GEEZ!| FIRST TIME HEARING Steppenwolf - The Pusher REACTION

[@coffee-xg6my]

The line that always stands out to me in this song is "I've seen a lot of people walking 'round with tombstones in their eyes". Thats a powerful lyric!

[@4catsnow]

Ft Benning was full of that in '69,, and it wasn't the dope..

[@mouse9884]

Now it's the reflection of a phone screen...

[@martyk656]

@@mouse9884 Dang, too true. - And couldn't agree more with the OP. A powerful lyric indeed.

[@karenjordan9607]

Very powerful. I cried because it's true 😢

[@ranger-1214]

Hoyt Axton (a Duncan, OK boy) wrote this song after one of his friends died of a drug overdose. Axton struggled with his own addiction and wanted to expose the dangers of what the pusher was selling versus the dealer. As others mentioned, his anger about the loss of his friend and using G-D was not as a single cuss word, but more along the lines of "may God bring His damnation down on you." The Steppenwolf version was in the movie Easy Rider, as well as "Born to Be Wild" and you will also need to react to it. Notice the final lyrics are "Yes I'd kill him with my Bible and my razor and my gun."

[@jeffking4176]

Did not know Hoit Axton wrote it. I do know he struggled. Interesting. 📻🙂

[@dgator3599]

Wow! Who'd have thought Hoyt Axton wrote this! Great bit of info!

[@kirkstubbs8562]

Yes the late great Hoyt Axton wrote this song as well as Joy to the World and Other great hits that other people made famous. His my Griffin is gone is one of my first albums I ever bought

[@usiusd]

I heard Hoyt Axton sing it live at the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach. He definitely sang it with a lot more emotion. It was almost frightening.

[@MichaelSSmith-hs5pw]

Also Hoyt’s mother Mae Boren Axton is a songwriter, she (along with friend Tommy Darden) wrote “Heartbreak Hotel” for Elvis.

[@mookie7688]

It's worth noting that John Kaye didn't consider all the G-Ds in this song to be swearing as he meant them in the literal sense, i.e." may God damn this man for what he does."

[@tonygreene3941]

Stealing souls

[@dannymeyers5240]

Yep!

[@CharCanuck14]

I agree!

[@travisneal3389]

Exactly what I was thinking was how he meant the G-Ds to be meant.

[@jeremiahrose4681]

Yep, in the context of how he use G-D...it means something, not just words but to condemn.....great song.

[@Me-myself-b3g]

John Kay has an unmistakeable voice...pure grit!

[@michaellockhart554]

Written by fellow Oklahoman Hoyt Axton, he also wrote Never Been To Spain by Three Dog Night and starred in he movie Gremlins, his mother co wrote Heartbreak Hotel

[@cindijacobs230]

Hoyt also wrote “Joy to the World” (Jeremiah was a bullfrog) song, made popular by Three Dog Night.

[@michaellockhart554]

@@cindijacobs230 there was another Steppenwolf song Hoyt wrote as well, Snowblind Friend

[@pattiturner0425]

Would really love to hear them play some Hoyt Axton.

[@brianmiller6055]

Love Hoyt's version of this.

[@bretthardin9239]

della and the dealer and cocaine

[@bobbymenefee7591]

My friend Danny Johnson played with Steppenwolf the past 20 years. Lead guitar.

[@unclephil7650]

They're talking about the difference between the dealer and The Pusher. The dealer is the guy who is selling marijuana, mushrooms and maybe some LSD. These were considered to be mind-expanding and not harmful to your body. On the other hand, The Pusher is the guy who is selling methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine. These drugs are considered harmful to your body and of no benefit to your mind.

[@tonygreene3941]

The pushers goal was to put a hook in you that you can’t get away from and need to keep coming back. Hence the GD, he is stealing souls.

[@Wasted_Talent007]

Correct (and needed) explanation. I also understand that a schoolteacher has to preserve his reputation by disavowing "God Damn" especially in a state like Oklahoma considering the politics of the day. On the other hand, one has to consider that it is an appropriate term when considering its intended purpose relative to its context. I am personally far more disturbed about a person teaching in fear of blanket school board reprisal than I would be for being taken out of context when reacting to an art form.

[@Rick-or2kq]

Cocaine was beneficial to my mind, always thought it was best damn drug, after all it is an organic, nice clean high, no hallucinations, not like LSD that is a strong hallucinogenic. But cocaine is highly addictive, so the warning should be use it in moderation. I did it off and on, so I never got addicted, one day I just stopped altogether.

[@notedrockhistorian4382]

Th

[@twentyfiveyears5010]

Guessing Uncle Phil is a 60's kid like me. The vibe in Berkeley in the mid-60s was as you describe, with marijuana and even LSD being cool (consistent with the "peace and love" lifestyle) but speed, heroin, and cocaine considered "hard" drugs and were uncool.

[@robertjones6971]

You guys need to see the movie this song is featured in. "Easy Rider " its killer!!!

[@johnboydTx]

Full of symbolism??? I'm not sure they'll get it in today's world 😢?? 🤠✌️

[@mrkrinkle72]

Pbbbbluntang!

[@alanheindel2629]

Exactly what I was thinking when I watched this!!! 👍❤️👍

[@georgedolen1486]

He’s not actually cursing. He’s basically telling God to damn the pusher.

[@platterjockey]

Thank you! That's why the term doesn't offend me at all.

[@TogonzoMedia]

​​​@@Spo-Dee-O-Deend yet David pleaded with God to damn his enemies. The idea of cursing being sacrilegious and blasphemous does not come from The Bible - it stems from man's interpretations of The Bible, and man's interpretations of the Bible are NEVER to be trusted. Perfect example: the Curse of Ham, a false doctrine invented by racist preachers to perpetuate and justify black slavery and subjugation when The Bible was crystal clear all along that God never cursed Ham; He cursed Isaac. But all it takes is one idiot to twist the facts and then catapult it like propaganda often enough to make other idiots believe it. The Curse of Ham lasted for centuries before being discredited en masse and yet it is still perpetuated by hate groups

[@TogonzoMedia]

@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee Except for the interpretation that Jesus was a carefully crafted fiction invented by Roman scholars commanded to do so by Flavius using his own exploits as fodder. No church dares to entertain such an idea, nevermind that it's the most likely of possibilities considering Flavius's rule and vested interests. He and other Romans resented the Hebrews who appeared to worship books instead of carved statues, so the best way for powerful vain narcissistic Romans like Flavius to be worshipped and idolized was to remix and remaster his own life and re-publish it. Catapult the propaganda and converts will eventually follow.

[@willdwyer6782]

@@TogonzoMedia the bible starts with a talking snake and ends with a four-headed beast. If thats non-fiction, so is Harry Potter.

[@TogonzoMedia]

@@willdwyer6782 The Bible lost me with the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah at the exact moment Lot's wife looked over her shoulder, got zotted into instant pile of Morton's, and Lot just keeps walking whistling the theme to Andy Griffith. Dude! This "God" just killed your wife. It's scrapping time! 😆

[@Jacob_D4433]

Steppenwolf, the godfathers of heavy metal? Check out "Born To Be Wild" from this group. A rock anthem! 💯

[@carlaharrington5120]

Born to Be Wild is literally credited with coining the phrase "heavy metal"!!!

[@Wasted_Talent007]

Rock historians generally credit "Born to be Wild" for the unintended naming of the heavy metal genre.

[@Jessica_Roth]

Technically, "Born to Be Wild" is a cover. Dennis McCrohan wrote the song, and recorded it as "Mars Bonfire". It was his brother Jerry, the drummer for this band, who brought it to Steppenwolf. (The McCrohans used the surname "Edmonton", professionally.)

[@carlaharrington5120]

@@Jessica_Roth Really!?! How interesting!

[@ed.barker7069]

@stevegans8162 You've forgotten a little band from Birmingham, England called Black Sabbath.

[@t.lee.p9182]

This song helped keep me clean ❤ a good reminder of who you might think are friends but are truly your worst enemy.

[@surlechapeau]

J&A, You'll love their "Born To Be Wild"!! Its an iconic song with an iconic guitar riff. Best heard on a highway!

[@otter3095]

Amen👊🏻

[@tonygreene3941]

And you can segue into watching Easy Rider, an equally iconic movie.

[@dmbrew54]

Their best song.

[@KenOtwell]

Born to be Wild is a celebration of drug use, the exact opposite of Pusher. Interesting dichotomy here. It's like Born to be Wild was written on the way up (getting high) and Pusher was written on the way down (withdrawal.)

[@dotar9586]

Best heard on a highway at speeds of 90mph+. Fun Fact: If you're near the Florida - Georgia line, having this song playing is an exemption from speeding tickets. (Not a lawyer)

[@trjbrew]

Everybody loves "Born to be Wild" it is a signature classic. I like their funkier side with "Hey Lawdy Mama" and "Sookie Sookie." Today's song was sampled by Neneh Cherry and REM's Mike Stipe in their song "Trout".

[@rexkimberley9537]

They should react to " Who Needs Ya"; "Snowblind Friend"; "Ride With Me" along with "Monster". Steppenwolf was very prevalent to the biker culture that I have been a part of since 1975.

