You can't take the R&R Hall of Fame seriously They sold out a long time ago. It's a total sham and all about money. Half of the acts inducted have absolutely nothing to do with rock and roll. Steppenwolf not in and yet Madonna in the R&R hall of fame? Well, it gets all of the idiotic Madonna fans to go there and spend their money! Lots of money!
Yep, but the man at Rolling Stone magazine has a strange hate for Canadian bands and really the only reason that Rush was entered into the R and R HOF is because of their vibrant fan base which sadly is why Steppenwolf, The Guess Who, BTO and a few other Canadian bands will never even be even considered for introduction. But hey Dion Warwick and Dolly Parton (that wild rocker) were introducted!!! LOL
They were a great band! Their music is iconic and stands up just as great today as ever. I am glad to say I got to see them live in 1970. They were all really great musicians and John Kay is definitely one of the most outstanding rock singers and songwriters of all time.
@@petechau9616: I drank a beer (2) with them after a show in the Magic carpet bus , up in Denver . Can't remember the number of times i saw them , but it was a bunch and got all their albums signed by John. He's a cool guy but you don't want to get started on politics . He'd blow you out of the water. I tried it. LOL
"America where are you now, don't you care about your sons and daughters, don't you know, we need you now, we can't fight alone against the Monster" @@captainmoretokin2172
America, where are you now? Don't you care about your sons and daughters? Don't you know...we need you now? We can't fight, alone, against The Monster.
In my group of friends, no record collection was worth even looking through if there wasn't at least one Steppenwolf LP in it. 'Born To Be Wild' was the anthem of my time.
Born to be wild is 1 of the most famous songs they wrote. it became the unofficial anthem of every motorcycle club in the late 60s. the lyrics are legendary and the music is timeless.
Steppenwolf was my favorite band growing up. Their 1st album was the first album I ever bought. I pretty much played the grooves off of all of their LPs up thru Slow Flux. Their music has stood the test of time...
Ha me too.. I saved up enough change to buy Steppenwolf Live double live album and played that day and night on my parent's Zenith console stereo. That was a big dollars for my 12 years of age then and being a double album came at a premium cost. And I still have that music in my head 52 years later.
I saw John Kay and Steppenwolf during their "Wolftracks '84" tour at the Agorra Ballroom, Hartford Connecticut when I was in college. Small place, standing room only. I was pressed right up against the stage in front of the lead guitar. The place was totally full of Bikers, packed tight. Great show. Excellent musicianship. Possibly the Loudest show I've been to. My ears were ringing for days. I still have the concert t-shirt, still in good shape 38 years later. 😃
Saw John Kay and Steppe wolf at Uncle Sam's Niteclub up in Buffalo - We were up against stage in front of left speaker we had put tissue papers in our ears your right it was loud and wild great show
Steppenwolf - a HUGE band! My first rock concert at age 11 or 12 in '68-'69. In junior high I was in a rock band and of course we played Steppenwolf songs! It is a travesty that they are still not in the Rock Hall of Fame. Caught the "final" tour in 2007 at Sturgis - still sounding great. Thanks John Kay.
I saw Steppenwolf (who were the Headliners) at a 2 day music festival in Gaston County, North Carolina at the dirt track "Carolina Speedway" in the Summer of 1976. Albatross and a new band called Boston were also a part of the lineup, along with some local bands. A friend named 'Rabbit" was working Security and living in a mobile home on the property behind the track. It was hot and dusty, and the liquid refreshments and ice ran out on the second day. My two female friends and I decided to pay Rabbit a visit to get something to drink. A stranger answered the door, said "Wait", closed the door and a bug eyed Rabbit opened the door a second time. He told us that Steppenwolf was in his trailer, using it for a dressing room. We were allowed in and met everyone in that particular lineup, Including John Kay. I was too star-struck to speak. We burned a couple of joints and were sent packing with some cold beer. They put on a great performance, then left in a black limo. I will never forget!
If they had released it a year earlier it would've been a huge hit which it should've been since it is great, but it was out when people were getting into "softer" rock.
@@lesschoenberger3070 You are probably right. That was about the time we began to see a shift in the music. Still, it was a great tune and a better time.
John Kay was German and spoke fluent German. His father died on the Eastern Front. He and his mother escaped East Germany. His mother remarried and with John and her new husband moved to Canada.
@@gary1477 Born in East Prussia, Germany at the end of World War II., John Kay grew up trapped behind the iron curtain. His first distinct memory is a daring nighttime escape with his mother to West Germany; where later he was profoundly affected by the American rock 'n' roll he heard on U.S. Armed Forces Radio. Though he didn't speak English at the time, the music's primal energy touched something deep in him, instilling both a driving ideal of personal freedom and an abiding interest in American culture. In 1958 he immigrated to Canada and continued his love affair with music, performing as a folk and blues singer throughout North America before joining the rock band The Sparrow which became part of the scene happening in Toronto’s Yorkville, later, San Francisco’s Haight Ashbury and finally LA’s Sunset Strip. There in 1967 Kay formed Steppenwolf, which quickly became one of the world’s foremost rock n’ roll bands releasing such standards as "Born to Be Wild," "Magic Carpet Ride”, songs which catapulted the band into international prominence and which today stand amongst Rock's most indelible anthems. Other classics include powerful songs like “The Pusher” and “Snow Blind Friend” In addition, because of the lyrical content of songs such as “Monster” Steppenwolf has long been considered “The thinking man’s Rock Band”
Thank You !!! I have been a Steppenwolf for over 40 years. The first time I saw them was 10-31-1980 in Worcester, Ma !!! They blew the roof of the theatre. I saw them again in 81, 82, 83, 84, 85 & 87
Saw them in the 70s. They were real and didn't rely on studio tricks. Terribly under rated, under appreciated, and should be in the R & R Hall of Fame, although, I kind of doubt they ever cared even a little about that alleged distinction.
"Renegade" is based on John and him mother being smuggled out of East Germany. Notice Johns glasses and how they change from dark sunglasses to normal eyewear. John was legally blind, but later his vision was corrected/restored. As I remember. My first concert was the "Steppenwolf 7" tour. Me and a buddy saw them in Louisville, KY. Today, you wouldn't dare drop a couple of 12 year olds off at a big concert. How times have changed, unless today, you listen to the full version of "Monster;" In ways, it seems some things didn't change, they just get worse.
Steppenwolf was my favorite band when I was growing up in the late 60's and early 70's. I was in MANY garage bands in those days, and you weren't worth listening to if you didn't have a few Steppenwolf tunes in your repertoire to play at whatever party you were asked to attend, and we had it covered!! I still listen to their music to this day. As far as their recordings, they have many singles that went on to be hits, but I believe their best production out of all their music was Steppenwolf 7. That album just flows for me. A superb mix of blues and rock. Renegade was, and still is my favorite Steppenwolf tune. The lead solo alone is stunning. It never got the recognition it deserved.
Funny you should say that. My grandson was just going through an old box in my moms attic which contained a bunch of my old crap. Wanted to know what Steppenwolf was because it was written all over my folders. 😂😂
Saw them sometime around 1969 or 1970, at a American / Canadian Boy Scout camping trip of all things in upstate NY. Was only 12 or 13 at the time, so I didn't understand most of the music. I DO remember people [ adults] being VERY upset about them playing " The Pusher" In retrospect....... it's really pretty tame lyrics compared to what's being played today.
Neither John Kay or the band received money for that movie. They were given a "credit". However, the PR paid off as that soundtrack elevated the 'Wolf status immensely.
The band I was in, late '60s, used to cover their song "Tighten Up Your Wig". We also did some Ten Years After, Quicksilver, and CTA covers. Man, those were the days!
Great video......thank you! I'm old enough to remember posters of Jack London and the Sparrows around Toronto as well as vividly (and surprisingly so) remembering Steppenwolf's performance at Varsity Stadium in 1969. Cheers from Toronto!
I was surprised to hear how little of their music charted, or charted very high. Don't know if they were ever released as singles, but "Who Needs You" and "Screaming Night Hog" are two of my favorite tracks.
I totally agree with you my friend and I had the honor of being the late Goldie Mcjohn's drummer back home in Seattle for a little over a few years and that is something that I will never forget and he was a very amazing guy with some incredible stories to tell and had a very full life I'm sure. RIP Goldie Mcjohn and I will always remember him.
Nothing happened to Steppenwolf ..if anything..fame and fortune happened..and the world benefitted..they will always be among we who continue to enjoy their music..they help me to be proud of being Canadian..our original home boys..🇨🇦
Saw them at the Memorial Coliseum in Portland in the late 60s. A new band called Three Dog Night opened the show. A few years later the John Kaye Band opened for Three Dog Night. Magic Carpet Ride, Sookie Sookie, The Pusher, It's Never Too Late, LOTS OF GREAT SONGS.
Too many people carry on about how underrated some artists are. Steppenwolf IS totally underrated, but to those of us who appreciate them, they are one of THE most talented rock bands to ever come along. Just listen to the opening of The Ostrich with the leslie organ and fade in grungy guitar. Not to mention the lyrics and how they STILL apply today! F'in genius!
@@jg6698 Apart from Born To be Wild, most casual music fans couldn't name another song of theirs. Which is a shame considering how many great tracks and albums they recorded. They are pretty underrated for how consistently good they were. One of the better bands from the 60s, and quite popular at the time, but basically a one hit wonder in terms of how well they are remembered.
@@paulmackay7265 They had a few hits including "Magic Carpet Ride" and "The Pusher" but you're right many great tunes most are not aware of. Sookie Sookie 🎸☮️💕
My favorite song from Steppenwolf is "Snow Blind Friend". Of course my 2nd favorite is "Born to be Wild". I was a teenager in the early 70's, a motorcycle rider, a long hair and it was my THEME song!
I’m Amazed that someone got it right about Sparrow starting in Oshawa Ontario Canada! We used to have a music store called Wilson and Lee! They sold guitars,amps and other musical needs and even music lessons! Oh yes, many a famous bands came through the doors of this store with old black and white photos of their patrons!!🎉🎉🎉🎉 What a blast from the past!😊😊
John Kay kept touring, fortunately. I saw him at the Pacific Amphitheater, Costa Mesa, California, in about 2016 or so. At the O.C. Fair. He sounded great! I videoed all of an extended version of The Pusher, on my phone. One of those I always wanted to see since I started going to concerts in 1969, but never did, until then. I would have liked to have seen one of the initial iterations of Steppenwolf, but for the most part Kay was the creative force behind the band. He wrote most of their songs, and his voice to me anyway, is synonymous with Steppenwolf. Good video! Thanks for posting it, OP!
I agree. I had the album and don't know what happened to it. Must have loaned it out and didn't get returned. But this album made me feel sad for the band. Much of their music was about the Vietnam war. When the war was over they seemed to need a new cause and this album was complaining about the economy, not a hot topic for rock fans
@@larryeaton4263 Well because most of us rock fans were teenagers and young adults, and all we cared about was fast cars, drive-in movies, wild parties, and rock concerts. We watched the explosion of rock/heavy metal music from the late 60s, early 70s, take off and lived to enjoy all the new bands and music week after week. I'd say we were the Rock N Roll generation, and we always celebrated a brand new rock song or album when we heard it. BTW....I still have the album 'Hour Of The Wolf', and I'll always enjoy that Steppenwolf tune, 'Mr Penny Pincher'. Cheers 🍺
I got to see John Kay an Steppen Wolf in Eugene Oregon at the Good Times Bar i was right in front of John Kay on the dance floor .rocking out . What an awesome show that was.
