The iconic rock anthem “Stranglehold” by Ted Nugent faced an uphill battle for recognition, almost being sidelined by the very record label meant to promote it. This remarkable journey of one of rock’s most legendary tracks is being recounted as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Nugent, known for his outspoken nature, reflects on the significance of this song in both his career and the hearts of his fans.

He shares some unforgettable lyrics from “Stranglehold“: “Here I come now, baby/ Like a dog in heat/ You tell it’s me by the clamor now, baby/ I like to tear up the streets/ Now, I’ve been smoking for so long/ You know I’m here to stay/ Got you in a stranglehold, baby/ Get the f–k out of the way!” These words encapsulate the raw energy and fierce passion that characterize Nugent’s music.

As he elaborates on the backstory, Nugent recalls how the record company initially hesitated to let him record the song, claiming it lacked a traditional chorus. “I challenged them, saying, ‘Really, you don’t think I should record a song that makes audiences go wild every night? Does f–k you ring any bells?'” he explains. This defiance, he asserts, is what makes the song resonate so deeply even now. Nugent passionately demonstrates the riff, declaring, “Get the f–k out of here!”

Experience Ted Nugent’s Legendary Performance of ‘Stranglehold’

The genesis of “Stranglehold” traces back to a jam session long before its recording in 1975 for his self-titled solo debut. This musical inception occurred after a performance with the Amboy Dukes in 1968, leaving a lasting impression on the artist. He recalls, “Transforming a spontaneous jam without any structure into a fully realized composition featuring arrangements and an F sharp/minor seventh bass solo was a remarkable experience.” Nugent humorously adds, “[They told me] nobody wants a bass solo, Well, I want a bass solo! Give me one! Well, people don’t like bass solos. I think they do! I’m going with my hunches here.” [Nugent laughs maniacally]

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Thanks to Nugent’s determination, the audience got what it desired. He describes that iconic bass solo as “mystical, lyrical, and outrageously soulful, with an inescapable groove and grind [stays with you when you hear it].” He reflects on how he broke traditional rules, stating, “This is one of those rare instances where everything aligned perfectly. Night after night on stage, I witness the audience erupt over this moment, this lick. It’s astonishing that a song can be just two chords long and last 11 minutes. What? You can’t play just two chords for that long? Yeah? Shut the f–k up! If you say I can’t, just watch me. The crowd’s reaction is what truly matters.”

Celebrating the Legacy: Nugent’s Concerts and the Nuge Vault

While Nugent may have stepped back from extensive touring, he remains active with select concerts, including a series of performances in Texas and Michigan this summer, marking the 50th anniversary of “Stranglehold.” Fans can gear up for these exciting dates by exploring a wealth of historical content inside the Nuge Vault. This new online archive, curated by Nugent’s drummer, Jason Hartless, showcases a treasure trove of materials collected over the years.

Highlights from the concert archives include previously unreleased performances recorded in 1976 and 1980, along with the 1987 edition of Nugent’s renowned Whiplash Bash New Year’s Eve celebration. Fans can also enjoy a variety of video content, such as an ’84 jam session with Sammy Hagar and a ’94 concert filmed at the Deer Creek Music Center in Indiana. The audio section is equally impressive, featuring rare EPs, rough mixes of the 1976 album Free-for-All, and demos from Nugent’s last two albums, 2018’s The Music Made Me Do It and 2022’s Detroit Muscle.

“He dove headfirst into this vast ocean of memorabilia,” Nugent reveals. “In my barn, there are walls stacked high with boxes from the Amboy Dukes, reel-to-reel tapes, photographs, and cassette jam sessions from every era of Ted Nugent’s bands, including Damn Yankees. It’s absolutely captivating. He discovered a reel-to-reel recording of the rehearsal for the Free-for-All album, and I was instantly flooded with memories!”

Watch Ted Nugent Share Insights About the ‘Nuge Vault’