Joe Strupp of Media Matters reports:
Ted Nugent’s recent spate of offensive and racist comments that have sparked protests and canceled shows are damaging his image and could well cripple his income if he continues, according to veteran concert promoters and industry journalists.
In a week when two casinos operated by different Native American tribes canceled three separate Nugent shows set for next month and dozens protested a concert in New Jersey, concert touring experts say the National Rifle Association board member and conservative commentator is doing real damage to his money-earning potential.
“If you’re going to say something political, you’re going to have some backlash, it doesn’t matter who you are or what you say,” said Larry Magid, a Philadelphia-based promoter who has handled Stevie Wonder, Fleetwood Mac, and Bette Midler. “Nugent seems to have taken it to extremes. I don’t know that you can blame anyone for not wanting to play him for all of the baggage that he brings.”
Magid, who also organized the famed 1985 Live Aid benefit show in Philadelphia, said Nugent was never a huge concert draw, but his declaration earlier this year that President Barack Obama is a “subhuman mongrel” may mark a turning point.
“I don’t know if that is frustration at not being a viable act, but it is stupid,” Magid said of Nugent. “If you are a musician, you are trying to bring your music, your art to a broad group of people. It is one thing to take a stance, it is another thing when you are talking about the president of the United States.
“For all of the people enamored with him, there are 20 or 30 or 40 times that who are not enamored with him. To me, it’s not bright. If I’m a promoter I have to think two or three or four times before I take a shot with this performer.”
“No one should be surprised by any of this,” said Gary Bongiovanni, editor-in-chief of Pollstar USA, which tracks concert touring receipts. “It’s a free country and Nugent has always had a big mouth. But if he keeps making incendiary statements his future tours may be limited to NRA conventions and Fox News events.”
Bongiovanni said the public reaction is not unusual: “Why be surprised if you can’t sell tickets to them after you insult people who are gay, animal rights, or gun control advocates, or just in the majority of people who voted for Obama?”
Although Nugent has long been a hardline conservative and pro-gun advocate, his “subhuman mongrel” comments triggered a massive media firestorm and led prominent Republicans to disassociate themselves from the rocker earlier this year. Nugent’s offensive and racist comments have more recently caused a backlash against his concerts.
Among the results:
* Three Nugent concerts scheduled in early August at Native American tribe-owned casinos in Washington and Idaho were canceled this week due to the performer’s commentary. Puyallup Tribe Tribal Chairman Bill Sterud has said Nugent is a “jackass” and will never be booked again.
* Earlier this summer controversy surrounded a concert scheduled for an Oshkosh, WI, music festival after a letter to the editor decrying Nugent’s concert received heightened attention. Nugent subsequently described his critics as “unclean vermin.”
* “Picket signs lined the street” outside a July 22nd concert in New Jersey as Nugent was greeted by “at least 75 protestors.”
* While Nugent will perform at The Toledo Blade’s Northwest Ohio Rib-Off festival next month, the paper’s sales director told Media Matters he had received numerous complaints and strongly suggested Nugent would never be booked again.
* The City of Longview, TX in March canceled Nugent’s concert at a Fourth of July festival and paid him $16,000 (reportedly half his fee) not to show up.
John Scher of Metropolitan Entertainment Consultants, a longtime New Jersey promoter who has booked Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, and Billy Joel, said he’s never seen such a public backlash in his 40 years promoting concerts.
“I can’t really, really recall this kind of reaction because of political beliefs,” Scher said, later adding, “All in all, I don’t think it can be a plus. Where’s the tipping point? I think he’ll find it will probably shrink to the places where his views are not so contrary to the views of the general population. You might see him doing most of his touring in the south or certain states in the west that are gun-toting conservatives. In the Northeast and in California he is probably not getting booked as much … I don’t see from an overall point of view how he is helping himself.”
Michael Maietta, a promoter at Creative Entertainment Group in New York, which has handled the Neville Brothers, John Popper, and George Thorogood, said the financial impact is obvious when a musician offends so many people.
“Of course it will have an effect on how much money Ted will make going forward if he is not getting booked,” Maietta said via email. “Soft ticket events, such as fairs and township gigs will get pressure not to book him with public dollars.”
Steve Knopper, a Rolling Stone contributing editor who covers the rock concert business, said this is clearly a trend.
“It does seem like, whether it is a movement or people deciding to be offended by this en masse, it seems like it’s having an impact and that can’t be good,” Knopper said. “I don’t know if Ted Nugent’s main source of income is from concerts, but the way right now to make money in the music business is to tour.”
Knopper added, “I’m guessing that he needs to tour to make money and if his comments are preventing him from doing that he may well have to rethink how he handles his public image. He has said some incredibly offensive stuff in the past few years, now maybe it is hitting home.”
Nugent’s latest release album, SHUTUP&JAM! was released on July 8th on Frontiers Records.
source: mediamatters.org
157 Responses
Media Matters is a so-called Non-Profit Left Wing Group that has tried to get Conservative Radio Hosts kicked off the air. They have been going after the likes of Rush, Michael Savage, Hannity, Laura Ingraham, ect. by trying to get Congress to re-enact the “Fairness Doctorine”. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairness_Doctrine
If you don’t know what that is, you should read about it!