My band and I opened for John Kay and Steppenwolf in the Midwest for a few shows in Kansas and Oklahoma. John was a great guy, and they truly rocked! I remember one show in Hutchinson, KS, at a club called "Rocky's," where John had a flat tire after the show. It was so cold, and blinding snow was falling. We had packed our gear and were ready to hit the highway. John came and asked me if I had a car jack. I offered to help him change the tire, and he said, "It's too cold out here for anyone to help; stay in the heat, and I'll be back." I gave him the car jack, and he got it changed and beat us to Tulsa to play at the Cain's Ballroom. As far as I know, he and his family are still working on saving our planet-so admirable! They had a tight, well-honed music machine, although they were not all from the original lineup. They were all great guys! I still sing "Born to be Wild" in his honor when we jam...
Jerry Edmonton was a "monster" behind the drum kit himself. He was always one of my favorite drummers out of the '60s. Vastly overlooked. His timing and fills rivaled any of his peers.
We attended an August 2017 show in Oshkosh, WI. They played a long set, all the hits and crowd favourites. John got out his Rickenbacker and slide for a few numbers. Great show.
I first saw John Kay & Steppenwolf at E.M. Loews Theatre in Worcester, Ma on October 31, 1980. They blew the roof off the place !!! It was the biggest concert that happenend in Worcester, Ma in years !!!
I saw John Kay & Steppenwolf at Billy Bob’s in Ft . Worth Texas , I think back in the late 1980’s … Awesome vocals , after all those years ! Glad to say that I finally got to see him “ live “ . Peace ☮️
Seen John Kay perform a dozen times. My favorite rocker when I was growing up. Goldy was living in West Seattle for years (until he passed a few years ago) and I was a regular poster on his messageboard/forum. For Ladies Only and Hour of the Wolf are my favorites and My Sporting Life and All In Good Time are my favorite John Kay albums. Goldy had lost everything and wound up living on the streets in West Seattle and wound up working at a golf course (I haven't played that course yet) and played locally for a while.
Well if it wasn't Goldie it was his twin brother sittin' on that pillow in front of his keyboards and towards the end of the set decide to stand up and take out the drum set or the first table or two in front of the stage.
@@margaretmcneil5282 Goldy was fired from the band in 1975, Kay carried on until 1976 when Steppenwolf disbanded. At that time, several bands decided they were going to call themselves "Steppenwolf" and Goldy and Nick St. Nicholas and Kent Henry and Rushton Moreve all at some time were involvd in those bands, but John Kay was not with them. When Kay heard of these bands, he decided to go back on the road in 1980 as "John Kay & Steppenwolf" and the keyboard player was Danny Ironstone, so if Kay was with the band you roadied for it wasn't Goldy and if Goldy was with the band you roadied for then John Kay wasn't with them, so I don't know who was what at that time but that's how it played out.
I was on my second motorcycle when Born To Be Wild came out and when it came on the radio it would clear the house. We would be on our bikes in minutes and gone for hours. Still a theme for pretty much any motorcycle club. Love John Kayes voice. I stil have several of their albums on CD.
I can't remember how many times I listened to Steppenwolf in the late 60s/early 70s stoned out of my mind. Born to be Wild and The Pusher, always playing.
The last show in October of 2018 was fantastic, and we could really feel it was the end of an era for them. They laughed, they cried, their family all turned out to watch. The weather was atrocious, and they deserved a better set up for their goodbye. They were gracious, though.
Easily in my 10 favorite bands. In the late 60's and early 70's AM top 40 radio played their singles meanwhile FM radio played those too, as well as album cuts. You couldn't not hear them in those years. John Kays 2 solo albums are fantastic. In 1973 his single 'Easy Evil' got top 40 radio airplay in the NW and what a remarkable song. Written by Alan O'Day who later had the #1 hit Undercover Angel.
Yes, Born to be Wild was where I discovered them (I was born in 1967, so that was a lot later! ;) ). My other (more) favorite song forever would be Snowblind Friend from 1970's Steppenwold 7! :)
In 1968 I was 17 years old., I went to a small warehouse rock, 14 years+, venue called "The Blue Law" near the LA Harbor area. I was watching a group on stage while sitting on the floor. Then these five "hippie" guys sat right next to my friend and I on the floor for a good while. They listened, talked to us, and were friendly. Suddenly they got up and left saying goodbye. Next thing we knew those same five guys were on stage and were Steppenwolf. Within a short time, their music was a big hit on LA AM Radio, they were famous. Groovy !
I really enjoyed your episode about Steppenwolf. As a youngster I bought a compilation album of them back in 1979, it was my second LP. Since then I've always loved this band. 'It's Never Too Late' and 'Snowblind Friend' are great songs! Later I bought other records from Steppenwolf. Great stuff, thank you!
Wow! You gave me info never dream of. Loved the band didn't know it change members so often. Was in the Marines during most of the bands time so all I ever did was listen to the music. I did know that John really gives alot back to people to make their lives better.
They were huge when I was in junior high. We would have (chaperoned) dances in the school gym, and Magic Carpet Ride always won the night. It is still one of my very favorite rock anthems.
I saw them in 1982 at a club in Washington DC, I remember John Kay mentioning that they had an album coming out soon. They were really great that night. I suspect the constantly changing lineup kept them from more success.
Up here in Seattle, I was surprised to hear that their organist, Goldie McJohn, had moved up here to get away from the drugs and Rock "lifestyle!"....hawhawhaw....lots of druggie groups were hitting the big time, during the Grunge era...Anyway, McJohn spent a lot of time playing gold and making a few home studio recordings...he died a few years ago. I always thought that, after Kay's unusual voice, goldie's powerful B3 chordings were the trademark of the group..."The Pusher" was the best tune they ever did!
