In an interview with Forbes, rock icon Ted Nugent shared the stories behind some of his most famous songs and talked about the rock guitarists who have influenced him.
Known for his powerful guitar riffs and direct attitude, Nugent revealed how tracks like “Stranglehold” and “Cat Scratch Fever” came to life, and also gave his thoughts on the best guitarists in rock history.
Creating “Stranglehold”
When discussing “Stranglehold,” Nugent explained that the song started from a simple, spontaneous moment. He was playing around with classic Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley-inspired riffs when something special happened.
Nugent connected his Byrdland guitar to an amp and started experimenting with feedback, creating a unique sound.
“I was just playing a riff,” Nugent said, “and my bandmates’ eyes lit up. We knew we had something great.” The band played the riff for about 20 minutes, with Nugent making up the lyrics as he went along. “I didn’t know where the lyrics would go or what the title would be; I was just playing what felt right,” he added.
Even though the music industry wasn’t interested in his style at the time, Nugent knew he was onto something.
The final lyrics of “Stranglehold” became a bold statement against the industry, as he was already selling out shows without their support.
How “Cat Scratch Fever” Came About
“Cat Scratch Fever” was created similarly. While warming up before a show in Pittsburgh, Nugent came up with the catchy riff.
His bandmates immediately noticed, and Nugent joked that every time he plays something new, the guys always ask, “What’s that?”
The title, “Cat Scratch Fever,” came from a medical journal Nugent’s wife had brought home years before. When the words popped into his mind in that Pittsburgh dressing room, they fit perfectly with the music.
Thoughts on the Greatest Guitarists
Nugent also shared his views on legendary guitarists like Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Jeff Beck, who are often ranked among the best.
The conversation turned to guitar legends like Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Jeff Beck, who are often hailed as the best in the business. Nugent acknowledged their talents but wasn’t shy about offering his own opinions. “I’d put 100 guys in the top 10,” he joked, suggesting that while these guitarists are undeniably great, they aren’t necessarily the best in his eyes.
While Nugent respects their talents, he pointed out that many lesser-known guitarists, like Jim McCarty of Cactus, deserve recognition too.
He also mentioned how guitar legends like Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen are in a league of their own.
According to Nugent, the impact of the songs these guitarists played makes them stand out. “The guitar lines in those songs are unforgettable,” he said.
As the interview wrapped up, it was clear that Nugent remains as passionate about his craft as ever.
Whether talking about his music or paying homage to the greats who came before him, his love for the guitar shines through in every word.