[@marilynumstead6100]

Yes! Born to be Wild!!!!

[@Johnny_Socko]

Was wondering if anyone would reference the Neneh Cherry song. That song also used a John Bonham drum sample. I think J & Amber (and other reactors) would like that song, but so far I haven't come across any reactions to it.

[@TruckerMike_FL]

Ah, man "Sookie, Sookie" is such a great tune

[@johndrx165]

I like all those, but Never too Late and Screamin' Night Hog are probably my favorites.

[@GeraldWalling]

Another great one from Steppenwolf is "Monster/Suicide/America'. It is long (around 9 minutes) but it holds true still today. From the '60's.

[@amrak5028]

The G D's is not swearing, It's meaning Damnation to those that brought the Killing Drugs, ie: Heroin

[@KenRoerden]

Excellent choice. Heavy song. Some more Steppenwolf to check out: 28 Don''t step On The Grass Sam Rock Me Hey Lawdy Mama and of course Monster

[@curtjarrell9710]

Having lost 4 family members to drug addiction during the past 5 or so years I can identify with the sentiment of the song.

[@marksfarmcraft1888]

Meth and Fentanyl have been so destructive to our society. Sorry for your losses.

[@charleslatora5750]

​@@marksfarmcraft1888amen. All my prayers for you n yours.

[@jerryrichmond4707]

I have known two people who have been addicted and one who died from an overdose. Neither was a blood relative, just people I knew, but still, it's disturbing to see these unfortunate people who didn't have the strength to kick the habit and fight for their own life and for the sake of the people who knew them well and loved them. I always liked this song for its powerful message, but it gained an even deeper meaning when my life was touched by a junkie.

[@stephaniemccarthy1676]

Great flash back for me as a teenage youngster. This song was profound to me. Pushers were everywhere. Good scare tactics growing up to me. I stayed away from being a blown out addict. Came close in the 80's. Thank our Lord I caught the messages. Great song. Like trying to find Alice. Many of my aquatences and friends passed during the 70s and 80s when I was a teen and beyond....Great two decades....learned both street smarts and books smarts during that time. Amazing years! From what I remember....lol...joking...kind of....lol

[@vicprovost2561]

I have a similar tale, lost several friends to heroin and alcohol, too many pills and just giving up. Hard drug are a bad thing, cannabis and some magic mushrooms is about all I've done in the past 40 years, those crazy days are way past for me.

[@edwardmontelongo808]

Yes that is so true "!

[@Sweetish_Jeff_]

Such an underrated, under appreciated song. It’s so refreshing to listen to a Steppenwolf song that is not “Born to Be Wild” or “Magic Carpet Ride”.

[@vicprovost2561]

Yeah, how about Monster, Sookie, Sookie, Rock Me, etc.

[@bobbrinkerhoff3592]

Or just for Amber , For Ladies Only . Jay would like Screaming Night Hog . You must sample the song Monster , written in 1969 and still relevant to this day , some say even more so today .

[@davidkessinger1581]

Yea, back in the day we had to listen to this on FM radio.

[@Prone2Thrill]

The whole Slow Flux album is great and never gets love...

[@bobbrinkerhoff3592]

@@Prone2Thrill man you've got that right !

[@johnross5889]

John Kaye..so talented .. in the Canadian songwriters hall of fame

[@cindyv1401]

OMG THE VERY FIRST CONCERT I EVER SAW AT 16 YEARS OLD WAS STEPPENWOLF ‼️‼️‼️ LOVE THIS ❣️❣️❣️🔥🔥🔥

[@UKcanuck55]

Ok, I'm jealous. And I saw CCR at 14.

[@cindyv1401]

​@@UKcanuck55 CCR ....my late husbands all time favorite....behind Chicago 🔥🔥🔥

[@lifewuzonceezr]

LOL mine was Corey Hart

[@UKcanuck55]

@@cindyv1401 Chicago was my 2nd concert oddly enough.

[@cindyv1401]

@@UKcanuck55 It's a small world after all ✌️ on 🌎

[@ronnie237]

Song with a message. We needed it back in the60’s. I remember it scared my cousin enough to stay away from drugs.

[@4catsnow]

Tough sell for the army, though..They used to come around Ft Benning in '69 and hold meetings..They'd say "we don't want you guy's smoking weed, it's bad for your health,,,oh, by the way,, we're thinking of sending you to vietnam".....

[@mikescovers2024]

I get it jay. But in this song, GD is not gratuitous. He’s actually using it in context. God damn the pusher. And he means it

[@vicprovost2561]

Just lighten up a hair, different times and the use is justified, not frivolous.