I've been a huge fan since I was a kid. I've seen them live several times. Once in Atlanta the same night Santana was playing in a different venue across town. John Kay said he knew we were super fans to pick them over Santana that night and we were rewarded with an awesome show. These guys taught me that I love the blues before I'd heard of the blues.
Every line-up of theirs was good; agree with Randy C. I actually saw the Rock & Roll Rebels line-up at the WDVE Electric Lunch concert in 1992. Sorry to learn about the deaths of Goldy McJohn and Jerry Edmonton.
When they said heavy metal thunder, they were talking about a motorcycle. It was actually first used to describe a music style by Mike Saunders, aka Metal Mike, founder of punk band The Angry Samoans. He was a writer/reviewer for Creem magazine in 1971.
Goldy McJohn and I conversed for several minutes at the Riverside Casino, Riverside, Iowa about seven years ago. He told me about the name Steppenwolf and where it came from. He took a picture with me as well. He was a real gentleman.
still have my original vinyl of the first album - bought it in '68 when i was 15. a couple of scratches but still playable. 'the ostrich' has been my favorite off of the album from the first listen. never made it to the radio though as at 5:43 it was too long for the 3 minute songs that a.m. radio was looking for then
They should still be in the R&R Hall of Fame over many who are already inducted.
this year they would have to beat out Dionne Warwick
You can't take the R&R Hall of Fame seriously They sold out a long time ago. It's a total sham and all about money. Half of the acts inducted have absolutely nothing to do with rock and roll. Steppenwolf not in and yet Madonna in the R&R hall of fame? Well, it gets all of the idiotic Madonna fans to go there and spend their money! Lots of money!
Hell to the yeah!!!
I totally agree with you my friend, they should have been in the Rock and roll Hall of Fame a long time ag
Yep, but the man at Rolling Stone magazine has a strange hate for Canadian bands and really the only reason that Rush was entered into the R and R HOF is because of their vibrant fan base which sadly is why Steppenwolf, The Guess Who, BTO and a few other Canadian bands will never even be even considered for introduction. But hey Dion Warwick and Dolly Parton (that wild rocker) were introducted!!! LOL
They were a great band! Their music is iconic and stands up just as great today as ever. I am glad to say I got to see them live in 1970. They were all really great musicians and John Kay is definitely one of the most outstanding rock singers and songwriters of all time.
you saw them at their best time. the live record proves that. w/ shows from early 1970.
Rock on ! I saw them four times in the late 60s and 70s all great shows.
@@petechau9616: I drank a beer (2) with them after a show in the Magic carpet bus , up in Denver . Can't remember the number of times i saw them , but it was a bunch and got all their albums signed by John. He's a cool guy but you don't want to get started on politics . He'd blow you out of the water. I tried it. LOL
"America where are you now, don't you care about your sons and daughters, don't you know, we need you now, we can't fight alone against the Monster" @@captainmoretokin2172
I saw them in 1969 at the Island Garden in West Hempstead NY. GRREAT!!!!!!
The lyrics too the song "Monster" recorded so long ago are so very very true in today's society!! What an awesome band with some great songs! Greg
America, where are you now?
Don't you care about your sons and daughters?
Don't you know...we need you now?
We can't fight, alone, against The Monster.
Now it's a monster and will not obey! 😟😟🙄🙄
They should blast this song over loudspeakers all around the White House!
Some great guitar licks in "Hey Lawdy Mama."
Sookie-Sookie was a great one too. They should be in the RRHOF.
YES but RRHOF likes beeny bopper groups
Don't Step On The Grass Sam..
Most people really don't understand who Sam is...
In my group of friends, no record collection was worth even looking through if there wasn't at least one Steppenwolf LP in it.
'Born To Be Wild' was the anthem of my time.
Born to be wild is 1 of the most famous songs they wrote. it became the unofficial anthem of every motorcycle club in the late 60s. the lyrics are legendary and the music is timeless.
Steppenwolf was my favorite band growing up. Their 1st album was the first album I ever bought. I pretty much played the grooves off of all of their LPs up thru Slow Flux. Their music has stood the test of time...
Ha me too.. I saved up enough change to buy Steppenwolf Live double live album and played that day and night on my parent's Zenith console stereo. That was a big dollars for my 12 years of age then and being a double album came at a premium cost. And I still have that music in my head 52 years later.
I saw John Kay and Steppenwolf during their "Wolftracks '84" tour at the Agorra Ballroom, Hartford Connecticut when I was in college. Small place, standing room only. I was pressed right up against the stage in front of the lead guitar. The place was totally full of Bikers, packed tight. Great show. Excellent musicianship. Possibly the Loudest show I've been to. My ears were ringing for days. I still have the concert t-shirt, still in good shape 38 years later. 😃
That Tshirt is worth money $$. and memories.
I worked a show with them in San Diego on that tour. Would of done more shows but didn't have my passport at the time.
I saw them in Hartford too. Great show
Wow
Saw John Kay and Steppe wolf at Uncle Sam's Niteclub up in Buffalo - We were up against stage in front of left speaker we had put tissue papers in our ears your right it was loud and wild great show
Steppenwolf - a HUGE band! My first rock concert at age 11 or 12 in '68-'69. In junior high I was in a rock band and of course we played Steppenwolf songs! It is a travesty that they are still not in the Rock Hall of Fame. Caught the "final" tour in 2007 at Sturgis - still sounding great. Thanks John Kay.
