IS THIS ONE OF THE ULTIMATE AMERICAN ANTHEMS? First Time Reaction to Steppenwolf - Born To Be Wild!

[@TOPCHEF19733]

The lyric "Heavy Metal Thunder" marks the first use of this term in rock music."Magic Carpet Ride" is a good song

[@user-gt2uf8cq9y]

"Snowblind Friend" and "The Pusher" are two of the great anti-drug songs of the 1960s.

[@doomhunter697]

"Heavy Metal" was a term used in drag racing. This song was about that sport ("Fire all or your guns at once" is about the start.) The song's use in Easy Rider made it a motorcycle anthem.

[@davidantonacci9525]

It was the only time the term was used for good instead of evil.

[@drewpall2598]

@@user-gt2uf8cq9y Two more powerful anti-drug songs from the early to mid 60's are "Buffy Sainte-Marie - Codine" Album "It's My Way - 1964" My belly is a-cravin', I got a shakin' in my head, I feel like I'm dying, and I wish I was dead. If I live 'til tomorrow, that'll be a long time, But I'll real and I'll fall and I'll rise on cod'ine, And it's reel, and it's real, one more time. Well, when I was a young girl, I learned not to care Off whiskey, and frlick I often did swear. My mother and father said, Whiskey's a curse. But the fate of their baby was many times worse, And it's reel, and it's reel, one more time. Stay away from the cities; stay away from the town, Stay away from the man pushin' codeine around, Stay away from the stores where the remedy is fine, For better your pain than be caught on cod'ine, And it's reel, and it's reel, one more time. You'll forget you're a woman, you'll forget about men, Try it just once, and you'll try it again. You'll forget about life, you'll forget about time, And you'll live off your days as a slave to cod'ine, And it's reel, and it's reel, one more time. But, if I die tomorrow, still one thing I've done, I've heeded the warning that I got when I was young. My one satisfaction, it comes when I think That I'm livin' my life without bendin' to drink, And it's real, and it's real, one more time. And my belly is a-cravin'; I got a shakin' in my head, I feel like I'm dying, and I wish I was dead. If I live 'til tomorrow, that'll be a long time, But I'll reel and I'll fall and I'll die on cod'ine, And it's real, and it's real, one more time. "Bert Jansch - Needle of Death" Album "Bert Jansch - 1965" When sadness fills your heart And sorrow hides the longing to be free When things go wrong each day You fix your mind to 'scape your misery Your troubled young life Had made you turn To a needle of death How strange, your happy words Have ceased to bring a smile from everyone How tears have filled the eyes Of friends that you once had walked among Your troubled young life Had made you turn To a needle of death One grain of pure white snow Dissolved in blood spread quickly to your brain In peace your mind withdraws Your death so near your soul can't feel no pain Your troubled young life Had made you turn To a needle of death Your mother stands a'cryin' While to the earth your body's slowly cast Your father stands in silence Caressing every young dream of the past Your troubled young life Had made you turn To a needle of death Through ages, man's desires To free his mind, to release his very soul Has proved to all who live That death itself is freedom for evermore And your troubled young life Will make you turn To a needle of death

[@DanielFrost21]

Great tune from the movie "Easy Rider" with Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson.

[@scottclark3761]

The lore goes that the term "Heavy Metal" was coined in reference to Steppenwolf. They got some great songs. Magic Carpet Ride, The Monster, The Pusher. Feel free to keep going.

[@icmman7]

thats the story, never debunked.

[@glumphyStoned]

the pusher is one of the most badass songs ever along with born to be wild of course

[@scottclark3761]

@@glumphyStoned Might be demonitized. But quite worthwhile.

[@icmman7]

@@glumphyStonedi can't dispute that ....

[@christophermerlot3366]

Steppenwolf is a novel by German author Hermann Hesse. Written in the 1920s. It's counter-culture and alienation themes were popular among hippies. The phrase 'heavy metal thunder' may be where the term heavy metal came into popularity to describe aggressive music though the term does appear in William Burroughs' 1950's novel "The Naked Lunch."

[@gablen23]

It's a great novel, also pretty strange, very interesting piece.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

Well said and I remember reading several of his books in high school. Also I have eaten dinner at William Burroughs place and went to his funeral.

[@RayfordRaySiegel]

That's where the band got the name. I found that out, when I started reading it. I need to get back to reading it.

[@markmurphy558]

"Magic Carpet Ride", is THE psychedelic song of the late 60s, against which all others are compared.

[@peterhamilton557]

Nope. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida.

[@jwichman9]

Scenes are from the movie Easy Rider with Jack Nicholson Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda.

[@bradsense7431]

Jack wearing the football helmet- classic.

[@oldmcdonald3376]

anyone know where to stream that movie?

[@BillHallisey]

Steppenwolf did have several rock hits. "Majic Carpet Ride" was also a massive hit by them. It's embraced the hallucigenetic drug culture of the 60's and 70's. "Goddamn The Pusher" was another hit that took a shot at drug dealers.

[@thomasmacdiarmid8251]

To quibble, part of the lyrics differentiated between dealers, who sold pot and other nonaddictive substances, and pushers, who sold addictive drugs and tried to get people hooked. Other than that, it may qualify as the least subtle song ever.

[@ronaldstokes4841]

Personally, I believe 'Monster' was their best hit. I'm a Nam Vet and it was the perfect anti-war song.

[@chrisweidner4768]

@@ronaldstokes4841Thank you for your service. Happy Thanksgiving, from an Army Infantry gulf war 1 vet.

[@ronaldstokes4841]

Thanx and Welcome Home Brother. Bless Ya for havin' the garns to volunteer... I was drafted, they found me hidin' under my bed. My Thanksgivin' was cool. Thanx again.@@chrisweidner4768

[@boosuedon]

This movie introduced me to the world of the "Chopper"! The bike Fonda is riding became the iconic standard of what a "Chopper" looks like. At 73, I have a raked out Harley-Davidson and I love it!

[@madmanonwheels5150]

Good stuff

[@generalkenobi066]

CAPTAIN AMERICA BABY

[@AngelDawn1982]

Yeah!!! Gotta check out “magic carpet ride!!!” I actually picked this song for a jazz piece to dance to when I was 13. Absolutely love this song!!

[@dagmar.6954]

Steppenwolf was a Canadian-American rock band from 1968 to 1972. Their biggest hits were "Born To Be Wild", "Magic Carpet Ride" & "Rock Me" but other songs are "Straight Shootin’ Woman", "Hey Lawdy Mama", "Who Needs Ya", "Move Over", "Monster" etc. Both of their songs "Born To Be Wild" & "The Pusher" were used prominently in the 1969 cult film "Easy Rider".

[@OtherSideOfMorning]

And the bands name comes from a book by Herman Hesse

[@JohnHazelwood58]

... and singer John Kay (born: Joachim Fritz Krauledat) has german roots!

[@rossdownes4240]

They were formed in America but they are a Canadian band.

[@lesschoenberger3070]

@@rossdownes4240 Goldy and Jerry were Canadian, John from Canada via Germany. Mike and Rushton were from California.

[@lesschoenberger3070]

And 1974-1976.

[@ronaldbolton7338]

The movie launched the careers of Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson. Peter was Henry Fonda's son who is most known for this movie but who never really made it that big. But of course, Jack and Dennis became iconic. Jane was Peter's sister and had a much bigger career than her brother.

[@user-ph1th4ir8h]

The movie is Easy Rider. A cult movie for sure

[@amb2745]

Peter Fonda in 1966 hung out with The Beatles during their North American Tour. Peter used to tell John Lennon "I know what it's like to be dead" over and over. John would later use that line in the song "She Said, She Said".

[@timothyirwin8974]

All three were making movies before this especially Jack. They worked together on a 1967 movie together, The Trip.

[@NoahIsThaGOAT]

@@timothyirwin8974yeah but Easy Rider put them on the map to the general public and even got Nicholson an Oscar nom

[@jesseheiman1806]

Steppemwolf was one the first bands that were both a little bit heavier than most of the rock out there and really led us into the psychedelic music era. Their next hit, Magic Carpet Ride , definitely moved the rock world toward the psychedelic age. I know that you said that Heavy Metal wasn't a thing yet, but you have to compare this song to the other music out there. Remember, the music being played were songs by the Beatles, the Rolling Stones along with the Beach Boys and the great groups from Motown. So Steppenwolf;s sound was much heavier than what we were used to listening to in the late 60s. Great reaction, I so enjoy watching you two learning about the music of my youth.

[@ngriff2000]

Another good one was, Snowblinded Friend.

[@metalmark1214]

Steppenwolf's biggest song. Has been used in many places since. Not surprised you have heard the line "Born to be Wild"

[@jackempson3044]

"The Pusher Man" is a really good song of theirs. So are "Rock Me" and "Magic Carpet Ride". All hits.

[@greenbeatsred]

So the movie Easy Rider came out in July 1969 but this song was released in January 1968 hitting #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 that year. This was right after Jimi Hendrix at the Monterey Pop Festival and just before Led Zeppelin, Grand Funk Railroad, and Black Sabbath releasing their debut albums. It was an amazing time in music history. Not to forget CCR who released their 2nd album Bayou Country in 1969 also. We had the best music! The song "Magic Carpet Ride" is another Steppenwolf classic that came out on their next album.

[@jorinkema9877]

This was a huge hit and iconic song of my high school years.

[@stephaniethurmer5370]

One of my favorite groups. I saw them live in 71. Great show. Thank you so much

[@karendoss6026]

I saw them in concert in 1970. I was 18. Great concert. So glad y'all reacted to this!!!

[@stevedahlberg8680]

I've also got to shout out the Hammond organ part in this. It's actually my favorite part of the song. It would definitely not be the same song without it.

[@daytonarama]

Well, the Hammond Organ WITH the iconic Leslie Speaker. Which provides that signature vibrato. Old school stuff here. This was purely mechanical. A baffle chamber spinning around in a huge speaker cabinet. Speed of the spin controlled with a pedal, and changed the speed of the vibrato.

[@armadillotoe]

I still love the sound of a Hammond B-3 played through Leslie speakers. There is nothing like it. Steppenwolf's cover of "Snowblind Friend" is great too.

[@constitutionalpatriot6797]

I've been rockin' this since its release......the good old days! Y'all ought to check out a couple later tunes like "Monster" or "Don't Step On The Grass Sam".

[@markmurphy558]

Peter Fonda, Jane's brother.

[@DanielFrost21]

and Henry's son.

[@jmweed1861]

Hanoi Jane Fonda is A Traitor...!!!!!!

[@carlop.7182]

Thanks for your reaction. I was lucky to see Steppenwolf live, maybe 12-15 years ago, they were not in their prime, but born to be wild was a crowd favorite, so they played it. Old man BB King played right after them, so I was lucky to also hear him live before he passed away. He was in his 80's but still played the guitar well enough. It's great to watch these legends while they're still alive & I recommend that you go to any live show while it's still possible, regardless of musical genre. And not only music, it's the main idea behind this song--enjoy everything life have to offer, because one day, you'll be too old to do it. Have a nice day, both of you.

[@metalmark1214]

This has been licensed for many TV shows and movies, sometimes sincerely, but many times for comic effect. It appeared in two episodes each of Miami Vice, Kojak, Supernatural, Monk, Doogie Howser, M.D., Growing Pains, Quantum Leap, Home Improvement, The King of Queens, The Simpsons, Six Feet Under, My Name Is Earl, Full House, Punky Brewster, Married... with Children, The Wonder Years and Family Ties Movies this has been used in include Coming Home, One Crazy Summer, Opportunity Knocks, Dr. Dolittle 2, Speechless and The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part.

[@gwydion56]

My personal favorite usage of the song was in the movie "Serial". A goofy but fun film.

[@barsandbarbells2022]

wow!

[@DSchae2165]

Steppenwolf is CLASSIC!

[@zzz7zzz9]

saw them in the summer of 1980. i was in Toronto for a week. my trip was sponsored by Molson Breweries, so i had free tickets to anything and everything. saw the blue jays play, went to Steppenwolf, The Animals, Krokus, Peter Gabriel concerts, and possibly more that i can't remember. basically whatever was in town, i went to. was a very memorable trip.

[@MrMoggyman]

More than just a song......an anthem.....of my life!

[@dionisioiacobelli6689]

John Kay was born in Germany. His parents migrated to America when he was a little boy . He eventually named his band Stenppenwolf. After a novel by German author Herman Hesse that had kids in the 60's tripping out .

[@donnajean3202]

John Kay the singer was born in Germany but emigrated to Canada as a child.

[@RockinMamaT]

Steppenwolf was a huge band in Canada. They were an American -Canadian band.Magic Carpet Ride is amazing❤

[@sylviamc56]

Love this reaction! I looked at the comments and didn't notice anyone mention that the lead singer is John Kay. I agree about his voice. The gruff sound of his voice fits. Keep them coming.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

Drove your dirt bike into a hay bale, that really cracks me up for some reason. I loved riding dirt bikes so much and we had plenty of opportunities in the small town I was living in. By the time I was in high school I had a Yamaha 250 Enduro which was street legal but it could still tear up the trails and climb steep ravine hills and so forth. Absolutely check out Magic Carpet Ride.

[@kevinullsperger1940]

All time classic, to be sure!!

[@pammcnary]

I had this album in the mid 60’s. So earlier than you thought. Yep. I’m old (70) I’ve heard ALL the music! :)

[@eric_day84]

'Magic Carpet Ride' should be your next reaction by these guys. That's another one of their more popular songs and I actually like more than 'Born to Be Wild'. 'Rock Me' is another one of my favorites. Steppenwolf is just a killer band!

[@62CDN]

It's very interesting how much of the best rock is unknown to do many. Steppenwolf came out of the Toronto music scene, moved to California and created a band of Canadian and American boys and were huge for years. I'm

[@lisas6450]

😊❤❤ Hi Phil, Hi Sam!, That was great to watch! I recently learned that the term "heavy metal" was born from this song specifically. One of these days you guys should watch Pentatonix on the Sing Off (TV talent show for acapella groups) PTX performed this song. One of the judges said that we have the term "heavy metal" in the lexicon due to this song! But, Phil I think you are correct about the meaning of the term within the song lyrics. I'm pretty sure that 'heavy metal thunder' was referring to the motorcycles. 😮😅 Sam ,I can totally see you riding motorcycles!! 😅 Luv you guys!! 😊❤❤

[@powellmountainmike8853]

Born To Be Wild became the go to anthem for the biker culture in the 1960s and 1970s. It appeared in the movie Easy Rider along with many other great songs. The line "I like smokin' lightnin', heavy metal thinder," was the first use of that term, and marks Born To Be Wild as the FIRST "Heavy Metal" song, the granddaddy of that genre.

[@pegajense]

My favorite of theirs is Snowblind Friend

[@kristianh.pedersen2]

The 'video' is actually scenes from the film Easy Rider, a great classic movie with a fantastic soundtrack. Henry Fonda and Dennis Hopper are the main caracters. Nicholson plays in a supporting role.

[@armadillotoe]

Peter Fonda.

[@alonzocoyethea6148]

Crazy Dennis, Fonda and Mad Jack on the back...iconic song to an iconic scene. Movie was shot on a shoestirng budget, and now it's just as classic as this song.

[@Matt-uj6jm]

I was 11 in 1969 and on holiday at Butlins Ayr Scotland the DG at the disco let me play the next record. Born to be wild 🤘 I was 65 this year still remember it and still love the record 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@johnwelsh6065]

I was fortunate enough to have gone to University 1972-1975, and all the music from before then, like this, and during, formed the musical background, including many great bands that actually came to perform for us in the Great Hall!

[@19brittani]

its a road trip song, rag top down, sun glasses on relaxing and groovin vibe. its been used in MOVIES and commercials. that was JACK NICHOLSON riding on the bike with the Gold helmet..

[@erictownsend8870]

Steppenwolf was known for their heavier guitar (called hard rock at the time) combined with Goldy McJohn's organ played through Leslie speakers (amplifier/speaker with mechanically rotating baffle to give that particular distorted wavering organ sound), and of course John Kay's vocals. Not to diminish the excellent bassist and drummer.

[@markscott4830]

John Kay the singer was a Canadian of Eastern European descent the band called The Sparows moved to LA . Born to be Wild and Magic Carpet ride were hugh AM rock songs

[@joycewinn1960]

The "video" y'all said was perfect for the song is actually from the movie "Easy Rider." Peter Fonda is wearing the patriotic motorcycle helmet, Jack Nicholson is behind him in the gold football helmet and typical Nicholson shades. Dennis Hopper is on the other motorcycle riding solo. When i was in my twenties, I'd crank this up while getting ready to go out clubbing. It's still one of my ringtones.

[@caciquenica2482]

My band and I use to cover this song, killer bass riff, awesome

[@robertwoods3750]

remember when this tune first came out , being from a small town in tex. with not much to do , we would go for "country rides" , not owning a chopper myself i drove a 67v/v bug we would drive the country roads and smoke one with the tunes turned way up and this was a good one to jam to! , ahhh memories are all i have left of a much freer time , and it's a shame more generations didn't get to experience our freedoms.

[@Jude_196]

LOVE STEPPENWOLF - they, and Three Dog Night were on my book cover in FIFTH GRADE!!! 🤣🤣🤣 SUCH AN ICONIC TUNE!! LOVE IT!!

[@ernestitoe]

The guy in the gold football helmet on the back of Captain America's bike was Jack Nicholson, in one of his first movie roles. He wasn't in the movie for long, but he had quite a presence.

[@BillHallisey]

The three actors in that clip from "Easy Rider" are Peter Fonda (Jane's brother), Dennis Hopper.... Jack Nicholson.

[@sabrenas7895]

Caution playing this song while driving may end up with a speeding ticket! Another so ng that can have that effect is Radar Love by Golden Earring , you might want to check that out as well 😃

[@ralpholson7616]

Don't forget Highway Star by Deep Purple.

[@CB-xr1eg]

@@ralpholson7616 Nobody could forget that classic, but the version from Made In Japan is by far the vest one.

[@dave-ox2eo]

"Already Gone" by the Eagles, and "Francene" & "La Grange" by ZZ Top, would make my car speed up for sure.😅

[@thedealer777]

Takes me back to the 70s. I belonged to a "One-Percenter;s" motorcycle club. Had a chopped-down '47 "Knucklehead." As My old-lady at the time use to say, "Ain't nothin' like wrappin' your legs around sumthin' HARD & HEAVY, and goin' for a LONG ride!"

[@pattithompson1278]

Easy Rider was a great movie for the time. It captures the emotion of a changing culture and rebellion that carries it

[@ronaldriis1023]

Steppenwolf needs to be in the Hall.

[@Bellas1717]

Spine-tingling for fans, this was featured in a Supernatural episode when Baby (black 1967 Chevy Impala) made a comeback and thundered down the road.

[@tammyjackson3113]

The video is from Easy Rider, Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Jack in the gold football helmet. Great Movie.

[@TD-mg6cd]

Back in the '80s, when I was driving a police cruiser on the swing shift, almost everyday at the time we usually hit the streets, this would come on the radio. I would key my mic and broadcast the first 4 lines.

[@KrazyKatLadyx2]

A lot of these old rockers are popular in commercials as well, so you may be hearing many of these in that way.

[@rusack7174]

John Kay was the lead vocal. Steppenwolf has Canadian roots.

[@stenekedahl4446]

This was my during senior year i high school!

[@icmman7]

i was 11 when this was released and up til then in my very short life i'd never heard anything like this and was flabbergasted. never gets old.

[@visarr]

The Kinks' You Really Got Me (1964), The Who's I Can See for Miles (1967) and The Beatles' Helter Skelter (1968) were the first. Paul heard that The Who's song "really goes wild"; however, he didn't think it was all that wild. Therefore, he created Helter Skelter.

[@vovindequasahi]

Steppenwolf pretty much defined Heavy Metal with this song. First song it is called out.

[@richardpetty9159]

I’ve got Steppenwolf’s greatest hits (the one with the Timberwolf on the cover). I love it but when I listen to the whole thing, I’m completely exhausted at the end. They’re pretty intense.

[@irvinvalkowitz2867]

Lead singer is John Kay. Saw him and Steppenwolf 3 times.

