In the history of rock, rivalries, and feuds amongst artists have frequently influenced the tale almost as much as the music. These tensions, which range from ego clashes to divergent artistic ideologies, have given the situation an intriguing dramatic depth. Among these arguments is the well-known feud between Ted Nugent and David Crosby over their verbal discussion of requirements for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame entry.
In an interview with MyGlobalMind in 2018, Nugent bemoaned that he had been passed over for induction into the Hall of Fame for the eighteenth year in a row since he became eligible, saying:
“Is it or is it not vulgar, dishonest, and obscene that Grand Master Flash [sic], Patti Smith, and ABBA are in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but Ted ‘F*cking’ Nugent isn’t? Is that the most outrageous and disgusting lie you have ever seen?”
Nugent On The Value Of Recognition
He went on to clarify why it is less about him personally and more about the acknowledgment of his artistic contributions:
“I would like you to find a human being and walk up to, look at them eye to eye, and believe them when they say Ted Nugent should not be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I would love to witness that exchange, you would see a person almost melt with guilt because you know they are lying. At the end of the day, it’s not about me. It’s about the music.”
Crosby’s Sharp Response
After reading the rock musician’s remarks in an Ultimate Classic Rock news item, Crosby responded to Ted on X by writing:
“That is really funny stuff…. he’s not good enough and he never will be…. a hack player and no singer at all…. could not write a decent song if his life depended on it.”
Nugent’s Counter To Crosby’s Criticism
Subsequently, Nugent also addressed the late musician’s remarks. The singer responded to Crosby on Facebook with the following post:
“Thankfully, he admits that a lifetime of substance abuse has left him mostly braindead disconnected, wallowing in self-inflicted ignorance and abject stupidity. He is the perfect spokesman against conservation. Thank you, David. We love you.”
Ted, who is well-known for holding strong conservative views, said that his exclusion from the Hall of Fame in 2017 was due to “political correctness” and his membership in the NRA. He referred to his expulsion in 2011 as a blatant disrespect for current and historical realities.
Below is a link to Crosby’s tweet.
That is really funny stuff ….he’s not good enough and he never will be ….a hack player and no singer at all ….could not write a decent song if his life depended on it https://t.co/vHzcSTMmPD
— David Crosby (@thedavidcrosby) October 21, 2018