Recorded in 1969. John Kay, the singer and head of Steppenwolf was born in Germany. He and his mother had escaped from advancing Russian troops and eventually wound up here. Humanity never changes and history continues to repeat itself.
This was one of the first albums I bought when I was a teenager growing up in Detroit loving this song and knowing every word ....... when I listen to day, being in my 60s, it brings a lump to my throat, and tears to my eyes. Best of luck to the new generation
President Eisenhower used the term Military Industrial Complex (he was the first one to use it) when he warned us about it back in 1960. The Military Industrial Complex (the companies that manufacture bombs and other forms of weaponry for use in parts of the world where warfare in taking place) is what makes up the "Monster" to a large extent in this song. There are other civil and social issues as well. The song and its lyrics are still relevant and unfortunately probably always will be.
I was in High school when this came out. Steppenwolf was huge then. I lived through this, saw it on the news in real time.... back when some news stations actually reported just the facts. Students were shot at a protest on the Kent State campus by National Guard troops. Non violent protest. Saw the footage on TV. When I was younger I was watching the parade on TV and saw live coverage of assassination of John Kennedy, saw live coverage of Martin Luther King shot, saw riots, cities burning, watched nightly coverage of the Vietnam war, and more. Just like today. We're back.
This is a piece of music that always resonated with me, and I was growing up in the seventies being born in 1958. This was an absolutely wonderful band that had great music but this song always resonated with me and in fact I just looked at it today to post to my Facebook page because it came to mind, and I'm making this comment two years after you made your reaction video. But honest to god, this has been resonating with me ever since I first heard it probably back in the early 80s.
As soon as I saw you were reacting to this I clicked on it. The song was cut short but not by much. I was 10 years old when this came out and I am 61 now, that's how long I have been listening to this song. I have been asking a few of the reactioners I follow to do this song because it is amazing how it fits today's situation. I am so glad you did the studio version because the lyrics are much clearer. Another song from around this time period that is still relevant is Ball of Confusion by the Temptations. Great reaction Ty. You are a voice of reason in these chaotic times, thank you.
Nice bass behind you. I played in bands during the late 60s and into the 70s. We played alot of Steppenwolf songs, this was one that was a big hit with audiences. I played guitar and sang this. Still remember all the lyrics. Frightening.
John Kay, Canadian boy, actually. But like most,chased his dreams of fame to LA with his buddies from "The Sparrows, a Toronto band, to form Steppenwolf with a couple Yankee boys. They were MAJOR starts in the late 60's, early 70's. Glad you found this song!! Check out more of their music.
This song "Monster" by Steppenwolf was actually released in November of 1969. That would have made me 15 years old. I loved Steppenwolf and followed their next few albums that were released and just fell in love with their music. Some of the best songs were "Snowblind Friend", "For Ladies only", "Tenderness", "Sparkle Eyes", "The Pusher", and so many more.
I have been waiting for reaction to this Masterpiece thanks I subscribed on this finding. My brother I am so glad for these reactions linking our cultures around the globe. You are a Renaissance man. Be Blessed my friend
This song is still very relevant. I have to add that i was 14 (almost 15, and I still have the album) when this song came out, and even back then we (most of us) wanted to see peace and unity. We hated the difference in how people were treated. I won't go on about it, not enough space to get me started about that lol. I would love to see you do Eve Of Destruction by Barry McGuire. Another song that even today, you can take something away from when you listen to it.
This is a very important song. Oh what America could have been. Just goes to prove that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. I can't help but cry every time I hear this song.
loved this song since 69 Still have the album. pointed out the dark past of this country in contrast to the noble story we are taught. Sadly, we are still following that dark path today.
Ty for sharing this brother...I lived thru those times...History repeating again and again...we are so lucky here...and we have the privilege of footing the Bill for it all!...
I saw them in high school - really political. The Pusher hit the same kind of notes about drugs. This was during the Vietnam War when they were posting body counts in the evening news. Great group.