[@kenrickhackett3977]

You think of the comic book character? The name of the band was taken from Herman Hesse’s great novel of the same name. Hesse’s novels were avidly read during the 1960’s and also include “Siddartha”, and "Magister Ludi [aka "The Glass Bead Game”]. He won the Nobel prize for literature in 1946. He is worth reading in our times too.

[@victoreem2]

one of the songs when i hear on the radio i just have to sing along

[@Gulicktheemu]

Yes,, the songs of my youth. Anything by Stepenwolf, Three Dog Night, Moody Blues, Deep Purple, LED Zeppelin, Blue Oyster Cult (BOC) and Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) is 🔥🔥 and timeless. Nothing like the throw away songs being produced today. #hangovergang forever 🤙🏽

[@justmoose6534]

This video is from "Easy Rider." The guy in the Red, White and Blue helmet is Peter Fonda (son of Henry Fonda and Brother of Jane Fonda). The guy with the beard and mustache is Dennis Hopper and the guy in the gold helmet riding along is Jack Nicholson.

[@user-tx6hl9fx4x]

I saw them in concert once. I watched Biker movies when I was a kid and when I was in the NAVY I brought a Suzuki GS450 and a shipmate let me ride his Harley Davidson and I got Addicted😂. In 1981 I bought my first Harley, a 1980 Fat Bob and whenever I ride this song comes into my head. Do to health reasons I can no longer RIDE 😢.

[@bradmannion6769]

back when they not only made good music, they made Great music

[@tomaaron6187]

Lead Singer’s odyssey to stardom is phenomenal. His father was a German soldier killed on the Eastern Front. After unbelievable set of obstacles his mother and him became refugees in Canada. He arrived as a young boy not only not speaking English but also visually impaired. That’s why often the glasses. Self made star in every way and a great philanthropist.

[@jackempson3044]

John Kay was the singer. He was a very strong singer. I saw them late in their career and they were great.

[@lisar.6670]

The two dudes on the bikes are Peter Fonda {son of the late great Henry Fonda} .. The hippie with sunglasses is the late great Dennis Hopper and there is a third passenger rider in a suit played by Jack Nicholson. The clip is from the movie "Easy Rider". Check out the movie when ya get a chance too.

[@jonathanlocke6404]

"Easy Rider" features Peter Fonda, (Jane's brother, Henry's son) and Dennis Hopper, with a notable scene-stealing appearance by Jack Nicholson. Fonda and Hopper are two bikers who drive across country to New Orleans after making a major score in a cocaine deal. Fonda's character, with the American flag helmet and bike, is nicknamed "Captain America"...Along with "The Graduate", this was one of the earlier major films to really feature contemporary rock music in a soundtrack. Aside from Steppenwolf, there were songs by Jimi Hendrix, The Byrds and The Band. Some often credit the phrase "heavy metal" in this song as the inspiration for the name of the later genre, of which this band was definitely a pioneer. We called this "acid rock" back in its day...

[@Zentrix-24]

Great Canadian Band, Loved it in Easy Rider...........Magic Carpet Ride and The Pusher are other great tunes.! Dennis Hopper was a great actor! This song would be great in post apocalypse movies!

[@karenmandeville7116]

the footage in the video is from Easy Rider. Dennis Hopper, Peter Fonda and Jack Nicholson.

[@petergarayt9634]

"Snowblind Friend". Steppenwolf had some very socially conscious songs.

[@shaynewest8757]

They never wrote Snowblind Friend it's a cover

[@armadillotoe]

Hoyt Axton wrote it, but Steppenwolf made it theirs.

[@Boodieman72]

It was used a lot in the early monster truck and indoor motocross TV shows, Mickey Thompson off road or something.

[@erichammonds9323]

Mars Bonfire, AKA Dennis Edmonton, the writer of Born to be Wild, claims this song has been used in over 60 movies.

[@markscott4830]

This came out in 1968. Steppenwolf was before their time. It was a theme song on Easy Rider, with Jack Nicholson, Dennis Hopper, Peter Fonda Jane Fonda's brother

[@cubfanmike]

"Terminator" featured George Thorogood - Bad to the Bone!