I saw Steppenwolf (who were the Headliners) at a 2 day music festival in Gaston County, North Carolina at the dirt track "Carolina Speedway" in the Summer of 1976. Albatross and a new band called Boston were also a part of the lineup, along with some local bands. A friend named 'Rabbit" was working Security and living in a mobile home on the property behind the track. It was hot and dusty, and the liquid refreshments and ice ran out on the second day. My two female friends and I decided to pay Rabbit a visit to get something to drink. A stranger answered the door, said "Wait", closed the door and a bug eyed Rabbit opened the door a second time. He told us that Steppenwolf was in his trailer, using it for a dressing room. We were allowed in and met everyone in that particular lineup, Including John Kay. I was too star-struck to speak. We burned a couple of joints and were sent packing with some cold beer. They put on a great performance, then left in a black limo. I will never forget!
That's a great story! Thanks for sharing.
Saw them at Park Center in Charlotte. Magic Carpet Ride was first getting airplay, so probably 1968.
@@jg6698 well, like the song says "God damn the pusher"
What a cool story!!!!
I'm jealous!
This band was criminally underrated. The first album, Monster, Live, 7 and For ladies only are damn good albums.
They're not in the RRHOF but Abba is.
@@dustyrustymusty3577 That is SO wrong!
@@dustyrustymusty3577 RRHOF what a waste
@@jg6698 I never said they were underated i saw them live and I am 71 amd they were one of my favorite groups and I said the RRHOF should be ashamed
"Tenderness" and "Nighttime's For You" are epic Steppenwolf tunes.
Always loved this band. One of my favorite songs was "Ride With Me" which, for some reason, was totally overlooked. Great tune!
Rock on!
I agree, and one of my favorite Steppenwolf cuts as well!
it appeared on a rather gentle LP 'for ladies only'. but it was the rocker of the record. w/ good lyrics. their last memorable rocker.
If they had released it a year earlier it would've been a huge hit which it should've been since it is great, but it was out when people were getting into "softer" rock.
@@lesschoenberger3070 You are probably right. That was about the time we began to see a shift in the music. Still, it was a great tune and a better time.
Magic Carpet Ride is one of my all time favorites!
A great band that stuck their necks out and had something to say at a time that it needed to be said. I wish there was a bit more of that today.
They should have been automatically into the hall of fame as soon as they were eligible.
Steppenwolf was beyond cool. Their Live album is killer.
Monster was my favorite on that album. Anyone who doubts them should listen to the live version on that album. Truly amazing!
I loved this band. John Kaye was an interesting person with a very interesting history leading back to WW2
John Kay was German and spoke fluent German. His father died on the Eastern Front. He and his mother escaped East Germany. His mother remarried and with John and her new husband moved to Canada.
@@gary1477 Born in East Prussia, Germany at the end of World War II., John Kay grew up trapped behind the iron curtain. His first distinct memory is a daring nighttime escape with his mother to West Germany; where later he was profoundly affected by the American rock 'n' roll he heard on U.S. Armed Forces Radio. Though he didn't speak English at the time, the music's primal energy touched something deep in him, instilling both a driving ideal of personal freedom and an abiding interest in American culture. In 1958 he immigrated to Canada and continued his love affair with music, performing as a folk and blues singer throughout North America before joining the rock band The Sparrow which became part of the scene happening in Toronto’s Yorkville, later, San Francisco’s Haight Ashbury and finally LA’s Sunset Strip. There in 1967 Kay formed Steppenwolf, which quickly became one of the world’s foremost rock n’ roll bands releasing such standards as "Born to Be Wild," "Magic Carpet Ride”, songs which catapulted the band into international prominence and which today stand amongst Rock's most indelible anthems. Other classics include powerful songs like “The Pusher” and “Snow Blind Friend” In addition, because of the lyrical content of songs such as “Monster” Steppenwolf has long been considered “The thinking man’s Rock Band”
@@monmixer Listen to the song "Renegade" from their seventh album. It's a song about escaping from a war zone.
@@danielcobbins8861 The Singer Joh n Kaye came from Poland. His story is very interesting and he beat all of the odds.
Still one of my fave bands. Generational rock anthems don't come any better than Born To Be Wild.
Thank You !!! I have been a Steppenwolf for over 40 years. The first time I saw them was 10-31-1980 in Worcester, Ma !!! They blew the roof of the theatre. I saw them again in 81, 82, 83, 84, 85 & 87
Wow
Saw them in 1989 at Summers on the Beach on Ft Lauderdale Beach. Super show. Really rocked on "Hey Lauwdy Mama" song. The whole concert jammed!
this band is a main part of the soundtrack of my junior high and high school days.
You and me must be the same age..i wore out more 8 - track's than anyone i know..👍👍👍
Saw them in the 70s. They were real and didn't rely on studio tricks. Terribly under rated, under appreciated, and should be in the R & R Hall of Fame, although, I kind of doubt they ever cared even a little about that alleged distinction.
"Renegade" is based on John and him mother being smuggled out of East Germany. Notice Johns glasses and how they change from dark sunglasses to normal eyewear. John was legally blind, but later his vision was corrected/restored. As I remember. My first concert was the "Steppenwolf 7" tour. Me and a buddy saw them in Louisville, KY. Today, you wouldn't dare drop a couple of 12 year olds off at a big concert. How times have changed, unless today, you listen to the full version of "Monster;" In ways, it seems some things didn't change, they just get worse.
I Did my book report on monster I drug my hi fi to English class . The song nailed the history of this country and it's fate ✌️❤️☺️
He's still color blind
Monster was/is an outstanding piece of work not to mention all of the other famous hits.
Tight, complicated at times, sensitive and comical. My favorite was their insight. Life causes this.