[@craigdotson]

Exactly he was saying it to open your eyes,no one likes the word,

[@davidbentley145]

60's n 70's music talked about all kinds of uncomfortable subjects...Hats off to those groups brave enough to shed light on these subjects that are still relevant today!Ty guys for this...

[@krikorajemian8524]

Their song "Born to be Wild" is the origin of the term "heavy metal", now used to describe a musical genre.

[@tomroberts2860]

The term actually refers to the sound of the motorcycles...but was later adopted as meaning the music

[@alwaysdriveing]

Actually In A Gadda Da Vida was the first song that was called heavy metal in an article in the rolling stone.

[@zipadeed00dah]

It is impossible to express how avant-garde this truly ground-breaking song was back in the day. Trust me, my mom hated it, but respected its message at the same time.

[@vicprovost2561]

It scared the Hell out of people, nothing g like it before or since, immediate chills whenever it comes on. I saw this live in the early 70s just a few feet from John Kay, even the bikers got on their knees, he slayed it. Great band!

[@gkiferonhs]

One of the classics!!! An addict's rage at his condition. Thanks for a Tuneful Tuesday!!!

[@dannymeyers5240]

"An addict's rage at his condition." You nailed it. Brad - Take note.

[@perrynelson4254]

Try out these Steppenwolf songs... Who Needs Ya, Screamin' Night Hog and Hey Lawdy Mama

[@Friend_Of_The_Muse]

Written by your Homey Hoyt Axton from Oklahoma (well they told him he was born there but he really dont remember!). He wrote "Never been to Spain" "Well I never been to Heaven but I been to Oklahoma....." He also wrote Ringo's No No Song which you should check out. And another 3 dog night hit "Joy to the World". My little band played a lot of outdoor parties. This song was a favorite of mine to cover and it sure got everyone's attention when they heard that shout! LOL I would wait and watch for heads to turn and look our way. Love it! Thanks Hoyt and Steppenwolf for so many great times.

[@UKcanuck55]

Ooooooh. Now you have to do Snowblind Friend. A song written by Hoyt Axton about addiction. "He said he wanted heaven but praying was too slow"

[@1chound1]

Another great one by Steppenwolf, not in the mainstream as much, is Monster....talking about the government and what it's done to people through time.

[@jerrykeck1494]

My favorite 😈🤘

[@platterjockey]

And, "For Ladies Only" is another power message song.

[@martinmosteller5813]

“Don’t Step on the Grass, Sam”

[@willdwyer6782]

🎶The blue and gray they stomped it. They kicked it just like a dog. And when the war was over they stuffed it just like a hog...

[@willdwyer6782]

@@platterjockey They were criticised as sexist for the album cover with a picture of a car shaped like a penis, but lyrically it's a feminist concept album.

[@ronknox3376]

My first album (that I bought myself) was Steppenwolf's greatest hits with Born To Be Wild, Magic Carpet Ride, The Pusher, Hey Lawdy Mama, Sookie Sookie and more. Although they have not made the R&R Hall Of Fame (seriously?) their song Born To Be Wild was inducted as one of 5 songs that shaped Rock & Roll. They are a Canadian/American band so props to North America!.

[@doctormusic7244]

The riff reminds me of "Riders On The Storm" by The Doors. So groovy! 👍💯❤️

[@brushstroke3733]

It sounds like the same chord progression as "Riders on the Storm." 👍

[@tonydagostino6158]

Obviously not a Top 40 hit on AM radio but the band was tired of losing so many in the rock music business to heroine addiction. It was a huge hit on album oriented FM

[@johnwood551]

Back in my Junior year of high school 1969 we got to use the school’s PA system to play music. A small group of us were told we could be DJ’s just the radio stations. One of the songs we played was The Pusher, but we could only play it up to the phrase God Damn the Preacher Man, we had to stop it before he could say that. All us kids thought we were so cool and hip and radical knowing the words. I got to see them in Concert 2 years later in Boone,NC

[@tfodthogtmfof7644]

Steppenwolf did a couple of other Hoyt Axton written songs. I loved their Snow blind Friend and Smokey Factory Blues. They have a bigger catalog than many people know. Tenderness and Shackles and Chains are two of my favorites from their Ladies Only album.

[@anthonyboyko3686]

Steppenwolf. Hard-rock group. It had its origins in the Toronto blues band Sparrow, which was formed in 1964 and by 1965 comprised John Kay (vocals, harmonica and guitar), Dennis Edmonton (guitar), Goldy McJohn (organ, piano), Nick St Nicholas (bass guitar), and Jerry Edmonton (drums).