50 years ago; 1/2 a Century. Marvin Gaye released the "What's Going On" album. It is a masterpiece plea for Mercy and resolve from the issues of then and now. Dig it. Timelessness defined.
This was released in 1969 and was at the time of the Vietnam War. The music and composition was exemplary for the time and even today. John Kay has one of the most powerful rock voices in music. Larry Byrom was the guitarist and again, one of the best out there. Jerry Edmonton (RIP) drumming was exceptional.
When I was in the Army in Germany at a Steppenwolf Concert they started playing America! And all the soldiers and civilians were singing along. Glad someone caught on to this. Thanks and bitte schon. [ nothing new under the sun] IT CAME OIUT IN 1969
This song is a lyrical and musical masterpiece! John Kay’s vocal’s and those scorching guitars will withstand the test of time forever. Great choice and reaction. Thank you for that.
I got to one of Steppenwolf's shows very early once and was center stage front row for this guy on a Halloween night! Can you imagine how good that was? Make sure you read up on John Kay. Peace man, enjoy your videos a lot.
Sharon is spot on. Originally written about Nam. There are a number of songs with similarities to today that were written back then. Simon and Garnfunkel's "America", Crosby,Stills, Nash and Young's " 4 dead in Ohio" and the Kent state incident. plus numerous others. Loved Steppenwolf and actually got to see them live.
Back in the day I remember listening to this song while my family and friends were over in Vietnam and my time was quickly drawing closer to join them. We had streets full of protesters being gased and beaten by the police. The president was sending troops onto college campuses and shooting students. Black people were demanding the rights they had been promised nearly a hundred years before, to be treated the same as everyone else. I remember saying that no matter how bad things were at least when it all was over, one day things would be better for everyone. How does that old saying go... Those that forget the past are doom to repeat its failures?
John Kay, the lead singer, has for many years been heavily involved in environmental projects, so has definitely been “walking the walk”, not just talking the talk.
Steppenwolf is more than just born to be wild. No body wants to go back, and actually listen to the other songs. Mr kay is just amazing. Go back in there other song, and not magic carpet ride. Listen to Jupiters child, or ball chrusher. So not being mean just very passionate about them. Love this channel.
You are correct Mark. I have talked personally to John Kay and he could careless about the hall of fame. I’m just a big fan of Steppenwolf and keep wondering why they ain’t in there.
Haven't heard this one before. But damn it sounds like it could be written about today. Another song with very important lyrics is Golden Country by Reo Speedwagon. Also sounds like it could have been written about today.
Very crazy I remember when this song first came out early 1970. I was very young but I remember how quick the AM stations got rid of it. But here in 2021 like you said it's very relevant.
Thanks for selecting Steppenwolf's 'Monster' to listen too. The album 'Monster' was released in 1969 when I was 13 years old, and I had the album in 1970. I started to listen to Steppenwolf in 1968. (Please note: You cut the song off, or it was cut off before it ended. There was maybe 2 or 3 minutes of the song left. Or 4 at the most.)
One of John Kays finest creations! The lyrics are as powerful and truthful and relevant as they were back then considering the hate and brutality in America and political idiot in the White house these days.. Loved Steppenwolf.♥️🎼🎶🎵🇨🇦
It didn't get a lot of air time back in the day, probably because of it's length. Some of their lesser known stuff is much better. If you've ever had a friend or relative trying to cope with the hell of chemical dependency, listen to "Snowblind Friend".
I'm glad people are starting to wake up to the old music I think a lot of our Laurel Canyon generation bands had a lot to say in a message a lot of the parents of the band members from Laurel Canyon were all military intelligence people in high up in military so again something to say there's messages in our music that we need to know about
John Kay has such a deep soulful voice. I'd like you to do a reaction to It's Never Too Late. This request is for all out there struggling with Mental Health issues and the one's with suicidal tendencies.
The unfortunate part is that once we got out of Viet Nam and once Nixon resigned everyone just seemed to go home and party. The movement and the moment passed. Let's hope/act that it doesn't pass this time. Give a listen to For What It's Worth by Buffalo Springfield.
Steppenwolf was Raging against the machine long before it was popular. They never left that behind = my favorite album is mostly underrated SLOW FLUX with Gang War Blues (still relevant) and Justice don't be slow (political song about Nixon / Watergate) Get into the wind is a mover (motorcycle song) and Children of the night (obviously still relevant) classic album.
the erasing and rewriting of history will lead us into a continual pattern as we wont ever learn a lesson well enough to remember and find our self's at the end of the Record where there is nothing but the continual skip as we are told of injustices committed onto us yet never witness them because we have stuck our heads into the ground long ago.
Even more relevant today than probably since it was written and performed. Every political hack should be locked in a room and be forced to listen to this while reading the lyrics out loud before starting their day
@Dan Thomas Yes, I know. But my 'point' was about the song, not whether the war extended into the 70s. Ty mentioned in the video that it was done in the 70s. I was merely stating that the song was released in 1969 (on the cusp of the 70's) when the war was really starting to wear on people which was basically the context in which the song was done as was a lot of songs in that period. That's all I was saying.
This song was my generation and it changed NOTHING ! it helped a generation unite but our power was unable to stop the war or the political corruption. I feel hopeless for the Country. May 8 2022 by DemGhost
Recorded in 1969. John Kay, the singer and head of Steppenwolf was born in Germany. He and his mother had escaped from advancing Russian troops and eventually wound up here. Humanity never changes and history continues to repeat itself.
Monster got very little airplay. Even requesting it in the early hours before dawn got a "can't play that one" response from the radio station.
The more things change, the more they stay the same. If only we would learn from our mistakes.
History repeats itself. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting the same results. Will we ever learn?
People said "Never Forget" but they forgot what they were supposed to remember.
One of my all time favorite songs. More relevant today than ever, my heart breaks for our country.
This song is epic! This takes me back, way back! I was sixteen and the war was raging in Viet Nam, and we were marching in the streets in Washington.
Same here, I was 16 in 1970. This is one of the songs of my youth!
This was my generation. The music was something else. I so glad to see you get it.
This was one of the first albums I bought when I was a teenager growing up in Detroit loving this song and knowing every word ....... when I listen to day, being in my 60s, it brings a lump to my throat, and tears to my eyes. Best of luck to the new generation
President Eisenhower used the term Military Industrial Complex (he was the first one to use it) when he warned us about it back in 1960. The Military Industrial Complex (the companies that manufacture bombs and other forms of weaponry for use in parts of the world where warfare in taking place) is what makes up the "Monster" to a large extent in this song. There are other civil and social issues as well. The song and its lyrics are still relevant and unfortunately probably always will be.
I was in High school when this came out. Steppenwolf was huge then. I lived through this, saw it on the news in real time.... back when some news stations actually reported just the facts. Students were shot at a protest on the Kent State campus by National Guard troops. Non violent protest. Saw the footage on TV. When I was younger I was watching the parade on TV and saw live coverage of assassination of John Kennedy, saw live coverage of Martin Luther King shot, saw riots, cities burning, watched nightly coverage of the Vietnam war, and more. Just like today. We're back.
This is a piece of music that always resonated with me, and I was growing up in the seventies being born in 1958. This was an absolutely wonderful band that had great music but this song always resonated with me and in fact I just looked at it today to post to my Facebook page because it came to mind, and I'm making this comment two years after you made your reaction video. But honest to god, this has been resonating with me ever since I first heard it probably back in the early 80s.
As soon as I saw you were reacting to this I clicked on it. The song was cut short but not by much. I was 10 years old when this came out and I am 61 now, that's how long I have been listening to this song. I have been asking a few of the reactioners I follow to do this song because it is amazing how it fits today's situation. I am so glad you did the studio version because the lyrics are much clearer. Another song from around this time period that is still relevant is Ball of Confusion by the Temptations. Great reaction Ty. You are a voice of reason in these chaotic times, thank you.
The timeless, endless battle of Good vs. Evil in all of us.
