-182 fandom riled up. Tom stands by his decisions and insists that he has not quit the band, he simply has a lot going on with his side projects and he wants to focus on them for the time being.

With an album  dropping July 1st and a massive summer tour in place, Blink-182 fans shouldn’t stress too much about the drama. Matt Skiba has shown he can handle the expectations of replacing Tom DeLonge and has adapted to the intensity that is playing at Blink-182’ live shows. And who knows? A Tom DeLonge reunion with Blink-182 might come sooner than later; for DeLonge has shown every implication that he is still the same punk rocker at heart that we all know and love.

-Intern Hunter