Well said
Steppenwolf was my favorite band when I was growing up in the late 60's and early 70's. I was in MANY garage bands in those days, and you weren't worth listening to if you didn't have a few Steppenwolf tunes in your repertoire to play at whatever party you were asked to attend, and we had it covered!! I still listen to their music to this day. As far as their recordings, they have many singles that went on to be hits, but I believe their best production out of all their music was Steppenwolf 7. That album just flows for me. A superb mix of blues and rock. Renegade was, and still is my favorite Steppenwolf tune. The lead solo alone is stunning. It never got the recognition it deserved.
Funny you should say that. My grandson was just going through an old box in my moms attic which contained a bunch of my old crap. Wanted to know what Steppenwolf was because it was written all over my folders. 😂😂
Renegade is a killer song 🎵
I agree.
Wasn't my favorite album of theirs, but I have it. You gotta love "Earschplittenloudenboomer" . Was ist ein earschlittenloudenboomer?
@@davidmaraman855 awesome lead solo by Larry Byrom.
Saw them sometime around 1969 or 1970, at a American / Canadian Boy Scout camping trip of all things in upstate NY.
Was only 12 or 13 at the time, so I didn't understand most of the music.
I DO remember people [ adults] being VERY upset about them playing " The Pusher"
In retrospect....... it's really pretty tame lyrics compared to what's being played today.
I always felt that the soundtrack to the movie "Easy Rider" was the best ever!!!!!!!!!! That soundtrack fit that movie like a glove.
Neither John Kay or the band received money for that movie. They were given a "credit". However, the PR paid off as that soundtrack elevated the 'Wolf status immensely.
"It's never too late to start all over again!" 🎶🎼🎸☮️🎵
Probably my favourite song of theirs.
The band I was in, late '60s, used to cover their song "Tighten Up Your Wig". We also did some Ten Years After, Quicksilver, and CTA covers. Man, those were the days!
Yup
Great video......thank you! I'm old enough to remember posters of Jack London and the Sparrows around Toronto as well as vividly (and surprisingly so) remembering Steppenwolf's performance at Varsity Stadium in 1969. Cheers from Toronto!
Thanks for sharing!
Thier songs are timeless. Still relevant today...
I was surprised to hear how little of their music charted, or charted very high. Don't know if they were ever released as singles, but "Who Needs You" and "Screaming Night Hog" are two of my favorite tracks.
"Who Needs You" and "Snow Blind Friend" from Steppenwolf 7, got plenty of airplay in my market. I'm surprised neither charted Nationally.
I totally agree with you my friend and I had the honor of being the late Goldie Mcjohn's drummer back home in Seattle for a little over a few years and that is something that I will never forget and he was a very amazing guy with some incredible stories to tell and had a very full life I'm sure. RIP Goldie Mcjohn and I will always remember him.
Renegade is my absolute favorite Steppenwolf tune.
Born to be Wild was a huge hit and used in so many movies. Also Magic Carpet Ride was huge
@@jameshowland7393 "Hey you, keep your head down!"
Nothing happened to Steppenwolf ..if anything..fame and fortune happened..and the world benefitted..they will always be among we who continue to enjoy their music..they help me to be proud of being Canadian..our original home boys..🇨🇦
Still benefiting...
Canada has supplied the rock world with some greats.
Saw them at the Memorial Coliseum in Portland in the late 60s. A new band called Three Dog Night opened the show. A few years later the John Kaye Band opened for Three Dog Night. Magic Carpet Ride, Sookie Sookie, The Pusher, It's Never Too Late, LOTS OF GREAT SONGS.
Too many people carry on about how underrated some artists are. Steppenwolf IS totally underrated, but to those of us who appreciate them, they are one of THE most talented rock bands to ever come along. Just listen to the opening of The Ostrich with the leslie organ and fade in grungy guitar. Not to mention the lyrics and how they STILL apply today! F'in genius!
@@jg6698 No need to yell, it's just my opinion.
@@jg6698 Apart from Born To be Wild, most casual music fans couldn't name another song of theirs. Which is a shame considering how many great tracks and albums they recorded. They are pretty underrated for how consistently good they were. One of the better bands from the 60s, and quite popular at the time, but basically a one hit wonder in terms of how well they are remembered.
@@paulmackay7265 They had a few hits including "Magic Carpet Ride" and "The Pusher" but you're right many great tunes most are not aware of. Sookie Sookie 🎸☮️💕
My favorite song from Steppenwolf is "Snow Blind Friend". Of course my 2nd favorite is "Born to be Wild". I was a teenager in the early 70's, a motorcycle rider, a long hair and it was my THEME song!
Good song! One of their best!
That song along with the pusher written by hoyt axton
I can't pick a fav. Love Don't step on the grass Sam, and Ride With Me..and The Pusher...and Jeroboam from the Slow Flux Album..
Still my favorite band from that era.
I’m Amazed that someone got it right about Sparrow starting in Oshawa Ontario Canada! We used to have a music store called Wilson and Lee! They sold guitars,amps and other musical needs and even music lessons! Oh yes, many a famous bands came through the doors of this store with old black and white photos of their patrons!!🎉🎉🎉🎉 What a blast from the past!😊😊
Saw them in 1974 or '75. Fantastic show. Trivia: Guitarist Bobby Cochran was the nephew of pioneer rocker Eddie Cochran.
Magic Carpet Ride… one of the greatest rock songs ever.
One my favorite bands . Never knew how much they struggled.
Love them.Way ahead of their time.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
John Kay kept touring, fortunately. I saw him at the Pacific Amphitheater, Costa Mesa, California, in about 2016 or so. At the O.C. Fair. He sounded great! I videoed all of an extended version of The Pusher, on my phone. One of those I always wanted to see since I started going to concerts in 1969, but never did, until then. I would have liked to have seen one of the initial iterations of Steppenwolf, but for the most part Kay was the creative force behind the band. He wrote most of their songs, and his voice to me anyway, is synonymous with Steppenwolf. Good video! Thanks for posting it, OP!