[@marlarae9313]

Classic!! Played at every party! There was always a lot of grass, pills, powder, booze and usually the Pusher showed up at some point in the evening. I can't believe we survived those years.

[@vicprovost2561]

Me too, I was in way too many apartments where I was looking for alternate exits when things got out of hand. Walking in and seeing someone with a trash bag full of pot and a scale made me turn right around and I smoke, just really uncomfortable in that situation. Long time ago in a place, far, far away...

[@marlarae9313]

@@vicprovost2561 I've smoked all of my adult life but I have always tried to be low key when partying. Cops would let you drink and drive but you're going straight to jail for having a joint. Lol, now I grow my own and partake in the comfort of my home. I've never been much of a drinker

[@cleekmaker00]

Word. When the man with the powder showed up, him and his waiting apostles would disappear from the room to do their dealings while the rest of us 'unworthy' would stick with the weed and beer.

[@marlarae9313]

@@cleekmaker00 Lol, I wasn't a rich kid. I could barely afford the weed.

[@cjonesufc]

You have both become very good at getting your thoughts and feeling across and picking up on what the artists were trying to get across lyrically and especially musically. I look forward to your reactions

[@harpomarx7777]

SInger is John Kay and they made the bikers' national anthem "Born to be Wild" featured in the movie "Easy Rider". If y'all don't review Born to be Wild, you haven't heard John sing to his fullest .. and you really haven't heard Steppenwolf at its best. If you haven't heard it, then this song will kick you into overdrive. "Itchin' for the runnin' ... HEAD ON DOWN THE HIGHWAY ... lookin' for adventure ... and whatever comes our way ..."

[@leocatz]

So glad you listened to this one. When I saw you cover Magic Carpet Ride I thought you needed to listen to The Pusher. The song was under rated... and of course didn't get AM radio play because of the G-D. But what an amazing composition combining social commentary, rock, psychedelic, blues, and the beginnings of the Heavy Metal era. Steppenwolf wasn't around very long compared to some bands, but they were monsters. And as for the G-D's, well for such words to hold their power they need to be reserved for very select usage. I don't know what better words could capture the sentiment and disdain; they were not used in a gratuitous manner... they were the literal "core of the soul" sentiment of the composer after losing a friend to an OD. Keeping in mind that 60 years ago they carried even more impact.

[@steveyaworsky6170]

Apparently, you weren't warned that it's not exactly a feel good song. 😁 I grew up with this one in the late 60s. Every time I've heard it throughout the years it has kept me thankful for the guidance of my parents and the subsequent choices I've made in life. 😘

[@rossdownes4240]

Great song written and first sang by Country Folk actor Hoyt Axton he wrote Joy To The World for Three Dog Night and appeared in the movie Gremlins as the father who first buys Gizmo for his son.

[@Mr5thWave]

"Born To Be Wild" "It's All Right Hey Lawdy Mama" "Screamin' Night Hog" are all great, but "Monster" is an underappreciated epic statement on the social conditions of the '60's that is right at home in the 2020's. Plus it's great music. OH, and "Snowblind Friend" is a moving song about the plight of addicts.

[@brushstroke3733]

"Snowblind Friend" is a great song warning of the dangers of addiction to cocaine. It could be applied to other drugs as well, especially meth. Flying low indeed.

[@alwaysdriveing]

I have begged so many people to react to monster.

[@Grandfunk2001]

Back in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s they used to call this type of music “acid rock”. Acid was a prevalent drug of the day. The slower pace, the reverb filled guitars and the longer keyboard fills were signatures of that type of music. Listen to Vanilla Fudge’s version of the Supremes song “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” to see the similarities. I’m happy you two are learning about different musical types. It’s an education you will never regret.

[@HappyOne3]

Putting this song in perspective, he had friends all around him dropping like flies from all the drugs during that time, and he really meant literally speaking, May G-D the pusher. For real damn them.

[@emmarz8934]

My mother let us sing this when we were kids because he wasn't using GD as a swear but as a prayer.

[@MichaelSSmith-hs5pw]

Country star Hoyt Axton wrote this song, his mother Mae Boren Axton was a song writer also, she wrote “Heartbreak Hotel” for Elvis.

[@brotherbob3569]

Written by Hoyt Axton. Ya'll already reacted to two of his songs by Three Dog Night. Joy to the world and Never been to Spain. Another great song written by Hoyt is Snowblind friend. Also by Steppenwolf.

[@IDriveAnAudi]

Snowblind friend is such a great song about drugs. it almost scared me away from them back in the day. Almost.

[@steve9199]

This song was written by Hoyt Axton, who was a huge singer/songwriter in Nashville. He also dabbled in movies. He played the dad in the movie "Gremlins".

