Steppenwolf - Rock Me

John Kay and his mates mime their hit on the Smothers Brothers show. To me these guys were what a R&R band should look like!

[@airforceveteran71]

Boy 1968-71 was a personal favorite for me...rock music was definitely up there.

[@67rml]

And probably 95% think that their only songs were Born To Be Wild and Magic Carpet Ride. We can thank radio for that. They were huge when I was in college in 1969. We know how great they really were.

[@PanaGringoBarefootBass]

True. But without radio perhaps we would have never heard Steppenwolf at all.

[@ronfisher5259]

So true- every album had fantastic songs and most never get to hear them. Saw them in Philly in 68 and they were fantastic

[@brianjames4169]

I couldn’t agree more. I was banana for them in 1967 when I heard them for the first time as a 9 year old. I proudly wear my Steppenwolf t-shirt around. I still love them.

[@gumps1986]

Second cd I ever bought was Steppenwolf.

[@terryorr]

I met John Kay 30 years ago, he was the nicest guy you could ever meet but also seemed tough as nails at the same time.

[@TrevorHamberger]

lol. thats like me

[@JohnDoe-pm3oq]

I still talk with him now and then around town. He continues to remain the nicest guy you could ever meet.

[@timrobbins7266]

I was lucky to be a teenager in the late 60s and early 70s and we had the best music of any generation. STEPPENWOLF was one of those great bands that had a sound that is timeless, it will never get old.

[@robertnieten9844]

I'm glad you survived it bro

[@lovelisascooking7640]

I saw them around 1980 at a tiny, dive bar in Victorville, CA. Very sad and disappointing. Nobody stayed long. We drove 3 hours there and 3 hours home.

[@michellewind8097]

we will never get old...

[@robertdevoy3119]

@@lovelisascooking7640 I saw them in PA around that time. Same situation. I believe the only original member with them was bass player Nick St. Nicolas. I was with a friend and after the show we spoke with Nick and he invited us into the dressing room. Show ended after about 20 minutes because an amp they had sitting on a chair fell to the floor and broke.....LOL.

[@SteveArdire]

also teenager in the early 70s and for sure THE best music of any generation

[@oldschoolmusiclover1]

no one like him Ever!...... way underrated!

[@GustavMac]

Not by me. A great song.

[@richardthomas6331]

Steppenwolf will always continue to rock the free world.

[@ILoveLauriePartridge]

One of the BEST bands from the 60's. What a great era to grow up in.

[@RogerDeanSmart]

I do believe they belong in the "ROCK &ROLL HALL OF FAME" I absolutely love their music.

[@hifinsword]

It's incredible they were not inducted decades ago!

[@livebass99]

"I dont know where we come from, dont know where we`re going to, but if all this should have a reason, we will be the last to know, so lets just hope there is a promised land, hang onto till then as best as we can" .......Lyrically awesome and musically powerful, 1 of THE BEST ROCK BANDS EVER!

[@ChrisBakerauthor]

This is their best song.

[@gsteeleproductions]

Damn! Do you realize how good they were? I saw them 3 times live and I still listen to their tracks often. I'm now 69 years young!

[@muffs55mercury61]

We're never too old to rock, Gary. Me almost 68 and still digging it.

[@letitbe777]

@@muffs55mercury61, 68 and almost cried when this came on last night in my grocery store. Stood there singing and dancing with the biggest smile on my face. It was soooo good to hear this in what seems like forever!!

[@muffs55mercury61]

@@letitbe777 The song went top 10 and I can't imagine why it got so forgotten over the years. It's everyday music to me and from time to time I find myself humming it.

[@letitbe777]

⁠@@muffs55mercury61, I actually ordered Steppenwolf’s all Time greatest hits last night on Amazon. We were so lucky to grow up on the music from the 60’s and 70’s. Unfortunately this song did not get a lot of airtime in my area, which is strange, considering I’m in the New York tri-state area. It was always my favorite Steppenwolf song! Keep on rocking and humming my friend!

[@skimanfree1073]

sounds like an acid trip from the 60s @@letitbe777

[@steverose7782]

The bridge-pause after the extended drum solo and the restart of the vocals is delicious on this song. Can't recall any other song ever done that uses this so effectively.

[@paulmeissner66]

Excellent

[@petdoctor3]

thanks for pointing that out, never really appreciated that,

[@sisterearthful]

This is such a real kick ass Classic Rock song by John Kay/Steppenwolf. I saw them many years ago. John Kay's voice has a lot of passion every time he sings and plays the three riffs on the guitar. This is one of my favorite songs. John Kay and Steppenwolf are legends for eternity.

