Ted Nugent Brings Raw Power to Paris with Flesh and Blood in 1981
Ted Nugent’s performance of Flesh and Blood in Paris in 1981 captures a defining moment in his early eighties live sound and stage presence. By this point Nugent had firmly established himself as one of the most recognizable guitar driven hard rock performers of the era. The Paris concert reflects a period when his music was built around volume precision and physical intensity rather than studio polish.
Flesh and Blood was originally released on Nugent’s 1980 studio album Scream Dream. The song marked a continuation of his straightforward approach to hard rock with an emphasis on muscular riffs and a relentless rhythmic drive. In the live Paris performance the song takes on added weight as Nugent stretches the guitar passages and leans into the raw energy of the band rather than attempting to replicate the studio arrangement exactly.
The lineup on stage in Paris consisted of Ted Nugent on guitar and vocals supported by Verne Wagoner Rick Wagoner and Kurt Wagoner on guitars with Mark Gerhardt on drums and Mike Gardner on bass. This configuration created a dense and powerful wall of sound that suited Nugent’s aggressive playing style. The multiple guitar setup added depth to the live mix allowing the core riff of Flesh and Blood to remain dominant while additional textures filled the space.
The Paris audience responded strongly to this approach. Nugent’s live performances in Europe during this period were known for their intensity and direct connection with the crowd. Rather than relying on theatrical staging the focus remained on performance volume and physical commitment. Flesh and Blood fit naturally into this environment with its driving tempo and unapologetic tone.
From a historical perspective this performance also illustrates Nugent’s position in the rock landscape of the early eighties. While musical trends were beginning to shift his work remained rooted in classic hard rock values. The Paris show demonstrates his refusal to soften his sound or alter his style to follow emerging movements. Instead Nugent doubled down on the elements that defined his reputation as a live performer.
Today this footage serves as an important document for fans and historians alike. It preserves a clear example of Ted Nugent’s live identity at a time when his concerts were built around endurance volume and guitar authority. Flesh and Blood in Paris is not just a performance of a song but a snapshot of an era when hard rock was still driven by physical presence and unfiltered amplification.