[@UKcanuck55]

And an unforgettable bit on WKRP In Cincinnati. "You got the knife, I got the gun, you and me are gonna have some fun. I'm a jealous man..."

[@lifewuzonceezr]

Wow...didnt know that!

[@junebug_tx2305]

Thank you. My first concert was Steppenwolf. Love Protest Music. You should hear Monster. It's long but current even today.

[@dunringill1747]

Their most popular hit would be "Born to be Wild". Another great choice with a late 60's political message would be the full 9 minute version of "Monster/Suicide/America".

[@vicprovost2561]

Monster is an epic that still applies today.

[@BenLapke]

The version from Steppenwolf Live is fantastic!

[@trespasserswill7052]

That's the song that puts us all on notice.

[@Whitebrowpriest]

Singer, Terence Trent D'arby, has a unique, "raspy" voice that I know the both of you would love and appreciate. Example, his song, "Dance Little Sister" (1987). Amazing track!

[@soultrampamplification8425]

You have to listen to "Born To Be Wild", Steppenwolf's greatest hit, and used in countless movies and commercials. They are probably my favorite band of the 60's and in my top five of all time. So many excellent songs. "Snowblind Friend" is a very poignant song and is social commentary on drug addiction.

[@James-vx8ci]

To was 1973 , a warm spring night and we were having our senior prom. Everything was good, the band we was jamming some good rock. About half way in they started playing this THEN our principal pulled the plug and the rest is history 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣✌️

[@johnmaynardable]

Such a legendary song when it came out. I agree that they are making a distinction between a dealer and the pusher. One has a soul, the other does not.

[@blinky705]

I think that rather than using the GD as a curse, he's simply asking God to damn the pusher. It's a subtle difference.

[@gjmarr1]

I love Steppenwolf. Great old band. The lyrics to their songs were amazing (The Ostrich, Don't Step on the Grass Sam , Renegade, Snowblind Friend and others). Great band.

[@vicprovost2561]

What a great song of that era that is still relevant today, the story and tune reverberates with a forever vibe that is still pure 60s. Great song, it was one of my greatest concert moments, seeing this band in Waterbury CT at the Palace Theater, early 70s in the front row, just to the left of John Kay, maybe 6 feet away. The audible gasp in the sold out crowd was a seminal moment for us, there was a mix of hippies and bikers and everyone just knew we were seeing and hearing a classic song that will forever be played. Great band, you need to do another epic from them, Monster is a cautionary tale of power and politics and is an utterly classic song like this one. I still play Steppenwolf in my rotation to this very day, they are always worth listening to. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎹🎶

[@tcanfield]

Palace Theater - now that’s a venue worthy of note ! Only been there once (Fleetwood Mac,75’) , but remember how cool it was, with all that ornate decor and great acoustics.

[@vicprovost2561]

@@tcanfield Along with Steppenwolf, I saw Aerosmith and Queen early in their careers there along with Lou Reed, Mott the Hoople, Blue Oyster Cult, Joe Waish, Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush, Rush, Johnny Winter, Genesis with Peter Gabriel and more that I can't remember off the top of my head. The 70s was a great time for live music, none of these shows cost more than $6.50, LOL!

[@vicprovost2561]

I saw most of those shows, too, what a great venue for concerts in the 70s. Front row for Steppenwolf, BOC and Genesis, Peter Gabriel was just feet away... Those were the days...

[@paulthompson4545]

I identify this song with the war in Vietnam, so many boys came home hooked because of the pushers. I know, i lived near Ft Riley where the big red 1 trained and went to nam, they even had a mock vietnamese village with underground tunnel systems. So many of our soldiers got hooked heroin.

[@deborahvernarelli6394]

Look at it in this way... instead of hearing G.D., think of it as him saying God...damn the pusher-man.. talking about the pusher selling heroin, compared to the dealer selling pot and mushrooms and maybe acid ( LS.D.), mostly what the hippies partook in. Steppenwolf was damning the pusher for selling the hard-core drugs that would kill you..narcan wasn't around back then. Thank you both for reacting to this 😊

[@KimSimful]

Definitely a difference between a dealer and a pusher back in the day.

[@darrellpidgeon6440]

Great lead and that bass makin' it all trippy. Great choice. The pusher man called out in a spitting hate.

[@dustinjones8887]

I was introduced to this song decades ago from the film "Easy Rider". I thought how could I have missed that song? But understandable how it didn't get much radio play. Love watching their reactions

[@auralfixxation6702]

I still distinctly remember when I was a wee lad (😂) and I went with my uncle to the 4H county fair and it was the last night. They had the typical country type band on the main stage but, my uncle said there's another stage in the back with a rock band. I was I guess 10 at the time. Anyway, we walk to the back of one of the exhibition buildings just as the band started playing this song. I was mesmerized and instantly thought, I want to play music.

