"The Rock And Roll Hall of Fame loses credibility every time you do another ass-kickin' concert," said TOBY KEITH in a congratulatory message to TED NUGENT for the historic 6000th concert of his gravity-defying career. It took place Friday, July 4 in front of a packed house filled with thousands of his wildly enthusiastic fans at the outdoor DTE Energy Music Theatre in the Motor City Madman's hometown of Detroit. "When I heard that Ted was celebrating his 6,000th gig," said AEROSMITH's Steven Tyler in his message to Ted, "I thought they were talking about his new hard drive! He's the hardest driving rock star there is today. Congratulations Ted. P.S.: Send me that 7-foot Kodiak bear rug you promised; you can keep the liver."

The fiercely independent rock legend and avid outdoorsman celebrated this landmark event in true ultra Nuge style. Flanked by troops from the Selfridge Air National Guard, Ted kicked off the celebration with his electrifying version of 'The Star Spangled Banner'.

Meanwhile, the Nuge crew wheeled out a 7 foot-tall red, white & blue cake, from which WRIF Rock Girl Cristy Lee emerged to surprise the rocker.

Ted proceeded to slay the crowd by playing all his hits and honoring his blues and soul roots.

Ted says: "I was born and raised in Detroit in the shadow of the mighty Funk Brothers and I was taught the ropes of HOWLIN' WOLF, MUDDY WATERS, MOSE ALLISON, JOHN LEE HOOKER, BO DIDDLEY, CHUCK BERRY BY MITCH RYDER and THE DETROIT WHEELS. I started playing back there under the guidance of Joe Podorsek, my guitar teacher from the Capitol School of Music on Grand River Avenue, in 1957. To return on Independence Day is rather demonstrative of my American dream firestorm for almost 60 years."

In fact, guitarist Joe Podorsek received a standing ovation when he joined his former student for a heartfelt rendition of “Honky Tonk.” Ted's first public performance - when he wasn't quite 10 years old - was with Podorsek and the Capitol School of Music Revue in 1958 at the Polish Arts Festival at the Michigan State Fairgrounds. "This is all his fault!" yelled Nugent. Also performing with Ted were the legendary Johnny "Bee" Badanjek (Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels), and Derek St. Holmes (member of the original Ted Nugent band) who added their musical mark to the celebration.

The incomparable guitar genius and fire-breathing intensity of Ted Nugent have carved him a permanent place among the legends of rock. The guitarist's prodigious talents, ear-shattering volume & over-the-top onstage antics quickly earned Young Ted the moniker of Motor City Madman along with international acclaim. Recognized as the world's leading guitar showman, Nugent's no-holds-barred career spans five decades of multi-platinum sales exceeding 35 million albums. From the ground breaking AMBOY DUKES' 'Journey To The Center Of The Mind', to classics like 'Stranglehold' and 'Cat Scratch Fever', DAMN YANKEES chartbusters like 'High Enough', cult classic 'Fred Bear', and his most recent studio album-and 35th overall--Love Grenade, Ted Nugent's rapid-fire sonic assaults continue to sell out venues around the globe.

During this summer of Ted, he also recently released the live CD and companion DVD Sweden Rocks via Eagle Rock Entertainment. His latest book--comprising 10 chapters on how to fix America--is titled Ted, White & Blue: The Nugent Manifesto, is due out this summer from Regnery Publishing. TED will also make his feature film debut this summer in the film Beer For My Horses, which stars Toby Keith and also features Rodney Carrington, Claire Forlani, Tom Skerritt and Willie Nelson. The film will be released August 8, 2008 in movie theatres in selected cities. In addition, he also has a new song 'I Am The NRA' and a hit TV show Ted Nugent Spirit of the Wild (airing on the Outdoor Channel). On this, his 50th tour, Nugent will roar through his classics including 'Stranglehold' as well as songs from Love Grenade, his 35th album released last fall (Eagle Rock Entertainment).

Here are some additional congratulatory messages Ted received from his friends and peers in the music world:

"Congrats Nuge on 6000 performances...that is as we say in Oklahoma...many-o'moons my blood brother. Continued success, endurance and health. The Rock And Roll Hall of Fame, loses credibility every time you do another ass-kickin concert. Kudos to you and the entire Uncle Ted Nation. Rock it dude and Happy Birthday America. P.S.: You don't look 60 years old...but we all remember when ya did. (ball-buster)." - Toby Keith

"Just who does this Ted Nugent think he is? In the 70s, the critics wrote Ted off after the Amboy Dukes, but they forgot to tell Ted! Here we are, 2008, his 6000th show and he still is pissing people off. We love you Nuge, Keep livin' the American dream my brother...'n keep pissin em off! God Bless." - Jack Blades (NIGHT RANGER/Damn Yankees)

"Happy 6000th show. Wish you all the best and I still think we did a killer version of 'Cat Scratch'! Cheers."
--Lemmy Kilmister (MOTÖRHEAD)

"My congrats and respect go to Ted on his 6,000th gig! The lucky people in Detroit are going to witness a firestorm of Rock n' Roll that only Nugent can deliver--and has been for 40 years! Unbelievable! To the greatest rock & roller alive! We Salute You!" - Tommy Clufetos (Ted's former drummer, Detroit native, currently with ROB ZOMBIE)

"Ted is truly the Motor City Madman who is absolutely out of control. You never know what's going to come out of his mouth or his guitar...Congratulations on your 6,000 performance." - Criss Angel

"Ted, you are rock n' roll defined! Whether you're on the stage rocking, in the great outdoors hunting or sharing your positive, life affirming messages with others, you give everything you've got to everything you do...and you do it all well! 6,000 shows, huh? Ain't it strange to think a third of your rocking days are behind you? See you at show number 18,000!" - Dee Snider (TWISTED SISTER/Host of the House of Hair)