Ted Nugent Ignites NAMM 2010 with a Powerful Live Performance of Hey Baby
Ted Nugent delivered a characteristically loud, confident, and unapologetic performance at the 2010 NAMM Show, turning a trade event into a full scale rock moment. Appearing at the PRS Guitars showcase, Nugent took the stage to warm up and then launch into a live rendition of his classic hit Hey Baby, reminding everyone in attendance that his reputation as a relentless live performer remains firmly intact.
The NAMM Show is traditionally a gathering for musicians, manufacturers, and industry professionals, but Nugent’s appearance pushed the atmosphere far beyond a conventional product demonstration. Armed with his signature PRS guitars, he brought arena level volume and intensity into a setting usually reserved for controlled showcases. From the opening notes, it was clear that this was not a restrained appearance. Nugent played with the same ferocity and confidence that defined his peak years, transforming the hall into a high energy rock environment.
A major highlight of the performance was the presence of original vocalist and guitarist Derek St Holmes, whose voice and phrasing are inseparable from Nugent’s classic era recordings. His return to the microphone gave Hey Baby an added layer of authenticity and nostalgia, reconnecting the song directly to its original spirit. Greg Smith handled bass duties with precision and drive, while Michael Cartellone of Damn Yankees delivered a powerful and disciplined performance on drums, locking the band into a tight and aggressive groove.
Between musical passages, Nugent was very much himself. Known for his outspoken personality, he punctuated the performance with sharp commentary and spontaneous remarks that kept the audience engaged and entertained. These moments of unscripted interaction reinforced his image as not only a guitarist, but also a commanding frontman who thrives on direct connection with listeners.
Sonically, the performance was unmistakable. The guitars were loud, raw, and cutting, showcasing both Nugent’s unmistakable tone and the capabilities of PRS instruments in a live environment. According to those present, the volume and impact exceeded expectations, even for an artist known for pushing sonic limits.
Captured on video by Jeffrey A Rivera and produced by TouringArtz.com, the performance has since become a standout document of Nugent’s continued presence in the rock world during the late 2000s. It serves as a reminder that even within the context of an industry exhibition, true rock and roll energy cannot be contained.
Ted Nugent’s live appearance at NAMM 2010 was not about nostalgia alone. It was a statement of endurance, identity, and unfiltered musical power, delivered with the same conviction that has defined his career for decades.