The Steppenwolf - Live Hard Rock 2LP Vinyl Album is a classic recording from the early days of hard rock music. It captures the raw energy and power of Steppenwolf's live performances and helped establish them as one of the leading hard rock bands of the era. This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.
Album Description:
The Steppenwolf - Live Hard Rock 2LP Vinyl Album on the record label MCA 300 888 is an iconic recording from the early days of hard rock music. Released in 1970, it captures the raw energy and power of Steppenwolf's live performances and helped establish them as one of the leading hard rock bands of the era.
Steppenwolf was one of the key bands of the era, and their music embodied the spirit of the times. Their songs often dealt with themes of rebellion, freedom, and the search for meaning in a confusing and chaotic world. They had several hit singles, including "Born to Be Wild", which became an anthem for the counterculture generation. The Steppenwolf - Live Hard Rock 2LP Vinyl Album captures the band's live performances at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium and the Hollywood Palladium in 1969. The album features a mix of original songs and covers, including a blistering version of "Born to Be Wild". One of the standout tracks on the album is "Magic Carpet Ride", which features a hypnotic guitar riff and John Kay's powerful vocals. Another highlight is the 15-minute epic "Monster/Suicide/America", which showcases the band's ability to fuse hard rock with elements of blues, folk, and psychedelia. The album also features several songs that address social and political issues of the day. "Don't Step on the Grass, Sam" is a critique of the government's war on drugs, while "The Pusher" is a scathing indictment of drug dealers who profit from the misery of addicts. The Steppenwolf - Live Hard Rock 2LP Vinyl Album was a commercial success, reaching number 7 on the Billboard 200 chart. It helped cement Steppenwolf's reputation as one of the leading hard rock bands of the era and influenced countless musicians who came after them. The album also had a significant impact on the development of hard rock music. It showcased the power and energy of live performances, which would become a hallmark of the genre. It also demonstrated the importance of social and political commentary in rock music, paving the way for bands like Rage Against the Machine and System of a Down. Steppenwolf recorded live at various cities in early 1970.Gatefold (FOC) album cover design. |
Music Genre: American 60s Hard Rock |
Album Production Information: Produced by Gabriel MeklerSound/recording engineer Ray Thompson Photography and album design Tom Gundelfinger |
Record Label Information: MCA 300 888 (300888) S 27 340 |
Media Format: 12" Double LP |
Year & Country: 1970 Made in Germany |
Band Members and Musicians on: Steppenwolf - Live 2LP |
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Track Listing of: Steppenwolf - Live 2LP |
The Song/tracks on "Steppenwolf - Live 2LP" are:
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Portrait photos of the Steppenwolf band members on the inner pages of the gatefold cover
Record Label Details: Cloudy Blue Sky and Rainbow Record Label MCA Records 300 888
Steppenwolf is a rock band formed in 1967 in Los Angeles, California. The band gained widespread popularity during the late 1960s and early 1970s with their unique blend of hard rock and psychedelic music, which was characterized by heavy guitar riffs, prominent basslines, and driving drumbeats.
The band's core members were vocalist John Kay, guitarist Michael Monarch, keyboardist Goldy McJohn, bassist Rushton Moreve, and drummer Jerry Edmonton. They released their debut album, "Steppenwolf," in 1968, which included the hit single "Born to Be Wild." The song became an anthem for the counterculture movement and was famously featured in the film "Easy Rider."
Steppenwolf's music was influenced by a variety of genres, including blues, folk, and rock and roll. Their lyrics often addressed themes of rebellion, social commentary, and spirituality. The band's name, "Steppenwolf," was inspired by the novel of the same name by Hermann Hesse, which explores the themes of individualism and the search for meaning in a conformist society.
Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, Steppenwolf released a series of critically acclaimed albums, including "The Second," "At Your Birthday Party," and "Monster." These albums featured some of the band's most famous songs, such as "Magic Carpet Ride," "Rock Me," and "The Pusher."
Despite their success, Steppenwolf faced several challenges during their career. The band underwent several lineup changes, with Kay being the only consistent member throughout their history. Additionally, they struggled with substance abuse and legal issues, which led to several periods of inactivity. Despite these challenges, Steppenwolf's influence on rock music cannot be understated. Their music has been covered by countless artists and has been featured in numerous films and television shows. The band was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1996, and Kay was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 2018.
Steppenwolf's legacy lives on, and their music continues to resonate with fans around the world. Their hard-driving rock and roll sound and socially conscious lyrics continue to inspire new generations of musicians, and their influence on the genre remains undeniable.