[@Nthrwrld]

These guys did a few of the best rock songs ever.

[@superbee8109]

I saw Steppenwolf a long time ago and they are one of the greatest bands to come out of the 60s but they don't get the recognition they deserve!

[@valper811]

Super Bee I totally agree

[@markfarrell6810]

+My father took me to see them at the Syndrome back in 70 I think it was. What a total gas. He was a fan of John Lee Hooker, Hoyt Axton and really liked a lot of the music, especially the early stuff. Flash The Giant City Steppenwolf I think the tickets were $7.50 for general admission. 17,00 plus people and I actually ran into someone I knew there. Everyone thought he was a "Narc" until they found out he was there with me, then he was super cool for bringing his kid to see the show. People were so amazing at that time. He had about 2 dozen people around us eating out of his hand. You could have put a wig and hippie threads on him and he would have melted into the crowd. I took the train in wearing my hippie duds and he walked into the Syndrome in his dark blue with gold pin stripe business suit. :D

[@jonsantos8384]

ROCK AND ROLL INDUCTEES ? Any one out there ? Please send up a flare !

[@candlelight4099]

Yes I agree with you 💯 percent super bee

[@Susie196921]

I saw them perform this song in the Fillmore East (NYC) around 1970, and what a great show they put on!

[@67rml]

Any idea how lucky you were?

[@ShiftGolf]

Timeless masterpiece of 60's majic - this is a great song. it never gets old!

[@DougCameraMan]

They were great. One of the best albums is "Steppenwolf's 16 greatest hits". It's got most of their best songs.

[@ronfisher5259]

I could pick 16 songs off the first three albums -you really need each album in its entirety

[@Bob_V]

I saw this band Live in Shepton, Pa. The bar was torn down years ago but had a great time seeing this band.

[@gyrene1966]

One of the best songs coming from the sixties, still refreshing and kicking ass forty plus years later. Wonder what music memories today's kids will have 20-30 yrs from now?

[@muffs55mercury61]

My brother wrote me from Vietnam in April, 1969 and told me how much his unit loved this song (among others) We were both big music lovers so he'd write me and tell me things pertaining to that. This one was their forgotten top 10 peaking at that position 4/19/1969. Radio never seemed to play it in later years.

[@seantoomey2048]

Funny, this song always makes me think of Vietnam, but I was never there (born in early 70’s).

[@luluwinke6581]

yes 07 01 2023

[@DinoDiLabio]

Great Canadian Hard Rock/Metal Band From The 60's and The 70's.

[@fabrikk60]

Little Richard once complimented John Kay on his rock n' roll voice. Can't get any better praise than that!

[@57highland]

This is actually one of Steppenwolf's best songs, and the "classic rock" stations never bother playing it.

[@TheBeatles..]

very true!!!

[@pattymcdaniel5276]

I heard it on the radio today on the way home from work- couldn’t believe it!!❤

[@fabrikk60]

In the bridge/jam thing, the Hammond and the percussion blend so perfectly & thoroughly that they create a new sound. Pure magic.

[@docscholl]

Loved this song. Never got to see Steppenwolf live, as they never came to my little corner of the world. Thank God for KZbin and archival film like this!

[@GodsMessageForToday]

John Kay and the Wolf take me way back ,, what a great voice kay has,,,,

[@hoss73ford]

their 'forgotten' other top 10 song. Sadly radio forgot about this one after it's chart run. Its my favorite of their singles.

[@XMIR10C]

they had 6 top tens and 2 #1s

[@philipcollins408]

Man, they never forgot about it here (Chicago)- it was in 'power' Oldies rotations for years after it was a hit in the winter of '69. FM as well as AM stations played it. But in recent years it has become rare. This vid. was from a Smothers Brother's Comedy Hour on CBS.

[@ericanderson8886]

Nominated for Rock Hall of Fame this year. Way way overdue.

[@randymcturnan2520]

From the "At Your Birthday Party" album. I got this album on vinyl I bought back in 69. Still plays like a new one. Great band!

[@JoeMulk]

this sound is beyond awsome, these guys must have inspired untold bands

[@lamarlow]

One of my fave steppenwolf tracks. I used to imagine stoned hippies jamming in the conga/cowbell breakdown. Gritty and trippy, steppenwolf frikkin ruled the 60s.

