The Amboy Dukes were an American rock band formed in 1964 in Chicago, Illinois, and later based in Detroit, Michigan. They are best known for their only hit single, "Journey to the Center of the Mind". The band's name comes from the title of a novel by Irving Shulman. In the UK, the group's records were released under the name of the American Amboy Dukes, because of the existence of a British group with the same name. The band went through a number of personnel changes during its active years, the only constant being lead guitarist and composer Ted Nugent. The band transitioned to being Nugent's backing band before he discontinued the name in 1975.
The Amboy Dukes. From left to right: Dave Palmer, Andy Solomon, Rusty Day, Ted Nugent, Steve Farmer (foreground), and Greg Arama.
Theodore Anthony Nugent is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and political activist. He goes by several nicknames, including Uncle Ted, The Nuge, and Motor City Madman. Nugent initially gained fame as the lead guitarist and occasional vocalist of The Amboy Dukes, a band formed in 1963 that played psychedelic rock and hard rock. After dissolving the band, he embarked on a successful solo career. His first three solo albums, Ted Nugent (1975), Free-for-All (1976) and Cat Scratch Fever (1977), were certified multi-platinum in the United States. His latest album, Detroit Muscle, was released in 2022.
Nugent performing in 2017
Nugent in concert with his signature Gibson Byrdland guitar
Nugent performing in 2005
Nugent speaking at a campaign event for Sheriff Joe Arpaio in Scottsdale, Arizona