Cat Scratch Fever (Live 1993 / Wildcard Remaster)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as the Zoo Crew spins the electrifying "Cat Scratch Fever (Live 1993 / Wildcard Remaster)" by Damn Yankees from their album Live in Denver. This high-octane performance captures the raw energy of the supergroup, and the song itself has a wild history. Originally written by Ted Nugent for his 1977 solo album, the track was reimagined by Damn Yankees with a fresh, collaborative fire. In a 2019 fan comment on LyricsJonk, a user named Michael Bassano shared his memory of seeing Damn Yankees open for ZZ Top in 1991, noting they "blew the doors off the place" with their rendition of "Cat Scratch Fever." He described the band’s infectious enthusiasm, particularly how Jack Blades and Tommy Shaw seemed to revel in playing Nugent’s classic more than their own hits, bringing a contagious energy to the stage.

Another piece of trivia comes from the song’s cultural impact and the band’s dynamic. A fan on the same LyricsJonk thread, Ron Just Ron, speculated that Shaw and Blades were likely huge Nugent fans in their youth, which explains their electrifying performance of "Cat Scratch Fever" during the 1993 Denver show. The live version, remastered for the Wildcard release, showcases Ted Nugent’s signature guitar riffs, which he once described in an Ultimate Classic Rock interview as a "primal scream" that defies musical formulas. Adding to the song’s lore, a fan recounted on social media how Nugent, during a 1990 Cincinnati performance, shot a cardboard target of Saddam Hussein and set it on fire while playing this track, landing him in trouble with the fire marshal—an incident that made local news and cemented the band’s rebellious reputation.

Damn Yankees formed in 1985 as a hard rock supergroup, uniting Jack Blades of Night Ranger, Tommy Shaw of Styx, Ted Nugent, and drummer Michael Cartellone. The band’s origin story is as colorful as their music. Nugent, already a rock legend known as the Motor City Madman, coined the name "Damn Yankees" when asked how he and Shaw would sound together, jokingly saying they’d be like "a bunch of damn Yankees" due to their diverse regional roots—Shaw from Alabama, Blades from California, Cartellone from New York, and Nugent from Michigan. This anecdote, shared on Last.fm, highlights the band’s playful chemistry. Their shared passion for high-energy rock and roll led to their self-titled debut album in 1990, which included hits like "High Enough" and their cover of "Cat Scratch Fever," blending their individual styles into a cohesive, hard-hitting sound.

The band’s journey began with each member bringing a wealth of experience. Ted Nugent, the driving force behind "Cat Scratch Fever," started his career in the 1960s with the Amboy Dukes, a psychedelic rock band formed in 1963. After the Dukes disbanded, Nugent launched a solo career, releasing multi-platinum albums like Ted Nugent (1975) and Cat Scratch Fever (1977), as noted on his official website. Tommy Shaw rose to fame with Styx, contributing to hits like "Renegade," while Jack Blades helped define Night Ranger’s sound with songs like "Rock in America." Michael Cartellone, a seasoned drummer, rounded out the lineup. Their collective history and talent made Damn Yankees a powerhouse, though the band took a hiatus after the early 1990s, with members pursuing individual projects.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, connect with Damn Yankees on their Facebook page, where fans share memories and updates. Ted Nugent, a key member, is active on Facebook, Instagram, and X, often posting about his music and outspoken views. While Damn Yankees doesn’t have an official Instagram or X account, fans keep the spirit alive on platforms like the Damn Yankees Fan Club on Facebook, where enthusiasts discuss live performances and rare recordings. For Nugent-specific fan content, check out Ted Nugent’s fan club on his website, offering exclusive updates and merchandise for die-hard supporters.