Ted Nugent

About

Also known as: Nugent Ted, Ted Nugget, Theodore A. Nugent, Theodore Anthony Nugent

Ted Nugent built his reputation as one of rock's most ferocious guitarists, known for his bluesy, high energy playing style and wild live shows that made him a genuine draw long before shock rock became a thing. He first made his name with the Amboy Dukes, a psychedelic and hard rock outfit from the mid 1960s, before launching a solo career that produced a string of multi platinum records: Ted Nugent (1975), Free for All (1976), Cat Scratch Fever (1977), and the live Double Live Gonzo! (1978). That last solo album title is also his biggest hit, a raw and swaggering track on which he finally stepped up to the mic himself. He plays the Gibson Byrdland and has a wide ranging voice, though for much of his early solo run he preferred to let singers like Derek St. Holmes and Meat Loaf handle lead vocal duties. Beyond the guitar work, Nugent is about as polarizing as rock figures get. Since the 2000s he has been loudly outspoken on hunting, gun rights, and conservative politics, serving on the NRA board and becoming one of Donald Trump's most visible celebrity supporters. He released Detroit Muscle in 2022 and announced a farewell tour in 2023, though he has kept performing since. His recent online activity leans heavily into political commentary, which tells you a lot about where his energy goes these days.