For the love of rock
Vol IV, Issue 21 – Free for all (01 Nov 2019)
www.intheloveofrock.com
Name of song– Free for all
Singer – Ted Nugent
Writer– Ted Nugent
Album- Free-For-All
Release year– 1976
Free for all
One hard rock American guitarist perhaps undermined and underrated, “Ted Nugent”, born Theodore Anthony Nugent, is definitely a rock ‘n’ roll hero for all rock fans around the world. Initially highlighted as the lead guitarist of the 1963 psychedelic rock band “The Amboy Dukes”, he was so influential that in the years to come the band came to be known as “Ted Nugent & The Amboy Dukes”. Later in 1975, he officially quit Amboy Dukes and pursued a solo career, which made the world realize his guitar prowess. Always known for his guitar virtuosity, energetic live shows, and classic hard rock albums, he is also known as a rare hard rock guitarist who never got into drugs and alcohol, but definitely drove into controversy repeatedly for his political stand and assertions. He is considered a hard core Republican with strong advocacy for gun and hunter rights. However, his songs do rock and his guitar playing is undoubtedly out of the world.
After his self titled debut album in 1975, “Free-For-All”, his second solo album produced in 1976, became his first album to go platinum. An interesting album in itself, “Free-For-All” perhaps did not realize the full potential due to the absence of his regular guitarist “Derek St. Holmes”. However, the album did have potential numbers in it and it would be news to many fans that the album had Meatloaf for vocals and arrangement to make up Holmes’ absence.
“Free-for-all”, the title track from the album is perhaps one of Nugent’s most well known numbers. One of the few songs in the album where he had sung himself, the song represents a cult hard rock sound of the seventies and Nugent’s creativity is at its best. Starting with an incredibly catchy riff by Nugent, the song goes wild with his vocals. The bass guitar by Rob Grange and drums by Cliff Davies also equally contribute to empower this classic hard rock number. The solo in the middle and the end displays Nugent’s virtuosity at its best. The song, evolved from the idea of free competition, definitely describes the angry voice and emotions of a youth.
Ted Nugent may have had numerous amazing rock numbers to his credit in his long musical career, but when it comes to his best hard rock numbers, “Free for all” is one song which all the rock fans can freely feel for all as their own! Always!!!Happy listening!!!Resources- Wikipedia.org, allmusic.com
Free for all
Never before have I turned on you
Ya look too good to me
Your beady eyes nearly cut me into
And I just can’t let ya be
Well it’s a free-for-all
And I heard it said
You can bet your life
The stakes are high and so am I
It’s in the air toni-i-ight
I see you there with your
Cheshire grin I got my eyes on you
Ya shake your tail feathers in my face
No tellin what I might do
Well looky here ya sweet young thing
Cause the magic’s in my hands
When in doubt I whip it out
I got me a rock and roll band
It’s a free-for-all
Here we go with the God below
I’m on the prowl tonight
When it’s said and done, I’ll have my fun
I can chew anything I bite
Come one, come all to the midnight ball
The invitation’s there
Come alone and I’m drivin’ home
I’m healthy I do declare
It’s a free-for all
Never before have I turned on you
Ya look too good to me
Your beady eyes nearly cut me into
And I just can’t let ya be
Well it’s a free-for-all
And I heard it said
You can bet your life
The stakes are high and so am I
It’s in the air toni-i-ight
Lyrics link- https://genius.com/Ted-nugent-free-for-all-lyrics
Video link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxHIssKda58