12/31/1976 Ted Nugent, Head East, Rex, Roberts Municipal Stadium, Evansville, IN


 45 years ago...

December 31, 1976 - Evansville, IN

Ted Nugent put a Stranglehold on New Years Eve in a rock concert at Roberts Municipal Stadium.
The Motor City Madman was at the peak of popularity among 17 year olds like me. He pulled out all the stops, swinging from a rope wearing a loin cloth, burning the house down.
Southern Illinois rockers Head East took the stage before Uncle Ted, playing "Never Been Any Reason" and other 8track faves from "Flat As A Pancake."
A young rock band named Rex, after the lead singers first name, opened the show. We liked them a lot and bought their album. The band didn't last, but Rex Smith (no relation) did as he went on to noteriety as a pop singer, movie actor and Broadway performer, starring with Linda Ronstadt in Pirates of Penzance.
Roberts Muni Stadium, home to the NCAA Aces, was renovated a couple of times but closed in 2011 and was ultimately demolished in 2013.

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