Rock and Roll and Open Roads at Ted Nugent’s Texas Ranch
A recent visit to Ted Nugent’s ranch outside Waco, Texas brought together two long established figures in American rock, Ted Nugent and Sammy Hagar, for a day that blended music, conversation, and life beyond the stage. The gathering, filmed as part of a road trip style feature, offered a candid look at their friendship and shared history.
The musical portion of the visit centered on informal jam sessions and reflections on Nugent’s best known material, including Stranglehold. Nugent spoke openly about how the song evolved in the studio, recalling discussions with band members about arrangement and the length of the guitar solo. He acknowledged that the solo became a defining element of the track and described the process of refining it into something structured and intentional. Hagar responded with visible respect, noting the impact Nugent’s live energy had on him when they first toured together in the late nineteen seventies.
Beyond the guitars and amplifiers, the setting played a central role. Nugent guided Hagar around the expansive property, introducing him to ranch life that includes wildlife management, archery, and off road driving. A high powered nineteen seventy four Ford Bronco provided a dramatic interlude, underscoring Nugent’s long standing enthusiasm for horsepower and machinery. The excursion reflected the image Nugent has cultivated for decades, combining rock performance with outdoor pursuits.
Archery also featured prominently during the visit. Nugent described bow hunting as both discipline and spiritual practice, emphasizing focus, form, and respect for the natural environment. Hagar participated in target shooting while Nugent explained his philosophy, linking music and archery as parallel forms of concentration and release.
In conversation, Nugent attributed his sustained energy to a lifetime commitment to sobriety, stating that he has remained clean throughout his career. Hagar, who has known Nugent since the mid nineteen seventies, remarked on his consistency and contentment, observing that the personality seen on stage mirrors the one present in private settings.
The discussion turned to musical influences, with Nugent expressing admiration for artists such as James Brown and Keith Richards, citing their authority and rhythmic command. He also reflected on his preference for hollow body guitars, particularly the Gibson Birdland, which has long been associated with his sound.
The visit concluded with both musicians reaffirming the role of music as the foundation of their careers. While the ranch environment highlighted Nugent’s broader interests, the shared performances and mutual respect underscored what first connected them. In Texas, rock and roll remained the central thread, framed by friendship, history, and a distinctly American backdrop.