Damn Yankees (Live 1993 / Wildcard Remaster)

The song "Damn Yankees" from the Live in Denver album, performed by Damn Yankees in 1993, captures the raw energy of the supergroup’s live performance. One piece of trivia comes from the band’s drummer, Michael Cartellone, who shared in an interview with Cleveland’s NBC affiliate WKYC that the band never officially disbanded, keeping reunion hopes alive. This live version, part of the Wildcard Remaster, showcases the band’s chemistry, particularly during their Denver show on July 2, 1993, where they played hits like "High Enough" alongside "Damn Yankees." Fans on Amazon reviews of the Uprising: Live! DVD, which includes similar live footage, rave about Ted Nugent’s wild stage antics, like demonstrating his bow-and-arrow skills between songs. Jack Blades, in a VH1 Classic Power Ballads of 88 segment, hinted at future music and tours, sparking excitement among Zoo Freaks spinning this track at THE ZOO radio station.

Another story tied to the song’s live performance comes from a fan’s account on Concert Archives, recalling a 1993 show in Columbia, South Carolina, where the band’s set, including "Damn Yankees," had the crowd roaring. The Hard & Heavy Downloads blog lists the Denver setlist, noting "Damn Yankees" as the opener, setting a high-octane tone. The band’s ability to blend melodic rock with Nugent’s fiery guitar riffs made this track a standout. A review on Amazon mentions the remastered sound fixing earlier issues with Nugent’s guitar being too low in the mix, letting his solos in "Damn Yankees" shine. Zoo Freaks would dig the band’s camaraderie, evident in a 2010 NAMM Show reunion where they played an acoustic set, including "Coming of Age," showing their lasting bond.

Damn Yankees formed in 1989, a supergroup born from the vision of A&R legend John Kalodner. Tommy Shaw (from Styx), Jack Blades (from Night Ranger), Ted Nugent (formerly of The Amboy Dukes), and drummer Michael Cartellone came together in New York City. Kalodner, seeing the declining success of their original bands, pitched the idea to create a new hard rock powerhouse. Shaw and Blades, both seasoned vocalists, clicked instantly, writing half their debut album in a weekend at Shaw’s Upper West Side brownstone. Nugent brought his “Motor City Madman” edge, while Cartellone, relatively unknown then, added a steady beat. Their self-titled debut, produced by Ron Nevison, went double-platinum in 1994, driven by hits like "High Enough." The band’s name, coined by Nugent, came from his quip that he and Shaw together would sound like “a bunch of damn Yankees,” reflecting their diverse regional roots.

The band’s official website is unavailable, as Damn Yankees has no standalone site, but fans can follow their members’ current projects. Tommy Shaw’s updates are on Styx’s website, while Jack Blades posts on Night Ranger’s site. Ted Nugent’s official page is tednugent.com. On social media, check out Damn Yankees’ Facebook for occasional throwbacks, though it’s not highly active. Ted Nugent is vocal on Instagram and X, sharing music and opinions. Fan communities thrive on Damn Yankees Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can swap stories and rare live clips. Another fan hub, Heavy Metal Wiki, offers detailed band history for enthusiasts.