Fifty years after the release of Ted Nugent’s landmark 1976 album Free-for-All, Power Rock musician Alex Cole joined Nugent on stage at Timber Rock Amphitheater in Farmington, Pennsylvania, for a special performance of the album’s iconic title track.
Originally released by Epic Records in September 1976, Free-for-All became Nugent’s second solo studio album and a defining release in his career, eventually reaching the Top 25 on the U.S. album charts.
Fifty years later, the title track became the centerpiece of a memorable Rock ’n’ Roll moment.
Before Cole took the stage, Nugent personally introduced him to the audience, highlighting Cole’s guitar playing and inviting him to perform with the band.
“We have a special guest with us tonight. His name is Alex Cole, and he plays a killer guitar and he is gonna play with us tonight. He likes a big ’ol’ “Free-for-All”, Alex Cole! How about that little motherfucker? It’s like an international global Rock’n’Roll event!” — Ted Nugent, September 11, 2026
Cole then joined Nugent on stage and performed “Free-for-All,” playing Nugent’s own 1958 Gibson Les Paul.
Following the performance, Nugent addressed Cole again from the stage, encouraging the audience to remember his name and praising his attitude and performance.
“His name is Alex Cole, remember that name. The guy has got the fucking attitude, let’s hear it for the attitude! Thank you Alex. That’s the shit. All the way from Italy just to Rock’n’Roll with the real fuckin’ McCoy. I love you buddy. He is playing my ’58 Les Paul and you did a fine job!” — Ted Nugent, September 11, 2026
Video: Dalila Kriheli, Jeff Haden & P.J. Lynd
A 50-Year Rock ’n’ Roll Connection
The significance of the performance goes beyond a guest appearance.
In 1976, Ted Nugent released Free-for-All, an album that became an important chapter in his solo career and in American Rock ’n’ Roll.
Fifty years later, Alex Cole stood beside Nugent on stage and performed the same song with him, on Nugent’s own 1958 Gibson Les Paul.
For Cole, the moment represents a remarkable full-circle chapter in a relationship with Nugent that began in 2019, when Cole opened seven Ted Nugent shows during Nugent’s U.S. tour.
Six years later, that connection culminated in Cole being personally invited by Nugent to join him on stage and perform one of his most recognizable songs.
“The fact that we played “Free-for-All” in its 50th anniversary year makes this moment even more meaningful to me. I grew up with this music, and Ted was one of the artists who represented the American Rock dream to me. To stand beside him 50 years after that song was released, and to play it together, is something I could never have imagined when I first started dreaming about becoming a Rocker.” — Alex Cole
From the American Rock Scene to the World Stage
Alex Cole is a Power Rock musician, guitarist, composer and performer whose career has included years of work in Los Angeles and performances across the United States.
He has performed at venues including the Whisky a Go Go, The Viper Room, The Mint, House of Blues, Celebrity Theatre Phoenix and Rio Casino Las Vegas, and has shared the stage with artists including Ted Nugent, Anvil, Mike Pinera and Doug Aldrich.
Cole first performed alongside Nugent’s touring world in 2019, opening seven shows during Nugent’s U.S. tour.
Cole continues to release new music and recently released his latest single, “Knockin’ On Demon’s Door,” on June 26, 2026, available worldwide on major streaming and digital platforms.
The September 11, 2026 performance adds a new chapter to that connection, marking the 50th anniversary of “Free-for-All” with a performance alongside the artist who originally recorded it.
For Cole, the moment represents the realization of a Rock ’n’ Roll dream built through years of performing, touring and establishing his own identity as a Power Rock musician.
For more info: www.alexcolerocks.com
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