If you like pure, unadulterated, in-your-face rock and roll, then you're probably familiar with Ted Nugent. His style is truly unique, and he makes no apologies for who he is or how he plays his guitar. His true-to-self persona has attracted millions of fans around the world, and Nugent is going to be thrilling packed houses around the United States once again in 2006. Nugent the figure is as much about his life as his music, so below you'll find some details about each.

Nugent's Musical Life

Ted Nugent was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 13, 1948. His father was a strict disciplinarian, and Nugent adopted many of his father's political and personal beliefs. Nugent actually started hunting before he started playing the guitar, but he showed talent with each almost immediately.

He began to learn the guitar at the age of eight, and hasn't put it down since. Nugent's first successful band was named The Amboy Dukes, and he was inspired by such bands as The Rolling Stones and The Yardbirds. The Dukes' first single, Journey to the Center of the Mind, was released in 1968 and was extremely psychedelic in nature, which is in sharp contrast to Nugent's anti-drug beliefs. The band stayed together in one form or another for seven more years, but Nugent eventually grew tired of the comings and goings of the members.

In 1975, Nugent began his solo career. His first release, which was self-titled, was an immediate smash hit within the heavy metal genre, and Nugent continued to produce records yearly. His second album, Free-For-All in 1976, featured a relatively unknown backup singer by the name of Meatloaf on five tracks.

Throughout the 1970's and 1980's, Nugent continued to produce albums that sold in the millions, including Cat Scratch Fever (1977), Double Live Gonzo! (1978) Weekend Warriors (1978) State of Shock (1979) Scream Dream (1980) and many others.

Nugent also spent time as the front man for the super-group Damn Yankees, which produced two albums and also sold millions of records. After these releases, Nugent returned to his solo career, and by this time he had gained a level of fame that allowed his causes and beliefs to be widely known.

Nugent's Personal Life

Nugent has always been known as an ardent conservative and libertarian, and has been an active supporter of several campaigns and causes of that ilk. Nugent is also an avid hunter, and is one of the better-known supporters of hunting rights. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for the National Rifle Association.

Nugent's beliefs have sometimes created backlash, but his ideals have never wavered, and he speaks to them frequently on his morning radio talk show. Nugent also organizes, hosts and promotes an annual hunting camp designed to teach children safe and proper hunting techniques, and wrote an autobiography entitled God, Guns, & Rock n' Roll in 2001.

Nugent has also taken many tours abroad to tour for American troops stationed overseas, and that includes regions of combat. He has won several commendations from such entities as the FBI, DEA and the United States Army for dedication of service.

Overall, Nugent is one of the more interesting characters in all of music. He has sold over 30 million copies of his records worldwide, and his live shows are legendary for their style, substance and volume.

If you have yet to experience Ted Nugent live, you should take advantage of the opportunity that his next tour presents.