Multi-platinum guitar icon, author, outspoken activist, outdoorsman and TV personality TED NUGENT was recently honored with the “2009 General Edward J. Bronars Defender Of Freedom Award,” presented by Taurus International during the 138th NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Phoenix, Arizona May 16.

Ted - recognized as America's Number One proponent of the Second Amendment - has served continuously on the Board of Directors of the NRA since his initial election to the Board in 1995.

The prestigious award bears the following inscription:

“2009 Taurus

Defender Of Freedom Award

To

Ted Nugent

Who Serves So Unselfishly as a Board Member of the

National Rifle Association

And Without Regard to his Career

And Without Fear of Criticism

Appears on the National Stage to Discuss

His Pride in Being A True American

And an Absolute Defender of Our Freedoms

Wherever He Goes.

Our Forefathers Would Have Been Proud To Count

Him Among Them Just As We Are Proud

To Have His Voice Echo Our Thoughts and Beliefs In Our Freedoms

Granted By The U.S. Constitution and The Bill Of Rights.”

Bob Morrison, President & CEO of Taurus International Mfg., Inc., explains their decision to bestow Ted with this award: “The wording on the award was really indicative of our feelings about Ted... he is a true and original American Patriot who places his beliefs in our freedoms above his personal goals. We really cannot thank him enough for his unwavering perseverance in the quest to keep our liberties the most important part of our lives and subsequent leadership in the world. Thanks to him (and few others like him), we enjoy our abilities to lead our lives as we desire and our unbelievable freedoms as an example to the universe!”

Cam Edwards - host of NRA Radio’s “Cam and Company” and Sirius Radio’s “Patriot 144” who was present when Ted received the award - comments: "It's so appropriate for Ted Nugent to have been honored with the Defender of Freedom Award, because that's exactly what he is. There aren't many Americans who are as devoted to the cause of freedom as Ted Nugent, and his unwavering dedication and passion for the 2nd Amendment and the men and women of our armed forces should serve as an inspiration to everyone who has a love of liberty and country in their own hearts."

While Ted was in Phoenix, famed Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio fondly referred to him as “the Ultimate American.”

In other news, Ted will release a new live DVD and Blu-ray, Motor City Mayhem, June 30th via Eagle Rock Entertainment.

Shot July 4th, 2008 in front of a house packed with a wildly enthusiastic crowd of thousands at the outdoor DTE Energy Music Theatre in the Motor City Madman's hometown of Detroit, the disc documents the celebration of Nugent's 6000th live performance, including guest appearances and a set list of nearly two dozen Nugent favorites honoring his blues and soul roots.

Ted Nugent's Motor City Mayhem tracklisting: 'Star Spangled Banner', 'Motor City Madhouse', 'Wango Tango', 'Free For All', 'Stormtroopin'', 'Dog Eat Dog', 'Need You Bad', 'Weekend Warrior', 'Love Grenade', 'Honky Tonk' (with Joe Podorsek), 'Wang Dang Sweet Poontang', 'Baby Please Don't Go', 'Geronimo And Me', 'Jenny Take A Ride' (with Johnny "Bee" Badanjek), 'Soul Man', 'Hey Baby' (with Derek St. Holmes), 'Cat Scratch Fever' (with Derek St. Holmes), 'Stranglehold' (with Derek St. Holmes), 'Great White Buffalo', 'Fred Bear'.

And, this August, viewers from around the world will have the opportunity to experience Ted's wilderness skills on his new television series on CMT, Runnin’ Wild…From Ted Nugent.