Steppenwolf Members, Gear & Sound
Members
Select a Steppenwolf band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
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About
Steppenwolf is a legendary American rock band that emerged in the late 1960s, known for their gritty, high-octane sound that helped define the era of hard rock. Formed in Los Angeles in 1967, the group originally consisted of John Kay (vocals, guitar), Michael Monarch (lead guitar), Goldy McJohn (keyboards), Rushton Moreve (bass), and Jerry Edmonton (drums). Their music weaves together elements of rock, blues rock, psychedelic rock, and acid rock, with lyrics that range from rebellious anthems to introspective reflections. Steppenwolf gained iconic status with tracks like "Born to be Wild" and "Magic Carpet Ride," which encapsulate the free-spirited, rebellious essence of the late '60s and '70s rock scene.
How to Sound Like Steppenwolf
Steppenwolf's sound is characterized by its raw, aggressive energy and a thick, muscular sonic palette. The band's music often features dirty, overdriven guitar tones, achieved through the use of instruments like the Fender Stratocaster and Ovation Thunderhead, combined with the warm, resonant growl of the Maestro FZ-1 Fuzz-Tone. The heavy, driving bass lines of Rushton Moreve, played on the Fender Precision Bass and Rickenbacker 4005, contribute to the band's powerful rhythm section. Complementing these elements is the electric organ's thick, overdriven timbre, creating a rich, layered texture that enhances Steppenwolf's hard-hitting, anthemic sound. For musicians looking to emulate Steppenwolf, focusing on capturing the unpolished, rebellious spirit through gritty guitar tones and robust rhythmic foundations is key.
Discography
Steppenwolf
1968
The Second
1968
At Your Birthday Party
1969
Early Steppenwolf
1969
Monster
1969
Steppenwolf at 50
1970
Steppenwolf 7
1970
Live Steppenwolf
1971
For Ladies Only
1971
Slow Flux
1974
Hour of the Wolf (Expanded Edition)
1975
Skullduggery
1976
Live in London
1980
Live at 25 Silver Anniversary
2003
Live in Louisville
2004
Get the Steppenwolf Sound
Want to sound like Steppenwolf? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