There are plenty of prominant DemocRATS linked to Media Matters, including, George Soros, Nancy Pelosi, Al Gore, and others 🙂
There were plenty of Democrats in the Washington Wives and the PMRC. Tipper Gore was the most prominent. But this is not about censorship and the fact that Media Matters wrote this piece should not be then cast aside as a ‘left wing’/anti-conservative piece. This is about the perception of what Free Speech is and how it works both ways. The promoters quoted in the piece aren’t left wingnuts giving opinions. The article is a factual piece and I don’t see a hidden agenda. Ted has his right to say what he wants, as we all do. But then Ted has to live with the consequences of it, and he now is. I’ve never been a huge Nugent fan and don’t support pretty much anything he says. But it is very rock n roll of him to say what he thinks and what he wants. As long as he’s willing to live with the consequences of his statements, there really should be no problem with several Aboriginal based casinos cancelling his gigs. However, if he’s not ok with that, its his problem to deal with and he needs to decide if he wants to be known for music or political views because he can’t have it both ways. Like I’ve said before, with the exception of his latest release, he’s put out some pretty good music over the past decade. But that is completely overshadowed by his rants.
DR, with all due respect, isn’t Bono & U2 known for their music AND political views? Along with Sting and many others. If they can be known for both, why can’t Nugent?
Because Bono has never come across as a racist wing nut. Many artists have many political or social opinions or causes. But I think they are more eloquent in how they express them. Ted comes across like a complete whack job most of the time. I think Patrick nailed it earlier when he said he could no longer align himself with what he believes to be complete stupidity. Essentially Ted’s political views are hindering his musical ones. Doug don’t get me wrong. If you enjoy Ted and his music, I say enjoy. Like I said earlier, Freedom of Speech is everyone’s right in this country. But it goes both ways. Ted is now finding that out.
Fair enough, but IMO, Neil Young & Eddie Vedder come close to being political whack jobs, on the other side. I know sometimes Ted goes overboard, and he’s very passionate about his beliefs, it’s just too bad he can’t channel that passion in a different, more positive way. All I’m saying is, as a lifelong independent, I have always seen both sides of every angle, I just wish EVERYBODY could & would overlook people’s imperfections, and focus more on their perfections and good intentions, which underneath all the rage, madness and bad choice of words, I truly believe Ted has, in his own way. You and I both know, if, IF Ted was a liberal, we probably wouldn’t be having this conversation right now. Maybe because I’m such an optimist I really try to see the good in everybody, and again, underneath it all, besides IMO his really good music, I do see some good in Ted’s intentions. Same goes for Bruce, Jon, Bono, Sting, Young and Vedder. But again, if I want politics, I’ll tune into C-SPAN, I just wish ALL artists would leave the politics out of their music, after all, music supposed to be an escape, for everybody.
Hannity is an embarrassment to his party
I’m with Ted! No need for me to go on a long rant. To hell with the potus & all liberals! Rock on Uncle Ted and keep speaking your mind!
Look, the reason there’s so much controversy around Nugent and what he’s saying is because the left wing movement is very active in things like boycotts, protesting, and threatening businesses, etc. They are very good at organizing and trying to shut down any opposing views to their own, and the media, which by and large is on the same side as them, willingly jumps on the story and it blows up. Does anyone care to remember when “W” Bush was president, for 8 years straight, it was non stop celebrities bashing him over everything from gas prices to Iraq to he’s an illegitimate president to he’s stupid to he’s a Nazi. Eddie Vedder used to wear a Bush mask onstage, and now you have Roger Waters, who’s basically a Communist sympathizer, boycotting Israel for years now, and having a blow up pig prop with a Jewish Star Of David on it at his concerts….I mean, this is pretty offensive stuff, and everyone is up in arms because Nugent is pro gun, pro hunting, and anti-Obama? The reason you don’t see boycotts and mass protests of liberal leaning artists and concerts is because people on the right generally don’t have the time to waste on such nonsense and generally just laugh at these foolish ideas and comments for what it is: someone exercising their free speech rights to look like an ass. I don’t agree with most of hollywood or the music industries politics, but I still buy their products in general, although I don’t think i will be going to any Roger Waters concerts, I also won’t be calling for them to be cancelled either. I’d rather see Waters forced to debate someone intelligent and get confronted on his views, but no one in the music media will call him out on any of it, unfortunately because most of them agree with him. Waters would never go on let’s say a Bill O’Riley show and have his ass handed to him over his Jewish Pig prop……he doesn’t have the balls to.
Tom,
Don’t even get me started on that moron Roger Waters-LOL!! In my opinion (and I must put a disclaimer that my views do not represent those of Eddie Trunk and EddieTrunk.com), he is despicable “human” being.
Dana 🙂
Amen…well said.
George Bush was about as smart as a hubcap.
BINGO!