Nice bass behind you. I played in bands during the late 60s and into the 70s. We played alot of Steppenwolf songs, this was one that was a big hit with audiences. I played guitar and sang this. Still remember all the lyrics. Frightening.
John Kay is one of America's greatest artists. God bless him!
John Kay, Canadian boy, actually. But like most,chased his dreams of fame to LA with his buddies from "The Sparrows, a Toronto band, to form Steppenwolf with a couple Yankee boys. They were MAJOR starts in the late 60's, early 70's. Glad you found this song!! Check out more of their music.
@@62CDN East German refugee to Canada actually. But I'm glad to call him one of "ours", whatever that is!
This is by far one of the baddest-ass songs I've ever heard...love it!
This song "Monster" by Steppenwolf was actually released in November of 1969. That would have made me 15 years old. I loved Steppenwolf and followed their next few albums that were released and just fell in love with their music. Some of the best songs were "Snowblind Friend", "For Ladies only", "Tenderness", "Sparkle Eyes", "The Pusher", and so many more.
The Pusher & Snowblind Friend were written by Hoyt Axton
That part wasn't the end. It builds back up to another chorus of "America, where are you now?" And the song fades with that chorus.
Prophetic song here, Read up on this singer, John Kay, he escaped with his mother from Germany when things were horrible there, amazing man.
I have been waiting for reaction to this Masterpiece thanks I subscribed on this finding. My brother I am so glad for these reactions linking our cultures around the globe. You are a Renaissance man. Be Blessed my friend
This song is still very relevant. I have to add that i was 14 (almost 15, and I still have the album) when this song came out, and even back then we (most of us) wanted to see peace and unity. We hated the difference in how people were treated. I won't go on about it, not enough space to get me started about that lol. I would love to see you do Eve Of Destruction by Barry McGuire. Another song that even today, you can take something away from when you listen to it.
This is a very important song. Oh what America could have been. Just goes to prove that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. I can't help but cry every time I hear this song.
me too .
This song is so fitting for today.
loved this song since 69 Still have the album. pointed out the dark past of this country in contrast to the noble story we are taught. Sadly, we are still following that dark path today.
Thanks. Always liked this one. Glad you found it.
Underrated for years 🏆
I served during 'Nam days, was shot at, and fell left behind. We played this tune loud & proud, many other Hard Rock. 1970 --- 1975.
Ty for sharing this brother...I lived thru those times...History repeating again and again...we are so lucky here...and we have the privilege of footing the Bill for it all!...
I saw them in high school - really political. The Pusher hit the same kind of notes about drugs. This was during the Vietnam War when they were posting body counts in the evening news. Great group.
50 years ago; 1/2 a Century.
Marvin Gaye released the "What's Going On" album.
It is a masterpiece plea for Mercy and resolve from the issues of then and now.
Dig it. Timelessness defined.
This was released in 1969 and was at the time of the Vietnam War. The music and composition was exemplary for the time and even today. John Kay has one of the most powerful rock voices in music. Larry Byrom was the guitarist and again, one of the best out there. Jerry Edmonton (RIP) drumming was exceptional.
When I was in the Army in Germany at a Steppenwolf Concert they started playing America! And all the soldiers and civilians were singing along. Glad someone caught on to this. Thanks and bitte schon. [ nothing new under the sun] IT CAME OIUT IN 1969
I hadn't heard this in a very long time. Very relevant today.
This song is a lyrical and musical masterpiece! John Kay’s vocal’s and those scorching guitars will withstand the test of time forever. Great choice and reaction. Thank you for that.
I got to one of Steppenwolf's shows very early once and was center stage front row for this guy on a Halloween night! Can you imagine how good that was? Make sure you read up on John Kay. Peace man, enjoy your videos a lot.
Sharon is spot on. Originally written about Nam. There are a number of songs with similarities to today that were written back then. Simon and Garnfunkel's "America", Crosby,Stills, Nash and Young's " 4 dead in Ohio" and the Kent state incident. plus numerous others. Loved Steppenwolf and actually got to see them live.
