Give Me Just a Little

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is cranking up the volume with "Give Me Just a Little" by the Motor City Madman himself, Ted Nugent, from his 1981 compilation Great Gonzos! The Best of Ted Nugent. This track is a bit of a hidden gem, not one of the usual suspects like "Cat Scratch Fever" or "Stranglehold," but it’s got that raw Nugent energy. Fun fact: this song wasn’t part of the original 1981 release of Great Gonzos! It was newly recorded in 1999 for the album’s reissue, making it a fresh addition to the classic lineup. Co-written by Nugent alongside Neal Schon, Tommy Shaw, and Jack Blades—guys known for their work with Journey, Styx, and Night Ranger—this tune brings a slightly polished edge to Ted’s gritty rock style, blending his signature guitar riffs with a touch of melodic flair. There aren’t many direct quotes from Ted about this specific track, but in a 2018 interview with Louder, he described his late ‘90s recording sessions as a time when he was “reinvigorated” and having a blast in the studio, which you can totally hear in the song’s upbeat vibe.

Now, let’s dig into how Ted Nugent became the wildman we know today. Born Theodore Anthony Nugent on December 13, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, Ted’s journey started with a guitar and a whole lotta attitude. As a teenager, he was already shredding with his first band, The Amboy Dukes, a psychedelic rock outfit formed in 1963. Their 1968 hit “Journey to the Center of Your Mind” put them on the map, though Ted later swore he didn’t know the song was about getting high—he was always the straight-edge guy in a haze of ‘60s drug culture. By the early ‘70s, Ted grew frustrated with The Amboy Dukes’ lack of discipline and split to go solo. After a three-month hiatus hunting deer in the Colorado wilderness, he came back recharged and formed the Ted Nugent Band with singer/guitarist Derek St. Holmes, bassist Rob Grange, and drummer Cliff Davies. Their 1975 debut album, Ted Nugent, featuring the epic “Stranglehold,” launched him into stardom, cementing his reputation for blistering guitar work and high-octane live shows. Ted’s love for the Gibson Byrdland guitar became his calling card, delivering that bluesy, frenzied sound that defined his career.

Wanna keep up with the Nuge? Check out his official website at tednugent.com for tour dates, merch, and his latest rants. He’s active on social media too—follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for a mix of rock updates, hunting tips, and his unfiltered takes on life. For the diehard Zoo Freaks, there’s the NugeVault, the official Ted Nugent Fan Club Experience, where you can score exclusive content and autographed goodies for about $24.92 a month. You can also connect with fellow fans on Facebook groups like Ted Nugent Fans, where folks share concert memories, rare vinyl finds, and love for the Nuge’s gonzo spirit. So, keep it locked to THE ZOO, and let’s keep rocking with Ted!