Not true Tom. The reason the Right doesn’t boycott the issues you’ve mentioned is because in a lot of case the Right doesn’t care enough about those issues or aren’t educated enough about those issues. Roger Waters has balls the size of Watermelons to do what he has done with the pig and the Star of David. But he’s not completely wrong in his view on Israel and in many ways is very similar to Ted Nugent for doing/saying what other people are thinking. Waters has had his share of detractors and it’s his price to pay for it if he’s willing, just like Ted.
Sorry DR,
I don’t want to debate politics here, as it not the place for it. However, I cannot in good conscience agree with you about Waters. I think he is an uber creep and a major s-stirrer. But, to each their own.
Dana from ET.com
He might be an uber creep Dana, but many people would say the same thing about Ted and a host of other entertainers. Music has always touched on subjects many don’t want to discuss while others do. Waters is making a statement about something he feels strongly about, just like Bono, Nugent, Rage Against the Machine, and countless others have. I’m not defending him, but rather defending his right to make his statement. Funny how we’re ok with free speech until something is said or done that we don’t agree with. If we want to be free, we must accept everyone’s right to make their statements. Its no different than the white supremacist bands that say their horrific things that most of us can never accept. Under our constitution they have their right. Its the price that comes with free speech in this country and the rest of the free world. Debating politics on this site isn’t necessarily a bad place to do it either. It gives us a break from whatever Paul Stanley is saying today.
Well DR, I guess I am much more conservative on this subject that I used to be in the past.
My belief is when speech is used for the sole purpose of being hateful and calls for the death and destruction of others simply because they are not the same as you, then yes, I think there needs to be some intervention in that specific case. This coming from a Journalism major, mind you-LOL!
I am sorry, but just like technology, some of our forefather’s ideas that were written with a positive purpose centuries ago do not always make sense in today’s changing world. Just as technology advances to accommodate the times, some of those old ideologies are not as applicable or effective, to the world as it is today, a very different place from colonial America. To me, in a way it is no different than religions that are stuck in an old fashioned philosophy where women are subjugated, killed if they are raped, etc.
I know many will disagree with me, and that is perfectly fine, but I think protecting hate speech, in this day and age, is just plain wrong and silly.
Dana from ET.com 🙂
DR, the white supremacist bands are no different than the rappers out there still bashing the s out of Bush, and white people in general for no reason whatsoever. In passing, I’ve heard some unbelievably offensive things coming from these rappers, and yet, where’s the media involvement to boycott, and protest? White people can get offended as well, we’re human too, so why does the media still protect these rappers who insult, bash & trash white people? Two wrongs don’t make a right. never have or will, so back to the double standard question, why is it o.k. only for some to speak their mind, but not others? Especially in the media world.
Doug, I don’t disagree with you whatsoever. There is a massive dbl standard when it comes to Rap/Hip Hop statements against whites. I’m trying to be delicate on this slippery slope that you brought up, but its a good topic. I don’t think the media, which has been white majority since the radio was invented are going to touch hip hop because it is considered of African American origin (ironically so was rock n roll). Blacks can hate on blacks, and blacks can hate on whites, but whites cannot hate on blacks. There are white rappers who do the same thing when it comes to statements made in their music or social media etc. Its not right, but it is what it is.
I hear you DR, but some folks say Rock ‘N’ Roll roots come from, and go back as far as Big Band & Swing music from the 20’s & 30’s, Rock-a-Billy, even Country & Bluegrass. Having a beer, listening to “Double Live Gonzo”, in the words of The Doobie Brothers, “Listen To The Music”. Cheers! 🙂
If calling someone a “subhuman mongrel” is racist then I’d hate to think what would happen if you called someone an a$$hole [gasp]!!!
James,
With all due respect, and in my humble opinion, there is difference in tone.
While the origins of the word a-hole are nebulous and could easily apply to anyone, terms like “sub human” and “mongrel” have been used in propaganda for specific races of people. I think therein lies the difference.
Dana from ET.com 🙂
Dana,
You know it’s futile to try and reason with some of these people. Save your strength and effort for deciding where we’re going for dinner tomorrow night. 🙂
LOL!!!! Thank you for smiles 🙂 But remember, be nice 😉
D 🙂
Hello Dana, I have read all of your reply’s on this subject and it’s many offshoots and I have to say you have done it with respect and class. Your right about how the way you present your views will determine how they are processed.
Thank you Carlos,
I really appreciate your very kind words 🙂
Dana from ET.com 🙂
All I got to say is I wouldn’t invite Ted at any funerals with his mouth he’d probably say something horrible to the family’s! I’m all into to speaking your mind but if it is hurtful to other’s it’s wrong for anyone to do. What ever happened to letting the music do the talking? For someone that is so dam talented as he is and has written some amazing ass music and I’d love to have a venison burger with him just wish he’d choose his words better. We are all humans that share the same planted as one but politic are just the worst form of bullying on the this planet in my eye’s. He talks about being sober but says thing that a angry drunk would say. Love the his music very very much just don’t like a lot of the things he say.