Story Photos
 Goldy McJohn and his band will get their motors running to Longview on Saturday. Courtesy photo
|
Former Steppenwolf member ready to rock Longview
Wednesday, October 15, 2008 11:46 PM PDT
By Tom Paulu
Printable version
E-mail this articleIf ever there was a song that describes Longview, it’s Steppenwolf’s “Born to be Wild.” Just kidding. But you can hear that classic metal anthem Saturday night, right here in town, when a band with links to the original group performs on Commerce Avenue.
Goldy McJohn & Friendz, which includes Steppenwolf’s original organ player and a one-time guitar player, will perform at Kennedy’s Night Club, formerly Roxy’s.
The group also plans to return in November, along with Jimi Hendrix’s little brother, Leon Hendrix.
McJohn, 63, who lives in the Seattle area, said his group will do the Steppenwolf hits, along with classic rock tunes and maybe some originals if he can round up his band mates for a few rehearsals this week.
Please don’t call the group a Steppenwolf tribute band.
“Steppenwolf did its thing and that was a long time ago,” McJohn said. Plus, he doesn’t get along with John Kay, Steppenwolf’s German-born lead singer and front man, whom he called “the Fuehrer.”
McJohn weaved stories about his various bands, his disputes with Kay and his decade working for a Seattle golf course into an interview this week.
Steppenwolf was formed in Toronto in 1967. It roared to fame two year later when “Born to be Wild” and another Steppenwolf song, “The Pusher,” were included in the sound track of the cult counterculture biker movie “Easy Rider.” In the following years, Steppenwolf’s hits included “Magic Carpet Ride” and “Rock Me.”
McJohn stayed with the group until 1974, and played during a reunion several years later. Then, Steppenwolf suffered a classic rock breakup and ensuing feud.
McJohn appeared in several versions of the band that didn’t include the gravely-voiced Kay. On his Web site, Kay said he “learned that two of his former band mates were touring with a bogus Steppenwolf” and “playing low-rent club gigs.”
Kay, McJohn and other band members waged legal battles over royalties and use of the Steppenwolf name. These days, the words “Formerly of Steppenwolf” appear in small type in the Goldy McJohn & Friendz logo.
As if addressing his old band mate, McJohn said, “You took all my royalties and I’m trying to make a living. This has been going on for 30 years.”
McJohn said he recently told Kay, “You know what? Your mouth is too big and your bank account is too big.”
Unfortunately, such is not the case for McJohn’s finances. Though his musical resume includes playing with Humble Pie and Janis Joplin, McJohn worked for about 10 years worked doing maintenance at a Seattle golf course.
“I got fired three years ago” — unjustly, he said.
It’s hard to find another job. “I have four daughters and four beautiful grandkids. At 63, I should be able to not have to worry about things, and have a life.”
McJohn welcomes the chance to get back behind the organ keyboard.
He formed his Friendz last spring, Other members of the band are guitarist Glen Bui, drummer Jack Rabbit English, bass player Laurie Miller, singer Paulie Ventura and another guitar player, Kent Henry, who played in Steppenwolf in 1971.
In a promo photo, Ventura wears a biker bandanna and shades, just like Kay did in the original Steppenwolf era.
The group has had several gigs at Northwest fairs and taverns.
“We blew Foghat off the stage in Coeur d’Alene,” McJohn said. “There was only one original guy and that was the drummer.”
Goldy McJohn & Friendz’ Nov. 8 show at Kennedy’s will include the Leon Hendrix band. Leon Hendrix is six years younger than his famous brother, who died in 1970.
In 2004, a King County Superior Court judge ruled that Leon Hendrix wasn’t entitled to a share of Jimi’s estate. Their father, Al, had cut Leon out of the will.
“Leon admits that he’s only been playing guitar for a little while,” McJohn said. “Leon’s been doing a lot of opening act stuff for us. They’re getting better and better.”
Heavy rock trivia
According to some rock historians, the 1968 Steppenwolf song “Born to be Wild” included the first use of the term “heavy metal.” The song’s second verse includes the words “heavy metal thunder,” though it’s a reference to a motorcycle, not a kind of music.
IF YOU GO
What: Goldy McJohn and Friendz, which includes one of the original members of Steppenwolf.
When: 9:30 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Kennedy’s Night Club, 1101 Commerce Ave.
Tickets: $5 in advance, $7 at the door.
Salute to Our Veterans: Goldy McJohn and Friendz will return Nov. 8 in a show including Leon Hendrix, Jimi’s younger brother. The Nov. 8 show is a fund-raiser for Journey For Freedom, which provides college scholarships for relatives of soldiers who have died. A dinner and ceremony start at 7 p.m., with the show at 9. Dinner and show cost $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Show only is $10/$15.
Information: www.kennedysnightclub.com
Looking for something to do? Check the Entertainment Calendar
Past Month's Most Commented Stories