Another photo that just screams Canadian Band. 

In 1962 five guys from Southern Ontario decided that they wanted to be rock stars. John Kay (lead Vocals Guitar), Jerry Edmonton (Drums), Goldy McJohn (Bass), Larry Byrom (Guitar) Rick Harason (Guitar, Keyboards) and they started in Toronto under the name of The Sparrows. 

After five years of mediocre success and the feeling that they were better than the revues that they were receiving they decided that they would morph into something far more stronger than anyone would give them credit for being.

In 1967 the band changed its name to Steppinwolf, “Der Steppinwolf” was book by Hermann Hesse translated from German to English about existentialism and a profound journey into finding oneself. (much like the band).

They headed to Chicago first and then onto Los Angeles and they put everyone on notice that this band from Canada was going to rock them wild. (And they did!)

Drummer Jerry Edmonton wrote ” Born to be Wild ” and ” Magic Carpet Ride ” to mention a couple of songs and the group never looked back.

Their music became an anthem for all the rebellious youth of the sixties and Motorbike Clubs all over North America.

‘Born to be Wild’ became the theme song of the film “Easy Rider” starring Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson. The film and the song touched a nerve with people everywhere. Fed up with lying politicians and a war that proved to be just a big money war, it opened up a whole new era that would change the way governments ruled and created a ”I don’t give a Fudge * attitude”.

The band stayed together until 1972 when personality conflicts and music choices began to break the band up. By the end of 1972 the group decided to disband and go their separate ways.

 Musically these guys made the U.S. stand up and notice bands from Canada.

Steppinwolf was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at Cleveland.

Enjoy

* I don’t swear. Jim can. But until Jim can upload a song post. I, Cathy, Jim’s WP-Admin Wizzardette will be in charge of the profanity, actually, the lack of profanity. GP all the way.