I do not like Ted Nugent and he would not like me, either.

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Ted Nugent 'hunts' Chicago fans

Posted on Friday, July 5, 2002 Hitting our toddlin’ town on Wednesday, gonzo guitarist Ted Nugent has had what he calls "a hell of a year,'' which among other things has resulted in a new studio album, a new best-selling book, and a public sparring match with MTV's Osbourne family.

The Motorcity Madman stressed in an interview with The Times last week, that despite the brouhaha the media has made of comments about MTV's first family, he likes Ozzy and respects his music.

What triggered the war that's been raging on the Nugent and Ozzy Web sites and between fans of the two veteran rockers was Nugent's response to a journalist's question about what he thought about "The Osbournes'' high ratings.

Nugent said, "I think the show is an absolute pathetic train wreck. I find no redeeming value of out-of-control and undisciplined children swearing back at their parents.''

Though other rockers, including fellow Michigan icon Alice Cooper, have voiced similar sentiments about "The Osbournes,'' Nugent was taken to task when the media invited the Osbourne clan to rebut his statement. Sharon Osbourne fired back with both barrels while Ozzy took a more diplomatic stance. Wanna-be rock star daughter Kelly Osbourne, who has recorded an embarrassing cover of Madonna's "Papa Don't Preach,'' even took a turn spouting off at The Nuge.

Ozzy's got my favorite guitarist in the whole world, next to me, playing in his band,'' he said of resident string-bender Zakk Wylde.

"Nothing against Ozzy or his music, but the success of ‘The Osbournes’ as a TV show is an indictment to the soullessness of a large segment of our society. I think the Osbournes are out of control and if people find it entertaining, then I find that to be a damn shame.''

Nugent said he regards Sharon as a conniving woman who has taken advantage of her ailing husband's fame by devising a scheme to "pimp their dysfunctional family'' for money and fame.

While Nugent says he did not intend to ignite a fire under the Osbournes with his comments, he admits he intentionally fans the flames of controversy when it comes to liberal policies and defending the U.S. Constitution.

"I did a two-hour National Public Radio program this week and in my clever and articulate way, I shoved the truth up their liberal a---- sideways,''' boasted Nugent. Ranting about Liberal America is one of Nugent's favorite pastimes these days. The latest roll began when he learned friend Charlie Daniels would not be allowed to play his 9/11 tribute song, "The Last Fallen Hero,'' on this week's PBS program, "A Capitol Fourth.''

Though almost better known for his political views these days, Nugent still is very much a rock ‘n’ roller. His new CD, "Craveman,'' being released at the end of this month, should remind people of that.

"I think ‘Craveman’ is the best album I've ever done. It's definitely up there with ‘Cat Scratch Fever’ I think. I'm writing better and playing better than ever before.''

Nugent's new book, "Kill It And Grill It,'' follows his popular 1999 tome, "God, Guns And Rock and Roll,'' which landed him on the New York Times Bestseller List.

"I co-wrote this (book) with my wife Shemane,'' he said. "It has great stories of the hunt and some great recipes on how to prepare your kill.''

Shemane is passionate about the outdoors lifestyle and has shared many hunts at her husband's side.

The husband and wife team will pair for an autograph signing Wednesday at Borders Books and Music and Cafe (830 N. Michigan Ave.) in Chicago from 5 to 7:30 p.m., followed by an 10 p.m. concert by Nugent (with bassist Marco Mendoza and drummer Tommy Coufetos) just down the street at The House Of Blues (329 N. Dearborn St.).

For

-- Anonymous, July 05, 2002