[@MrHws5mp]

Nice one guys! Everyone's telling you to do Born To Be Wild, which I'm not arguing with at all since it's Steppenwolf's biggest hit due to featured in the iconic biker film Easy Rider. However you should also check out Renegade: it's based on the real story of the singer John Kay's early life, and it's beautifully trippy to boot. Another band you might want to check out, in a psychedelic mood is Hawkwind. Spirit Of The Age by them is well trippy. Couple of other bands in the same vein are Space Ritual and Ozric Tentacles. Lastly, I'm going to put in yet another vote for It's a Long Way There (long version) by The Little River Band. Amber will totally trip out to that without a doubt...😈

[@michaelknight2118]

Such a good song..All the motorcycle enthusiasts want Born to be Wild! The people have spoken. Thanks for the smile.

[@andymageen5308]

This song was an important part of the cult classic movie Easy Rider (would be a fabulous reaction to an absolute’60’s classic) along with Born to be Wild. Those two songs made Steppenwolf a world wide hit. ✌️

[@dennismims2999]

I was fortunate enough to see Steppenwolf when John Kay went back on the road in the early 80's. It was their 2nd concert on the tour in Tampa, Florida. What a night!

[@jameskneubuhl9115]

They got this song from a writer named Hoyt Axton, who had a few other well-known songs in the '60s and '70s. This song still has the power to make people uncomfortable, discussing drug use so openly. In a lot of ways, it's a howl of pain over how many people ruined their lives with hard drugs. This song was prominently featured in the movie "Easy Rider", which is about two hippie bikers making a trek across America and what they encounter. Steppenwolf continued to record many more songs about social and political issues, some great, others a bit heavy-handed, but at least they weren't scared to engage with what they saw going on around them.

[@mikebasta9197]

Monster / Suicide / America (preferably with lyrics) will blow you away. Although it was released in 1969, if anything it is even more pertinent today. And it's utterly gritty and beautiful.

[@grandwazoodebris1015]

Hoyt Axton wrote the song, very powerful lyrics. His version is cool too, kind of JJ Cale meets Captain Beefheart. But I love this version, the heavy late 60's blues and John Kay's voice. And the both the rhythm guitar riff and the overdriven lead are superb.

[@bobschenkel7921]

"The Pusher" along with "Born To Be Wild", another amazing Steppenwolf song, were featured on the soundtrack of the movie "Easy Rider". When John Kaye sang "God Damn The Pusher" we all sat up and took notice, ti was pre-Rap and Punk and you NEVER heard that kind of lyric in a song. Until this song. A real groundbreaker for a lot of us.

[@TerryVonCannon]

Great reaction guys. This song was written by Hoyt Axton a very famous Country & Western star and is the epitome of Psychedelic Blues. One of the great lines in rock history "seen a lot of people walking around with tombstones in their eyes". John Kay is a fabulous vocalist! You should check out Rock Me, Born to Be Wild, Snowblind Friend and many others.

[@robertvirtue8070]

This song and "Born to Be Wild" are the first two songs in the very beginning of the movie "Easy Rider" 1969 . Stars Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper with a young Jack Nicholson. Another song was The Weight " by the Band. One of the best motorcycle movies/

[@grandpafischer8317]

I remember hearing this when it first came out, amazed by the message in it.

[@richardpare3538]

Our little ski area back in Maine used to play Stepenwolf, CCR, the Stones, and a bunch of others over the slope's loudspeakers every night. Talk about some great evenings!

[@Denkar11]

For another heavy one, try "Monster" . For another straight rocker, try "Born To Be Wild" (when I saw BOC cover this song Eric Bloom rode out on stage at the Boston Garden on a Harley).

[@willdwyer6782]

Steppenwolf explicitly mentioned drugs in at least three songs, including this one written by Hoyt Axton from their January 1968 debut album. Don't Step on the Grass Sam, written by their lead singer, is their second explicit drug tune which was released on their second album in October 1968. Their third explicit drug song, also penned by Hoyt Axton, titled Snowblind Friend, was released on their fifth album in November 1970. The first two songs are noteworthy for illustrating the contrast between the relatively harmless marijuana and hard drugs such as heroin and cocaine. The band was named after the 1927 Hermann Hesse fictionalized autobiographical novel Der Steppenwolf. Lead singer John Kay was born Joachim Fritz Krauledat in 1944 in the German town of Tilsit, which became the Russian town of Sovetsk after WW2. From 1945 to 1949 he and his family lived in Soviet occupied East Germany until they managed to cross the fortified border into the British occupied zone of West Germany. The family moved to Canada and settled in Toronto in 1958. He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia in the summmer and spends his winters in Memphis, Tennessee, where I met him in 2006 on Beale St.

