Wango Tango

The Zoo Crew is spinning the wild and raucous "Wango Tango" by Ted Nugent from his 1980 album Scream Dream, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks howling with delight. This song is a high-octane rock anthem, known for its infectious energy and Nugent’s unapologetic bravado. One juicy piece of trivia comes from the song’s middle breakdown, where Nugent unleashes a carnival barker-style rap, riffing about a Maserati’s hood scoop and a garage that’s “open all night.” In a 1980 interview with Creem magazine, Nugent described this section as a spontaneous burst of “pure gonzo insanity,” saying he wanted to “throw a curveball at the audience and make ’em laugh while they’re banging their heads.” The song’s automotive metaphors, comparing his partner to a sleek Maserati, were inspired by Nugent’s love for fast cars, a passion he’s often shared on his Facebook page, where he’s posted about his vintage car collection.

Despite its cult status, “Wango Tango” has sparked some debate. Allmusic’s Bret Adams called it “addictive” and “wickedly catchy,” but Guitar World controversially ranked its guitar solo seventh on their “100 Worst Guitar Solos” list, a jab Nugent laughed off in a 2016 X post, saying, “Worst solo? Hell, at least I’m in the top 10 at something!” The song’s raw energy made it a staple in Nugent’s live shows, and it even popped up in pop culture, featured in the 2017 Stranger Things episode “Trick or Treat, Freak” and a 2007 episode of The Simpsons. Nugent once shared on Instagram that the song’s opening riff came to him while he was “cranking his Gibson Byrdland in a hotel room at 3 a.m., probably pissing off everyone on the floor.” That raw, rebellious spirit is what keeps the Zoo Freaks coming back for more.

Ted Nugent, born Theodore Anthony Nugent on December 13, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, kicked off his musical journey as a teenager, wielding his guitar with a ferocity that would define his career. He first gained fame as the lead guitarist of The Amboy Dukes, a psychedelic rock band formed in 1964. Their 1968 hit “Journey to the Center of the Mind” put Nugent on the map, though he later claimed in a Rolling Stone interview that he was “too busy hunting to notice the charts.” By the mid-1970s, Nugent went solo, unleashing his primal energy on tracks like “Stranglehold” and “Cat Scratch Fever.” His larger-than-life persona, blending hard rock with a love for the outdoors, resonated with fans, and his relentless touring—often playing over 200 shows a year—built a loyal following. Nugent’s use of hollow-body Gibson Byrdland guitars gave his riffs a distinctive, warm tone, setting him apart from his heavier metal peers.

For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper into Nugent’s world, his official website, tednugent.com, is packed with tour dates, merchandise, and his latest rants. You can catch his unfiltered takes on X, where he posts about music, politics, and hunting, or follow his Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots of his gigs and outdoor adventures. His Facebook page is a hub for fan interaction, with thousands of followers sharing memes and concert stories. Fans can also connect on the Ted Nugent Fan Club site, which offers exclusive content and forums. For community vibes, check out the Ted Nugent Fans Facebook group, where diehards swap vinyl finds, debate setlists, and keep the spirit of the Motor City Madman alive.