"Stranglehold" is a song by American rock musician Ted Nugent, the first track from his self-titled debut 1975 album. The vocals are by Derek St. Holmes. However, the "Sometimes you wanna get higher" verse is sung by Nugent. Nugent admits that the song was co-written by Rob Grange, who received no share.[4]
"Stranglehold" is a guitar-driven track, over eight minutes long, and set the stage for Nugent's career. The guitar solo was recorded in a single take. "I used delays to create this really wild guitar duet with Ted," said producer Tom Werman. "It was like two guys were playing. I sent it off to Ted for his approval. He called me up and said, 'I love what you did with Stranglehold, but don't ever do that again without asking me.'"[5]
It became an entrance theme to the NHL team Chicago Blackhawks. It was also the entrance theme used by Kevin Von Erich in his professional wrestling career.