Mr. Penny Pincher from the album
Hour Of The Wolf is a Steppenwolf Classic.
I agree. I had the album and don't know what happened to it. Must have loaned it out and didn't get returned. But this album made me feel sad for the band. Much of their music was about the Vietnam war. When the war was over they seemed to need a new cause and this album was complaining about the economy, not a hot topic for rock fans
@@larryeaton4263
Well because most of us rock fans were teenagers and young adults, and all we cared about was fast cars, drive-in movies, wild parties, and rock concerts. We watched the explosion of rock/heavy metal music from the late 60s, early 70s, take off and lived to enjoy all the new bands and music week after week. I'd say we were the Rock N Roll generation, and we always celebrated a brand new rock song or album when we heard it.
BTW....I still have the album 'Hour Of The Wolf', and I'll always enjoy that Steppenwolf tune, 'Mr Penny Pincher'. Cheers 🍺
I got to see John Kay an Steppen Wolf in Eugene Oregon at the Good Times Bar i was right in front of John Kay on the dance floor .rocking out . What an awesome show that was.
My band and I opened for John Kay and Steppenwolf in the Midwest for a few shows in Kansas and Oklahoma. John was a great guy, and they truly rocked! I remember one show in Hutchinson, KS, at a club called "Rocky's," where John had a flat tire after the show. It was so cold, and blinding snow was falling. We had packed our gear and were ready to hit the highway. John came and asked me if I had a car jack. I offered to help him change the tire, and he said, "It's too cold out here for anyone to help; stay in the heat, and I'll be back." I gave him the car jack, and he got it changed and beat us to Tulsa to play at the Cain's Ballroom. As far as I know, he and his family are still working on saving our planet-so admirable! They had a tight, well-honed music machine, although they were not all from the original lineup. They were all great guys! I still sing "Born to be Wild" in his honor when we jam...
Born to be wild was THE song of my generation. That song alone should put them in the R&R hall.
"Move Over" -- A lot to say even for today. The percussion is incredible. Jerry Edmonton (RIP) John Kaye is one of the greatest Rock frontmen -- ever.
'Monster' and 'The Ostrich' are two songs by Steppenwolf written 50 years ago that contain lyrics so relevant to today, 2022.
@@TS-wh4ey Very much-so!
Jerry Edmonton was a "monster" behind the drum kit himself. He was always one of my favorite drummers out of the '60s. Vastly overlooked. His timing and fills rivaled any of his peers.
@@michaelwolf6424 -- So very right about Jerry Edmonton! He was boss! I also appreciated Cozy Powell and Thom Mooney.
It all flew by Faster Than the Speed of Life!!!😎👍
We attended an August 2017 show in Oshkosh, WI. They played a long set, all the hits and crowd favourites. John got out his Rickenbacker and slide for a few numbers. Great show.
Killer B3 tone and screaming guitar! Fabulous.
I first saw John Kay & Steppenwolf at E.M. Loews Theatre in Worcester, Ma on October 31, 1980. They blew the roof off the place !!! It was the biggest concert that happenend in Worcester, Ma in years !!!
I saw John Kay & Steppenwolf at Billy Bob’s in Ft . Worth Texas , I think back in the late 1980’s …
Awesome vocals , after all those years !
Glad to say that I finally got to see
him “ live “ .
Peace ☮️
Seen John Kay perform a dozen times. My favorite rocker when I was growing up. Goldy was living in West Seattle for years (until he passed a few years ago) and I was a regular poster on his messageboard/forum. For Ladies Only and Hour of the Wolf are my favorites and My Sporting Life and All In Good Time are my favorite John Kay albums. Goldy had lost everything and wound up living on the streets in West Seattle and wound up working at a golf course (I haven't played that course yet) and played locally for a while.
Steppenwolf was very good live to see. Saw them outside. They were great
I rodied for Steppenwolf for a moment in the spring of 80 , at the time John Kay and Goldie were the only originals left. It was a blast .
If it was 1980 Goldy wasn't with Kay, he was in the bogus bands and Kay was pissed at him!
Well if it wasn't Goldie it was his twin brother sittin' on that pillow in front of his keyboards and towards the end of the set decide to stand up and take out the drum set or the first table or two in front of the stage.
@@margaretmcneil5282 Goldy was fired from the band in 1975, Kay carried on until 1976 when Steppenwolf disbanded. At that time, several bands decided they were going to call themselves "Steppenwolf" and Goldy and Nick St. Nicholas and Kent Henry and Rushton Moreve all at some time were involvd in those bands, but John Kay was not with them. When Kay heard of these bands, he decided to go back on the road in 1980 as "John Kay & Steppenwolf" and the keyboard player was Danny Ironstone, so if Kay was with the band you roadied for it wasn't Goldy and if Goldy was with the band you roadied for then John Kay wasn't with them, so I don't know who was what at that time but that's how it played out.
Morning Blue is one of their best and one of my favorites. Snow Blind Friend as well.
One of the few written by George Biondo the bass/back up singer.
I was on my second motorcycle when Born To Be Wild came out and when it came on the radio it would clear the house. We would be on our bikes in minutes and gone for hours. Still a theme for pretty much any motorcycle club. Love John Kayes voice. I stil have several of their albums on CD.
Love Steppenwolf I’ve been playing covers of their tunes since I was in high school
I can't remember how many times I listened to Steppenwolf in the late 60s/early 70s stoned out of my mind. Born to be Wild and The Pusher, always playing.
I think For ladies only album is a Steppenwolf masterpiece
LOL!!! My dad wanted to name my brother Steppenwolf, but his mother wasn't having that 😄🤣😄🤣
The last show in October of 2018 was fantastic, and we could really feel it was the end of an era for them. They laughed, they cried, their family all turned out to watch. The weather was atrocious, and they deserved a better set up for their goodbye. They were gracious, though.
