Steppenwolf was formed in 1967 in LA by John Kay (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Goldy McJohn (organ, piano) and Jerry Edmonton (drums) who were previously members of the Canadian band The Sparrows. They were joined by Michael Monarch (lead guitar) and Rushton Moreve (bass). The band signed to Dunhill / ABC Records and were propelled to success in 1968 with their classic single “Born To Be Wild” which became even wider known when the track was featured to great effect in the classic 1969 counterculture film Easy Rider.

Steppenwolf was formed in 1967 in LA by John Kay (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Goldy McJohn (organ, piano) and Jerry Edmonton (drums) who were previously members of the Canadian band The Sparrows. They were joined by Michael Monarch (lead guitar) and Rushton Moreve (bass). The band signed to Dunhill/ABC the same year and with producer Gabriel Mekler they recorded their self-titled debut album.

Motorcycle and music fans will have the chance to see true living legends at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip this August when John Kay and Steppenwolf bring their heavy metal thunder to the Wolfman Jack Stage on Friday, Aug. 10. Steppenwolf changed the rock ‘n’ roll landscape and the world of motorcycling forever. Their songs featured in the biker culture classic “Easy Rider” became synonymous with riding and rebellion.