Greg Smith (American musician)

Not to be confused with the Animotion keyboardist of the same name.

Greg Smith
Smith performing in 2012
Smith performing in 2012
Background information
Birth nameGregory Smith
Born (1963-05-21) May 21, 1963 (age 61)
OccupationMusician
Instrument(s)Bass guitar, vocals

Gregory Smith (born May 21, 1963)[1] is an American bassist and vocalist known for his tenure with rock musician Ted Nugent from 2007 to 2022.

He has collaborated with Billy Joel, Wendy O. Williams, Alice Cooper, Blue Öyster Cult, Dokken, Vinnie Moore, Joe Lynn Turner,[2] Ted Nugent, Tommy James & the Shondells, Alan Parsons, The Turtles, Felix Cavaliere, Chuck Negron, Joey Molland, Denny Laine, Glenn Frey, and The Wizards of Winter.[3]

Smith was a member of Plasmatics in 1983.[4]

Smith appears in the film Wayne's World as a member of Alice Cooper's band, performing "Feed My Frankenstein".[5] Smith toured with Cooper from 1991 to 1994.[6]

In 1993, Smith joined a reformed Rainbow with Ritchie Blackmore. Smith remained with the group until 1997, when they disbanded.[7] From 2008 to 2011, he and a few other members from Rainbow, including lead singer Ritchie Blackmore's son Jürgen, were in Over the Rainbow.

Smith filled in for Jon Rogers, from Blue Öyster Cult, for a few concerts in summer 1995.[8]

In 2001, Smith was asked to be a part of the upcoming Billy Joel / Twyla Tharp musical Movin Out.[9]

Smith filled in for Barry Sparks, from Dokken, for a few concerts in 2003.[10]

He joined the touring band for Ted Nugent in 2007. Smith recorded six albums with Nugent, and in concert played the bass guitar and also sang the backing vocals originally performed on records by Derek St. Holmes.

He played with Billy Joel in 2012 at two benefits for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. The NBC Telethon Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together and The 12-12-12 Concert at Madison Square Garden.[9]

In 2015, Smith toured with The Wizards of Winter, and in 2016, he became an official member.[11] Smith joined Tyketto in 2017.

He announced that he was leaving Nugent's band in 2022 with the announcement: "After 16 years, and many laughs and amazing times with one of the greatest guitarists to ever pick up the instrument, I am saddened to say I will be unable to be a part of Ted Nugents final tour Adios MOFO. It was a difficult decision but one that I really had no choice in. With Ted no longer touring I had to accept an offer from a tour that will continue for the next several years. I tried to get someone to cover for me for the 2nd half, so I'd be able to do Ted's tour, but I was unfortunately unable to. I would like to thank Ted for 16 years of some of the most serious, intense, aggressive, and fun music I've played in my career… I'll miss you guys this summer! Kick Ass! I'd also like to thank Doug Banker, Bob Quandt, Frank Trzaskowski, Toby Nugent & the crew past & present. Shemane Nugent, and the extended Nugent family for just being awesome people… Ted and band mates past & present during my 16 years, Derek St. Holmes, Wild Mick Brown, & Jason Hartless. Thanks for an Amazing Ride! See you all down the road!"[12]

A year later, Smith joined an unauthorized version of The Guess Who, which was later shut down in April 2024, because of lawsuits by the original Guess Who members and hitmakers Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman.

  1. ^ "SickthingsUK: Musicians - Greg Smith". Sickthingsuk.co.uk. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  2. ^ Hill, Gary. "Biography: Greg Smith". AllMusic. Retrieved July 23, 2010.
  3. ^ [1] [permanent dead link]
  4. ^ "Ted Nugent Band's Greg Smith". Just A Rock N Roll Junkie. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  5. ^ "Greg Smith Albums, Vids, Touring, etc". Archived from the original on April 28, 2013. Retrieved June 8, 2013.[non-primary source needed]
  6. ^ "Alice Cooper". Alicecooperechive.com. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  7. ^ "/news/Over The Rainbow Page". JoeLynnTurner.com. July 19, 2011. Archived from the original on July 19, 2011. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  8. ^ "Greg Smith". Blueoystercult.com. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  9. ^ a b "Band – The Guess Who". November 30, 2023. Archived from the original on November 30, 2023. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  10. ^ "DON DOKKEN: New Material Sounds Like 'Tooth And Nail'". Blabbermouth.net. August 11, 2003. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  11. ^ "WIZARDS OF WINTER Announce Additional Holiday Performance Dates". Bravewords.com. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  12. ^ "Longtime TED NUGENT Bassist GREG SMITH Announces His Departure, Calls It 'A Difficult Decision'". Blabbermouth.net. May 5, 2023. Retrieved July 28, 2024.