As a teenage "hippy" They quickly became one of my favorite bands...which made my parents worry about me.
Easily in my 10 favorite bands. In the late 60's and early 70's AM top 40 radio played their singles meanwhile FM radio played those too, as well as album cuts. You couldn't not hear them in those years. John Kays 2 solo albums are fantastic. In 1973 his single 'Easy Evil' got top 40 radio airplay in the NW and what a remarkable song. Written by Alan O'Day who later had the #1 hit Undercover Angel.
Yes, Born to be Wild was where I discovered them (I was born in 1967, so that was a lot later! ;) ). My other (more) favorite song forever would be Snowblind Friend from 1970's Steppenwold 7! :)
'Born To Be Wild' ........
the official biker anthem
Songs of my youth! Saw them in concert in the late 70's. It was a fantastic night
In 1968 I was 17 years old., I went to a small warehouse rock, 14 years+, venue called "The Blue Law" near the LA Harbor area. I was watching a group on stage while sitting on the floor. Then these five "hippie" guys sat right next to my friend and I on the floor for a good while. They listened, talked to us, and were friendly. Suddenly they got up and left saying goodbye. Next thing we knew those same five guys were on stage and were Steppenwolf. Within a short time, their music was a big hit on LA AM Radio, they were famous. Groovy !
Oh Wow
I really enjoyed your episode about Steppenwolf. As a youngster I bought a compilation album of them back in 1979, it was my second LP. Since then I've always loved this band. 'It's Never Too Late' and 'Snowblind Friend' are great songs! Later I bought other records from Steppenwolf. Great stuff, thank you!
Yes! My first album I bought was the Slow Flux album...then I collected them all...can't believe how underappreciated they were....to this day!
"Monster" was my favorite Steppenwolf album. Listen and you will see.
Wow! You gave me info never dream of. Loved the band didn't know it change members so often. Was in the Marines during most of the bands time so all I ever did was listen to the music. I did know that John really gives alot back to people to make their lives better.
Their album "Steppenwolf 7" is one fine album.
I saw the band in Dallas around 1989...outdoor concert and they sounded fantastic.
Never has there been a greater rock n roll name or 'fro than that of Goldy McJohn!
One of those bands that never made a bad track despite never having become chart heroes.
Steppenwolf 7 is one of the best albums ever recorded, imho.
Same here .
I saw Steppenwolf in 1969, at their peak. Way ahead of most concert bands.
I saw them in 1981, they still rocked.
Great band , especially live! They sure get their motor running!
They were on the Ed Sullivan show That's proof they were a great band
They were huge when I was in junior high. We would have (chaperoned) dances in the school gym, and Magic Carpet Ride always won the night. It is still one of my very favorite rock anthems.
The 1st band I saw in concert! Chicago Transit Authority was the opening band. Freedom Hall, Louisville, KY.
One of the hardest rocking bands in the late sixties.
Faster Than the Speed of Life always sounds so modern to me, like a 90s UK indie band.
Amazing band.
🇬🇧👍🇺🇸
I saw them in 1982 at a club in Washington DC, I remember John Kay mentioning that they had an album coming out soon. They were really great that night. I suspect the constantly changing lineup kept them from more success.
Up here in Seattle, I was surprised to hear that their organist, Goldie McJohn, had moved up here to get away from the drugs and Rock "lifestyle!"....hawhawhaw....lots of druggie groups were hitting the big time, during the Grunge era...Anyway, McJohn spent a lot of time playing gold and making a few home studio recordings...he died a few years ago. I always thought that, after Kay's unusual voice, goldie's powerful B3 chordings were the trademark of the group..."The Pusher" was the best tune they ever did!
I've been a huge fan since I was a kid. I've seen them live several times. Once in Atlanta the same night Santana was playing in a different venue across town. John Kay said he knew we were super fans to pick them over Santana that night and we were rewarded with an awesome show. These guys taught me that I love the blues before I'd heard of the blues.
Every line-up of theirs was good; agree with Randy C. I actually saw the Rock & Roll Rebels line-up at the WDVE Electric Lunch concert in 1992. Sorry to learn about the deaths of Goldy McJohn and Jerry Edmonton.
When they said heavy metal thunder, they were talking about a motorcycle. It was actually first used to describe a music style by Mike Saunders, aka Metal Mike, founder of punk band The Angry Samoans. He was a writer/reviewer for Creem magazine in 1971.
Goldy McJohn and I conversed for several minutes at the Riverside Casino, Riverside, Iowa about seven years ago. He told me about the name Steppenwolf and where it came from. He took a picture with me as well. He was a real gentleman.
still have my original vinyl of the first album - bought it in '68 when i was 15. a couple of scratches but still playable. 'the ostrich' has been my favorite off of the album from the first listen. never made it to the radio though as at 5:43 it was too long for the 3 minute songs that a.m. radio was looking for then
I was lucky enough to see them at the Filmore East in NY, around 1969.
Loved Steppenwolf since I was a kid in the late 60s. A most excellent band indeed! 😎👍
Yes they are!
Excellent and kinda sad, but, loved them. Thank You for this in-depth documentary of a great band.
Thanks for listening
I also recall the concert 1969 at Varsity stadium. John Kay announced he went to Humberside C. I. I also believe the Plastic Ono band played
I remember an interview with John Kay lament that the band never played Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto.
@@craigstockdale6968 I think they were scheduled to play it but cancelled because John had laryngytis.
I loved there song monster! Listened to it often during the last administration! Seemed appropriate!
Should be in R & R hall of fame for Born to be Wild alone...
"Disbanded for the last time." Famous last words.