Amboy Dukes Ignite Detroit with “Journey to the Center of the Mind” at the 2009 Detroit Music Awards
One of the most anticipated moments of the Amboy Dukes Reunion Trilogy came roaring to life at the 2009 Detroit Music Awards when the band unleashed their iconic anthem “Journey to the Center of the Mind” on the stage of The Fillmore Detroit. Long celebrated as a fan favorite, the song carried a special weight that night, and it was clear that Ted Nugent felt every ounce of that energy.
Nugent attacked his lead guitar with reckless abandon, delivering a performance fueled by raw instinct, swagger, and unmistakable Detroit fire. His tongue wagging, swashbuckling stage presence was pure Ted Nugent, a visual and sonic reminder of why this song remains one of the most electrifying moments in the Amboy Dukes catalog. Steve Farmer matched the spirit of the moment, sharing in the playful, high-energy exchange that made the performance feel alive and unfiltered.
The production values at The Fillmore were equally impressive. Superb lighting and thoughtful staging elevated the performance, creating a powerful atmosphere worthy of both the song and the city that gave birth to it. Credit is due to the Motor City Music Foundation for delivering a first-class event that honored Detroit’s deep musical legacy with professionalism and care.
The Amboy Dukes lineup for the evening featured Ted Nugent on lead guitar, Andy Solomon on Hammond B3, Rick Lober on keyboards, Steve Farmer on rhythm guitar, Jim Butler on drums, John Drake on lead vocals, and Bill White on bass. Together, they captured the raw chemistry and fearless spirit that defined the band’s original impact.
Shot and edited with high-definition micro cameras strategically placed throughout the theater by Kenny Crimewave, Julie Pulgini, and Dan Boyd Wizard of Livonia, the performance stands as a vivid document of a legendary Detroit band reconnecting with its roots and its audience.
This was not merely a reunion. It was a declaration that the sound, attitude, and soul of Detroit rock remain as powerful as ever.