[@ORagnar]

This song is the quintessential banger. o

[@paulwalker9421]

"Helter Skelter" from the Beatles is called one of the first heavy metal songs. Suggest" Magic Carpet Ride" by Steppenwolf

[@daviddragavon7555]

Started out more road trips than anyone. They were from Canada. Peter Fonda, not Jaine, (but, he was herbrother) & Dennis Hopper the guy in the hat. Jack Nickolas. Was the guy in the football helmet! John Kay was the lead singer.

[@soultrampamplification8425]

Greatest driving song of all time!

[@mitzifrancis9843]

Magic Carpet Ride is a must if you haven't heard it yet! Be prepared to get lost in the trippy sauce. It's an iconic 60s song.

[@constitutionalpatriot6797]

Lead singer/songwriter is John Kay.

[@russ4338]

The actors are, Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson.

[@cavecookie1]

I have a story about this song. I used to like in a tiny tourist town 30 miles from the next nearest town. The town was generally Biker friendly, and the local club used come to town a lot, it was a great ride on a bike. So, all us locals knew these guys, and they were a great bunch of folks. The bar/restaurant I cooked at was the "party bar" in town, and that's where the bikers would hang. We always had live music on weekends, and one band happened to be a very talented married couple, and they were definitely Bluegrass people. During a break, the couple was commenting that the bikers weren't very animated. I told him he was playing the wrong music...gotta rock out, and told him to open his next set with "Born to be Wild". So, I set this up...I went to one of the bikers, and got him to fire up his bike, parked 20 feet from the front door, when the music was about to start, as an "intro" to the song. Well, it worked! Bike fired up and revved a few times, and when he shut the bike down, the song started. And the party was ON! This may not be an American anthem, but the bikers have certainly adopted it!

[@a.westenholz4032]

This song was so iconic and so long lasting that I, born in 1970, was dancing to it at parties in the late 70's early 80's along with more current hits. It just stuck around. So I grew up knowing Steppenwolf- and especially this song. I can't imagine not knowing it.

[@yambo59]

This song is from the uber classic 1969 movie "Easy Rider" which is the video playing here - if you you look youll see actors Dennis Hopper, Peter Fonda and Jack Nicholson in the gold football helmet.

[@rmacdougallaliasdogviticus]

Another amazing 'B' side song. First released as the 'B' side to 'Sookie Sookie' which is okay but is not a song I would have suggested for you guys. Check out 'Magic Carpet Ride' and 'The Pusher' next instead. The song was also featured in the movie 'Easy Rider' which was a huge counter culture film from 1969. Check out 'Roger McGuinn' - "It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)" (written by Bob Dylan btw.) Cheers.

[@lesschoenberger3070]

It was released with "Everybody's next one" but neither song was designated A or B, they let the radio stations decide it and 8 out of 10 picked BTBW.

[@vicprovost2561]

Great song from them, totally Ikonic. For another, do Magic Carpet Ride, great stuff! Enjoy. 🎵🎸🎤🎹🎶

[@marklinwarsaw]

This song meant so much to so many for a multitude of personal reasons but to most of us, it was the inspiration to get outside and live for the moment. I rode from Mission bay, Ca to Wabasso Beach, FL on a 1983 Kawasaki KZ750 LTD. ten days and it was one of the BEST experiences I ever have had. I was Born to be Wild. I'm 65 now and raising my last child. I am so glad I did it while I still had the strength and youth to do it.

[@lesschoenberger3070]

Mars Bonfire a.k.a. Dennis Edmonton wrote this song about the freedom that he felt after buying his first car, a Ford Falcon. He saw an advertisement poster in a store window with a picture of a motorcycle coming out of volcanic ground that said "born to ride" and wrote this song and actually recorded his version of it which is pretty cool but much more mellow, it's here on KZbin check it out!!

[@greggwashburn5924]

Steppemwolf Played at the Original Woodstock 1969

[@johnsilva9139]

Didn't know that, but I'll take your word for it. Never saw any concert footage of them there. They were certainly a very popular group in 1969 though.

[@dennismoyer2272]

You were watching the scene from the movie that that song was played in the movie Easy Rider . You were looking at Jack Nicholson, Peter Fonda, and Dennis Hopper

[@omercormier3849]

John Kay is Canadian with German heritage.