[@letitbe777]

Beautiful image!!

[@Rayn215]

I am so glad that I grew up in the 60's the music was the best@! we will never have these days again!

[@LEWFROST2]

One of the great, underrated keyboardists of the psychedelic age---GOLDY MCJOHN. Along with John's voice, he gave Steppenwolf their signature sound. Aside from his obvious contributions, I will always remember him for the mind-blowing 21-minute live version of "The Pusher," as well as his creativity on the B-side Halloween song entitled "For Madmen Only." Miss you, Mr. McJ! # cheers 😁😝😀

[@michaelcody5508]

ROCK AND ROLL THE WAY IT WAS MEANT TO BE PLAYED!

[@ratter531]

Still love this song now in 2024.

[@brendarichardson968]

I'm in Love with John from Magic Carpet Ride. Can't get enough!! All Steppenwolf songs are #1's. Been studying the bands history page turner!!!

[@XMIR10C]

Fly away with me little girl..lol

[@nothwind]

Saw them in Rock Island Il. Dec 26 1969. First concert and first time I smelled pot.....lololol. Wonderful.

[@79tazman]

Steppenwolf ROCKS!!

[@williampiebenga2306]

John Kay, is a true musician, poet and philosopher, listen to the lyrics of Monster! A true prediction into what is going on right now! He is a true Guinness! Thank God he is still with us!!! Wake up America! Where are you now, don't you care about your son's and daughters!!!?

[@kimkochel6754]

Finally found this song. Spent alot of time looking for it. Rock it Steppenwolf. 🎸🎸

[@Belit01]

First time I've seen John Kay w/a guitar - cool. Love this song, classic!

[@tropicparasit]

Oh my, one of my favourite bands. Those were the days my friend, those were the days.

[@hillbillyvol]

First rock concert I ever saw was Steppenwolf in 1971. Ozzie and the rest came later. A beautiful period of time.

[@pupwinder]

Check out some "Midnight Special" clips from the '70s. All done live. It was a great TV show. Also, I think Kirshner's Rock Concert was mostly live. Austin City Limits, etc.

[@msstevie1951]

I need someone to guide me with loving tenderness,lets just hope there is a promised land ,til then do best as we can! Rock me baby all night long!loved this at 16 and now listening on KZbin!This song stood the test of time for sure!They were so far ahead of their time!!!xx

[@vulcangunner58]

I used to crank up these guys on an old Admiral console stereo/tv (b&w) in my familys garage...sounded great at 12 yrs. old. My 1st "favorite group", lots of memories!....Damn am I gettin old...lol.

[@budfisher8521]

saw these guys at a drive inn theater weekend concert in 1974 fucking awsume!! 6 bands and only a thousand people or less,very magical AND holy,soooo spiritual,great karma in the summer heat.gastonia,north carolina of all places!good times.

[@walterfechter8395]

Still king tone, baby! Some great musicianship here and on all their tunes. Goldy hammering on those keys makes this one memorable. The power chords from the guitars are blasting and bruisin'. I remember this performance very well. The Smothers Brothers showcased the absolute best bands in the 60s (The Cream, The Jefferson Airplane, The Doors and Steppenwolf). Best of times they were.

[@johnnymac44]

Yeah, it's amazing how there voices carry so well with no microphones too

[@qwertyytrewq71]

Lol

[@larryflanagan8799]

Color TV was only about three years old in 1969. @@qwertyytrewq71

[@GustavMac]

A song for life.

[@papadevildog2007]

really a great song...especially the bridge..badass transition!

[@gerthypichler825]

One of the best canadian band's.

[@mellotrongirl]

such a wonderful polite audience with simple applause...no moshing, no crowd surfing, no stage diving...no chopper motorcycles roaring through the premises...Steppenwolf are such model citizen role models, and their fans reflect this wholesome image.

[@immerrocknroll]

Thanks for uploading ... one of the best bands ever!

[@ZJ-ne9kn]

My favorite steppenwolf song

[@tcidolfan]

HEY!!!! I remember this one!!! When it aired on E! I was in sixth grade when I saw that!!! Became one of my favorite 60s songs!!! Thanks for posting that!!

[@chev202]

this song has some of the catchiest lyrics you'll ever hear. it just about sums up life in a nutshell.

[@CHUCK1213]

Yessssssssssss ! EXCELLENT ! THANKS SO MUCH FOR PUTTING THIS UP! LOVE THESE GUYS !!!!

