Steppenwolf is an iconic rock band known for their hard-driving sound, rebellious lyrics, and the creation of rock anthems that defined a generation. Formed in 1967 by lead singer John Kay in Los Angeles, the band's name was inspired by Hermann Hesse's novel of the same name. Steppenwolf quickly hit their stride with their self-titled debut album released in 1968, which included the enduring hit "Born to Be Wild." The song not only became a biker anthem but also is often cited as one of the earliest precursors to the heavy metal genre, particularly due to the phrase "heavy metal thunder" in its lyrics.

Over the course of their career, Steppenwolf released a series of successful albums and singles, including the psychedelic rock hit "Magic Carpet Ride." They showcased their gritty rock persona through powerful live performances, captured in releases like "Live in Louisville" and "Live at 25 Silver Anniversary." Although the band underwent numerous line-up changes, they managed to sustain their popularity through the late '60s and early '70s. After disbanding in 1972, they reunited several times, and their music continued to resonate with new generations as heard on "Steppenwolf at 50," a collection celebrating their 50th anniversary. As their music has been featured in countless soundtracks and covered by various artists, Steppenwolf's legacy as rock pioneers is firmly cemented in the annals of music history.

Genres

Acid Rock

Album Rock

Blues Rock

Classic Canadian Rock

Classic Rock

Hard Rock

Proto-metal

Rock

Singer-songwriter

Soft Rock

Related Artists

The Doors

Cream

Deep Purple

Iron Butterfly

Jefferson Airplane

Grand Funk Railroad

Creedence Clearwater Revival

Led Zeppelin

The Rolling Stones

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Blue Cheer

The Who

Latest Release

It's Never Too Late (Live On The Ed Sullivan Show, May 19, 1969)

Steppenwolf

Single - Released April 13, 2021