Steppenwolf

Steppenwolf is a Canadian-American rock band formed in the late 1960s, best known for their gritty, blues-infused rock sound and politically charged lyrics. The band was founded by John Kay, whose distinctive raspy vocals and rebellious persona helped define their style. Steppenwolf became a symbol of the counterculture movement with hits like "Born to Be Wild," which famously coined the phrase "heavy metal thunder." The song, featured prominently in the film Easy Rider, became an anthem for the biker subculture and the wider spirit of freedom that defined the era.

Steppenwolf's sound, a blend of hard rock, blues, and psychedelia, made them pioneers in what would eventually become heavy metal. Songs like "The Pusher" tackled controversial issues such as drug addiction, setting the band apart from their contemporaries with their willingness to engage with dark and challenging themes. Though their popularity peaked in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Steppenwolf’s influence on rock music remains significant, and their songs continue to resonate with fans of classic rock.

Featured in Soundtracks

• Easy Rider
• Paddington