[@luluwinke6581]

07 01 2023

[@larrymeiring7241]

Saw them many times , Stones were jealous of their live performances !

[@tonypazos5030]

best rock of all time ..... all time, they inspired generations of other bands from all over the world especially Great Britain, Rock down USA contratulations

[@johndef5075]

Great vocals and lyrics 🎸

[@jeffreymcglone4873]

Jerry Edmonton was one of the coolest guys in rock music. love and miss you jerry

[@larrymeiring7241]

I wore one of Jerry's leather hats . Great drummer !

[@jim6820]

A very very sad, strange and bizarre end to Jerry Edmonton. He was tragically killed in an automobile accident on 11/28/1993 at age 47. So sad and so young. May he RIP.

[@MichaelHartman-qt4mp]

RIP Rushton Moreve and Jerry Edmonton 🙏

[@danieljohnston1914]

I heard, in an interview, John Kay was asked, " when your not in the recording studio, or writing new material, who do you listen to?" His reply? " I like listening to our own music! Im always trying to find the same inspiration that helped me before". Well said.

[@fabrikk60]

In John Kay's book, he said that Nick's "stoned, spaced" look was just an act he would put on for the cameras. It used to get on John's nerves.

[@Howage1]

I can't turn this song up enough, does this thing go to 12? Love the power in this song. Great quality to the sound here. 5 Trillion stars people! Ohkwa:ri'

[@gibblerfan83]

Has this bean over dubbed with a pre recorded track? If not they sound great.

[@67rml]

John Kay was from East Prussia, which in 1969 was bisected by the Soviet Union and Poland. He is ethnically German and you can hear that in his voice if you listen closely. This song followed their first two LPs, released I think in the Summer of 1969. This buffers too much, however.

[@terryorr]

As far as I'm concerned, the R&R Hall of Fame can kiss RUSH and Steppenwolf's ass. I met John Kay in the 70's and he was the nicest and coolest guy you could ever meet. You also knew he could kick the crap out of you in 2 seconds if you pissed him off.

[@JosesDonkey2112]

Steppenwolf = the best stoned music ever.

[@recordguy4321]

A hit if there ever was one

[@MarkYoungDC]

They were my very first concert ever!..My best friends mom took us when we were only 10 at the Century 21 in Wichita..it was sweet..John Kay and his clear Acrylic guitar!

[@hot4hypatia]

I do! I own the Candy DVD. The scene with Richard Burton reciting with a fan simulating wind thru his hair is one of the funniest I have ever seen.

[@rockwinkle51]

Love this song. It is featured in the movie "Candy" with Peter Sellers and Yule Brenner. Anyone know where I can find a copy of that? (Made around 1970)

[@heinzkempf9444]

great.war meine erste lieblingsband.habe sie dreimal live gesehen.

[@johnhenry1720]

Diamond Dave & Steven Tyler spoke influences: John Kay & Jim Dandy. The Dandy has partied on down but still stands, John Kay is better than ever - Support Rock & Roll in America.

[@MarkRoberts-bj2me]

Was there any cooler musician in the Hollywood music scene in the late 60's as John Kay, with apologies to Jim Morrison. Check him out, brown leather jacket and pants with his dark shades growling out the lyrics to the theme of the movie "Candy". When my GF and I walked into the theatre stoned to see "Candy", "Rock Me" was blasting from the sound system. Can anyone imagine seeing a motion picture today with those vibes? The 60's were the grooviest!!! "The Wolf" is nominated for the R&RHOF for 2017, about frickin' time.

[@SnowDogRedSectorEh]

I'll never forget the time "she asked me maybe I could share her sorrow" that was really something. ...

[@jeffreymcglone4873]

The absolute look and sound of 1969.

[@stingray1964]

PS: I'm sure you've heard the records that Bolin did with the James Gang....those are REALLY good too!

[@tomwise1us]

I've always loved this band. many of their lyrics were quasi spiritual /advice giving . John Kay is definitely cool. Turned a lot of teens on to the blues. I had a running debate with my GF whether Kay was blind, cause he was always wearing shades. Long live Steppenwolf

[@crimsonwolf9099]

According to Mr Kay, he's been "legally blind" for a very long time.

[@msstevie1951]

Still rockin to this after all these years! Rock me baby! is from the old X rated movie "Candy" my husband & I had to sneak in to see it in '68,we were not quite 17! Memories are priceless! ♥ Now we're 61 and still rockin! ♥

[@kcshocker11]

Original Metal band, total badass!

