STEPPENWOLF early steppenwolf DS-50060

The Roots of the Wolf: Steppenwolf’s ‘Early Steppenwolf’ (DS-50060)

Today’s entry takes a look at the raw beginnings of a hard rock institution. We are exploring the 1969 release Early Steppenwolf, released on ABC Dunhill Records with the catalog number DS-50060.

A Pre-Fame Snapshot

Although released in July 1969 to capitalize on the band’s massive success, these recordings actually date back to May 14, 1967. Recorded live at The Matrix club in San Francisco, the band was still performing under their previous name, The Sparrow (or The Sparrows). Organized by bassist Nick St. Nicholas during the height of the counterculture movement, this set captures the group just before producer Gabriel Mekler rechristened them Steppenwolf.

The Music

Side A is a testament to John Kay and the band’s deep affection for the blues. It features gritty covers like Howlin’ Wolf’s Howlin’ for My Darlin’ and John Lee Hooker’s I’m Going Upstairs, alongside early originals like Power Play and Tighten up Your Wig. It displays a tighter, bar-band energy distinct from their later stadium rock sound.

Side B is dominated entirely by a single track: a monolithic, 21-minute version of The Pusher. This performance is described as a masterpiece, showcasing the band’s ability to stretch a song from blues-rock into a realm of jazz-inflected psychedelia. It stands as a powerful document of the improvisational freedom of the San Francisco scene in 1967.

Personnel

This live document features the classic lineup including Mars Bonfire on guitar, Goldy McJohn on organ, and Jerry Edmonton on drums, alongside Kay and St. Nicholas. The album art was directed by Gary Burden.