January 24, 2001 14:44

NASTY NUGE!

Ron and Krishelle Bennett claim the bloodthirsty guitar hero reneged on a deal to provide front-row seats and unrestricted backstage access at one of his shows, as well as having dinner with the pair.

Veteran rocker TED NUGENT is being sued by two disgruntled fans, one of whom has accused him of destroying his "entire belief in rock and roll".

Ron Bennett and his wife Krishelle claim Nugent went back on a deal to provide front-row seats at one of his shows, provide unrestricted backstage passes and then have dinner with the pair. The couple, from Lincoln, Nebraska, say they paid $1,535 through an online auction on ebay for the privilege at Sandstone Amphitheatre, Bonner Springs, Kansas on August 25 last year.

However, in the suit filed this week, the Bennetts claim that they only received limited access backstage passes, a brief chat with Nugent instead of dinner, and seats 30 rows from the stage with a combined value of $90. Only after complaining were they allowed to watch from the side of the stage.

"This guy was my hero," Ron Bennett told www.billboard.com. The 35-year-old student and part-time bartender added, "I was thrilled to see him, and he basically destroyed my entire belief in rock and roll."

The Bennetts are seeking unspecified damages for fraud and a breach of contract.