Stormtroopin’

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as the Zoo Crew spins "Stormtroopin’" from Ted Nugent’s self-titled debut album! This high-energy track, a staple of Nugent’s live performances, often kicked off his concerts, including those captured on the multi-platinum 1978 live album Double Live Gonzo!, which outsold the original studio release. In a 1977 interview with High Times, Nugent described the song’s fierce anti-authoritarian vibe, saying, “It’s a combination of the Nazi thing, which has got to be the ultimate scam on earth… Some f--kin’ stormtroopers come down my street, Jack, they’re dead.” He emphasized a message of resistance, urging listeners to “do the Stormtroopin’” rather than be oppressed. Interestingly, the song predates the Star Wars Stormtroopers by two years, though fans later drew connections to the Empire’s soldiers due to the name. Lead vocals on “Stormtroopin’” were handled by Derek St. Holmes, as Nugent focused on his blistering guitar work, a pattern from his early solo career.

The song’s creation also sparked some controversy within the band. While officially credited to Nugent, Derek St. Holmes later claimed the entire Ted Nugent album, including “Stormtroopin’,” was a collaborative effort by the band, with Nugent taking sole writing credit to avoid sharing royalties. This tension highlights the synergy that producer Tom Werman noted, stating, “One had to recognize that there was a definite synergy between the band and Nugent.” The track’s raw energy and political undertones made it a fan favorite, with posts on Reddit’s ClassicRock community and RockTheSub showing Zoo Freaks still celebrating its rebellious spirit. A 2016 Reddit post on r/OldSchoolCool even shared a wild image of Nugent performing in a loincloth during the 1970s, capturing the untamed energy of his “Stormtroopin’” era.

Ted Nugent, born Theodore Anthony Nugent on December 13, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, kicked off his musical journey as the lead guitarist and occasional vocalist for The Amboy Dukes, a psychedelic rock band formed in 1963. Growing up in a military family, Nugent was influenced by rock pioneers like Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and Little Richard. His early gigs with The Amboy Dukes included playing at teen dance clubs like The Cellar in Arlington Heights, Illinois, while he attended St. Viator High School. The band’s 1968 hit “Journey to the Center of Your Mind” brought initial fame, though Nugent, a staunch anti-drug advocate, claimed he was unaware of the song’s drug references. Frustrated by The Amboy Dukes’ lack of discipline, Nugent disbanded the group and took a three-month hiatus in the Colorado wilderness, hunting and reconnecting with nature. Recharged, he formed the Ted Nugent Band in 1975 with Derek St. Holmes, Rob Grange, and Cliff Davies, launching his solo career with the Ted Nugent album, which hit the Billboard Top 30 and went multi-platinum.

Nugent’s career exploded with his signature Gibson Byrdland guitar, bluesy riffs, and electrifying live shows, earning him nicknames like “The Nuge” and “Motor City Madman.” His official website, tednugent.com, keeps fans updated on tours, like his 2023 “Adios Mofo Tour,” and exclusive merch like signed vinyl box sets. You can follow him on social media at Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he shares his music, hunting advocacy, and outspoken views. Zoo Freaks can also connect with other fans through communities like the Ted Nugent Fans Facebook group, a hub for sharing concert memories and celebrating his music. While no major fan websites dominate, platforms like Last.fm offer detailed discographies and fan-driven content for diving deeper into Nugent’s legacy.