[@jhfit]

I was around then and bought all the early albums. We can thank radio for this. Born to Wild and Magic Carpet Ride were far and away their best songs. This one was good, too

[@meowmix1012]

Did some research and found out JK is colorblind and light sensitive. I was concerned because I'm visually impaired, too. Thankfully, he didn't let this hold him back, because he has great talent. Long live Rock N Roll!!!

[@OliviaDI]

I saw you when you rocked the Alhambra city Street festival in 2007 or 2008!! You rocked me as I danced to purple haze solo!

[@nastassjasparadise3849]

First time I seen this video, love it! Thank you for having it on your playlist :)

[@hillbillyvol]

You are absolutely right, by brother. Steppenwolf was a band that came along before mtv and vh1.

[@dave4590]

Read John Kays life story. Amazing. Thank you John

[@msstevie1951]

Does anyone besides me remember the movie this song was featured in?Candy !and Ringo was actually in it too!

[@mrbag60]

Barflewk thats bassist Nick St. Nicholas and i will bet like the other band members he probably had more girls rockin' his world in a few years than either one of us will have in our entire lifetimes.

[@allrightguy89]

Ha! That bass player is soooo high! He's probably on Mars! Hilarious!

[@jim6820]

A very very sad, strange, tragic and bizarre end to drummer Jerry Edmonton. He was tragically killed in an automobile accident on 11/28/1993 at age 47. What’s even more strange is that their original bass player Rushton Moreve was also killed in an auto accident on 7/1/1981 at age 32. What a strange coincidence. Also RIP to keyboardist Goldy McJohn. Passed away 8/1/2017 at age 72 from a heart attack. Always thought that hairstyle he had was cool at the time.

[@muffs55mercury61]

They're sadly gone but we'll always have their music.

[@57highland]

Who is the bass player in this video? Is he the guy you mentioned?

[@jim6820]

@@57highland no. That’s a new living bass player at the time. Nick St. Nicholas. He was with the band from 1968-1970 now age 81.

[@bobbrinkerhoff3592]

@@jim6820 Nick was in Steppenwolf during '69 and the first half of '70 ,he was replaced by George Biondo . Nick was a member of the Mynah Byrds in Toronto with Rick James And Neil Young before joining the Sparrows in '65 to '67 . The Sparrows were the precursor to Steppenwolf . Rushton Moreve played circles around Nick .

[@bobbrinkerhoff3592]

Even stranger yet , the keyboardist that replaced Goldy in the mid seventies, Andy Chapin died in the plane crash that killed Rick Nelson . Jerry Edmonton was married to Andy's widow at the time of his own death .

[@Howage1]

My head, it won't stop boppin' and rockin', this song just kicks some majoy arse. Peace to all the world, listen to the good rock and roll, listen to each other, listen to yourselves. You'll find what you are looking for, no matter how deep you look, no matter where, no matter why. I Love Steppenwolf!!! Ohkwa:ri'

[@marshalljimduncan898]

The perception now of the late 60's is very different from the reality of living it, People today can't understand a draft and all it's affects. Hundreds of kids lost every week for many years, it's hard to believe everyone just let it go on. You went only because you were a good American, even if you knew it was all bullshit, you still went .I still can't accept it was all for nothing, but I can't think of anything worthwhile and that won't ever go away. Thank you for your efforts.

[@gyrene1966]

One of the best and most memorable jams to come out of the sixties! Better living through chemistry 0:40

[@DoinThupidThings]

Actually Steppenwolf was born to be Canadian. The original band was called The Sparrows and was based in Toronto

[@appalachiajoe]

Is it just me or should these guys DEFINETELY be in the rock n roll hall of fame? Please advise.

[@williampiebenga2306]

Absolutely without a doubt! tenfold!

[@crimsonwolf9099]

If anyone should be... they should be. But then again... the RnR hall has a whole lot of crappy NON rock n roll artists in it. Kind of ruins the whole thing. I think that Steppenwolf NOT being in there actually fits their "outlaw" persona.

[@stingray1964]

I was only a kid in the 60's but I remember seeing guys who looked like this later on in the 70's..and if they were headed in my direction I went the other way...haha. thx!

[@purplesporty17]

i saw them at harley's 100th anniversary and i would go see them again anytime.

[@dougcheedie1829]

great song