Back in the day I remember listening to this song while my family and friends were over in Vietnam and my time was quickly drawing closer to join them. We had streets full of protesters being gased and beaten by the police. The president was sending troops onto college campuses and shooting students. Black people were demanding the rights they had been promised nearly a hundred years before, to be treated the same as everyone else. I remember saying that no matter how bad things were at least when it all was over, one day things would be better for everyone. How does that old saying go... Those that forget the past are doom to repeat its failures?
John Kay, the lead singer, has for many years been heavily involved in environmental projects, so has definitely been “walking the walk”, not just talking the talk.
Steppenwolf is more than just born to be wild. No body wants to go back, and actually listen to the other songs. Mr kay is just amazing. Go back in there other song, and not magic carpet ride. Listen to Jupiters child, or ball chrusher. So not being mean just very passionate about them. Love this channel.
One of the best protest songs of the 1960's. My favorite is Barry McGuire's Eve Of Destruction.
Born To Be Wild-- their biggest hit.
And it was one of the songs Ron Paul played during his campaign.
Straight shooting woman by Steppenwolf. Also Move over by Steppenwolf. Most underrated rock band. Should of been in hall long time ago
Too good for the 'Hall'.
You are correct Mark. I have talked personally to John Kay and he could careless about the hall of fame. I’m just a big fan of Steppenwolf and keep wondering why they ain’t in there.
Steppenwolf’s greatest work.
Haven't heard this one before. But damn it sounds like it could be written about today. Another song with very important lyrics is Golden Country by Reo Speedwagon. Also sounds like it could have been written about today.
Very crazy I remember when this song first came out early 1970.
I was very young but I remember how quick the AM stations got rid of it. But here in 2021 like you said it's very relevant.
Always loved this song but the line about Law and Order! Holy cow - hitting the nail on the head
I like Steppenwolf a lot & it always amazes me when songs that are older age so well, & send a message that is still pertinent... cool! 🖤
caralayne503
Check out their songs Draft Resister and Power Play from the same album.
Preston Presley will do! I know minimal amounts of Steppenwolf, but am always eager to learn more. I appreciate the referral 😉
Go on the web and read about John Kay's life and escape to West Germany when he was a young boy, he's an amazing person
Nazz Mann thanks for the info 🙂! Will check it out 😉
Possibly the best song I've ever heard...but that's just me................
1969. I used to sing this on the playground at school and that was in the 5th grade. I also would sing the doors
Those who do not learn from History are condemned to repeat it.
For the time period, Steppenwolf had the most insightful lyrics.
a short history of our country. love your reaction
Thanks for selecting Steppenwolf's 'Monster' to listen too. The album 'Monster' was released in 1969 when I was 13 years old, and I had the album in 1970. I started to listen to Steppenwolf in 1968. (Please note: You cut the song off, or it was cut off before it ended. There was maybe 2 or 3 minutes of the song left. Or 4 at the most.)
One of John Kays finest creations! The lyrics are as powerful and truthful and relevant as they were back then considering the hate and brutality in America and political idiot in the White house these days.. Loved Steppenwolf.♥️🎼🎶🎵🇨🇦
Another song that is just as relevant today as it was when the song came out over 30 years ago is "Out in the Fields" by Gary Moore.
My top 10 of all time since it 1st hit airwaves
I cried to it then……….and I sob to it now.
they were my first real rock concert... by the way the whole album is great and mostly still relevant
Seven children dead in a drone strike. Dwight D. Eisenhower warned us about the "military industrial complex".
It didn't get a lot of air time back in the day, probably because of it's length. Some of their lesser known stuff is much better. If you've ever had a friend or relative trying to cope with the hell of chemical dependency, listen to "Snowblind Friend".