[@jjr007]

Their "For Ladies Only" album is right up your alley dedicated to women, every song a gem! The title song has a great piano solo, and "Shackles and Chains" is just fun!

[@lifewuzonceezr]

Love the song For Ladies Only! We had like 20 cassettes we brought from Canada a DJ made for us..that and Hey Lawdy Mama were on a recorded from his radio dj job..i know Steppenwolf went through name changes.."they were then known as the..." My mind blanks lol.

[@TruckerMike_FL]

This is my favorite Steppenwolf. "Magic Carpet Ride" would be my second. However, have you reacted to their song "Born to Be Wild"? 4 other great Steppenwolf songs that get overlooked are "Rock Me", "Ride With Me", "Sookie, Sookie" & "Jupiter's Child"

[@brownie1341]

I remember how provocative this song was when I was a freshman in high school. It still has power vibes and a clear message. I do agree with your disapproval of the GD word. But if it is every appropriate in a song, this is it. Steppenwolf was so edgy and heavy when they first came out. This song was one of the reasons.

[@420johnas]

As a matter of fact, Steppenwolf Live was the first 8 track tape I ever bought. Now try to figure out what an eight track tape is. I love you guys. Keep up the great work!

[@sherondapramusog]

The blind melon version is pretty awesome too Love you guys

[@steveb4898]

oh my goodness - first album i ever owned - steppenwolf gold - got to play it while we were at the dinner table. listened to magic carpet ride all was well... then i started sweating bullets... i knew the pusher was coming up.... was squirming in my seat as it started.. the first couple g-d's came out.. my dad looked across the table to me and said.. 'well, i think we heard enough of that one' - suggestion 'screaming night hog' that will get the blood flowing

[@kathleendavis1422]

One of my favorites! Love this music ❤️❤️

[@coreywickramasekera9968]

This is a great song, I LOVED STEPPENWOLF as a teenager, STILL LOVE THEM, but I was a teenager in the 80's.

[@aarongoldstein7614]

I saw a 50th anniversary screening of “Easy Rider” at Radio City Music Hall in NYC in September 2019. This screening featured live musical accompaniment featuring among others T-Bone Burnett, Roger McGuinn of The Byrds & John Kay of Steppenwolf. Kay performed this song & he is still in fine form. Peter Fonda, who starred in “Easy Rider”, was scheduled to be there. Sadly, he passed away the previous month of cancer.

[@notajp]

Really need to check out the full length live version of this song. It’s amazing!

[@giuseppesenatore6053]

I like "Born to be wild" by them

[@cindemcclurg9294]

I saw them in concert in Lake Tahoe. They were in concert with another favorite band of yours...The Guess Who !!

[@williamthompson-xm3dy]

Another great tune from this time is Iron Butterfly’s “Inna a Gadda Da Vida.”

[@stephaniethurmer5370]

I saw these guys live in 1970. Fantastic show

[@deborahcornell171]

My 15 year old self became very adept at leaping across my bedroom to turn the volume down right before the chorus. Loved the whole album but my dad would've made a frisbee of it, right out the window. The message was good but Dad would never have gotten past that word.💙☮💙

[@lifewuzonceezr]

✌

[@ruthparker9756]

I'm really surprised you haven't done Born to be Wild by them. Next time 🙂.

[@debibailey2968]

John Kaye and Steppenwolf!!! Loved them, amazing!!!! His voice! WOW! 🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️

[@amrak5028]

You sure are back to the HARD Rock! Thank You

[@donvito2682]

I saw Steppenwolf at a casino in Reno Nevada back in the early 1980s. They sang all their hits except for the pusher. They weren't allowed to say God damn into the microphone

[@Renkk17]

Steppenwolf - Born to be Wild

[@joelmclean2898]

Steppenwolf had a lot of great hits. Hey Lawdy Mama, Born to be Wild, Sookie Sookie, Good Morning Little Schoolgirl...you can throw a dart at a list of their songs and come up with a good one.

[@travis8981]

You really need to check out their biggest hit Born To Be Wild, I guarantee you’ll love it!!!😊

[@gailgrimes3365]

So...this one totally reminded me of Iron Butterfly's 1968 IN A GADDA DA VIDA. It's a treat and very early first signs of the "heavy": sound. EVERYBODY loved this song..

[@alwaysdriveing]

In a Gadda Da Vida was the first song to get labeled as heavy metal by the rolling stone magazine.