Great song from a great band so underrated 🍻🎵🎶
Interesting song, lyrics very prevalent. I found the change of tempos interesting giving the song a very quirky feel. Love the guitar riffs.💕
1969, great music and lyrics are timeless
I'm glad people are starting to wake up to the old music I think a lot of our Laurel Canyon generation bands had a lot to say in a message a lot of the parents of the band members from Laurel Canyon were all military intelligence people in high up in military so again something to say there's messages in our music that we need to know about
John Kay has such a deep soulful voice. I'd like you to do a reaction to It's Never Too Late. This request is for all out there struggling with Mental Health issues and the one's with suicidal tendencies.
50 years ago we were the sons and daughters. Today we have the same fights. Will today's sons and daughters do a better job than we did?
The song was cut off at the end. Great song fitting for today. Steppenwolf was so ahead of their time.
The unfortunate part is that once we got out of Viet Nam and once Nixon resigned everyone just seemed to go home and party. The movement and the moment passed. Let's hope/act that it doesn't pass this time.
Give a listen to For What It's Worth by Buffalo Springfield.
Steppenwolf was Raging against the machine long before it was popular. They never left that behind = my favorite album is mostly underrated SLOW FLUX with Gang War Blues (still relevant) and Justice don't be slow (political song about Nixon / Watergate) Get into the wind is a mover (motorcycle song) and Children of the night (obviously still relevant) classic album.
the erasing and rewriting of history will lead us into a continual pattern as we wont ever learn a lesson well enough to remember and find our self's at the end of the Record where there is nothing but the continual skip as we are told of injustices committed onto us yet never witness them because we have stuck our heads into the ground long ago.
That song ended too soon. There is whole nother section called "America".
Look at the song eve of destruction it also is relevant today as it was in the 60's
Please do a reaction to Anne Murray “A LITTLE GOOD NEWS TODAY “. I can’t find a reaction of this song anywhere and it is so timeless. God Bless you!
Check out “The Ostrich” and “Move Over” by Steppenwolf too.
us old men saw where we were headed...
Disappointed that the gabby berret video had to be taken down
Your analysis is spot on correct.
Do more protest please.
Born to be Wild by Steppin Wolf. Check it out.
That got cut short, must be the radio version
..and the monster is now on the loose again 😢
Even more relevant today than probably since it was written and performed. Every political hack should be locked in a room and be forced to listen to this while reading the lyrics out loud before starting their day
three words...LIVE VERSION (i know its too late for that but its better)
Ya gotta love John Kay!
Monster off the Live album has way more ENERGY but one of my favorite political songs.... Don't step on the grass SAM is another good one
But still it is an old theme down through the ages. Isn't it? We humans are always doing that.
Check out Steppenwolf’s The Ostrich.
If you think this is the same today you need to listen to Eve of destruction from the 60's
No that was wimpy just to make a buck
Not really the 70s. It was actually 1969 during the Vietnam War.
@Dan Thomas Yes, I know. But my 'point' was about the song, not whether the war extended into the 70s. Ty mentioned in the video that it was done in the 70s. I was merely stating that the song was released in 1969 (on the cusp of the 70's) when the war was really starting to wear on people which was basically the context in which the song was done as was a lot of songs in that period. That's all I was saying.
actually, the 60s.
I'd like to see a reaction video to "If You Only Knew" by Shinedown.
1969 How did artists understand this first?
GREAT choice...see you soon
Can you please do "Midnight" by Coldplay? The song is so calming!
What happened to the rest of the song? You cut it short.
if you give a listen to the pusher man then listen to snowblind friend - - they are strong = = = by steppenwolf
we've all seen people walking around with tombstones in their eyes !!!
you will also have to get past the language in the pusher
Straight shooting woman by Steppenwolf and move over.
You need to check out the song eve of destruction
Written in 1967
Please play Grave Robber by petra and the road to Zion from Petra 🎸✌️🔮🌈💜☀️🔮 God bless ☀️ thank you ✌️😇
This song was my generation and it changed NOTHING ! it helped a generation unite but our power was unable to stop the war or the political corruption. I feel hopeless for the Country. May 8 2022 by DemGhost
Vietnam era.
sofkngood