Warm Classic Rock Interviews with Famous Music Legends of the '60s '70s '80s - A BREATH OF FRESH AIR - Steppenwolf's John Kay on Life Stories, Passions and Music

Steppenwolf's John Kay on Life Stories, Passions and Music

08/26/22 • 52 min

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Warm Classic Rock Interviews with Famous Music Legends of the '60s '70s '80s - A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Hi my friends,

Hope you’re having a good one.

STEPPENWOLF have always been one of my very favourite bands so nailing JOHN KAY for an interview was something of a coup. He speaks to the media very rarely these days and when he does, it’s usually about his charitable foundation - https://mauekay.org/

After months of hounding him, the founder and lead singer of the 60's Canadian American rock band, finally agreed to chat with me.

He delves deep into his past with personal stories about his treacherous escape from war-torn Europe. He tells us about his early days in Canada, how he initially formed the band and how he stumbled upon the name from a book by German author Herman Hesse.

He talks about Steppenwolf's amazing rise to success.

John also shares tales about how living the life of the rock star with all the crazy excesses nearly killed him.

He fondly recounts the time recently when he was invited back to a little town in Germany to share the stage with the ghost of Johan Sebastian Bach.

Today, John Kay is also incredibly proud of his personal evolution that's seen him transform from ‘Rock God’ into Wildlife Warrior. He tells us all about the places he's seen and how his work has been able to help both humans and animals in need.

It's fascinating stuff.

Don't miss this conversation with Steppenwolf's John Kay or his latest film - Born to Be Wild ‘From Rock Star to Wildlife Advocate'. https://mauekay.org/born-to-be-wild

You'll find the transcript to this interview on my website https://abreathoffreshair.com.au/ Please visit and let me know how you enjoy the show.

And, don't forget if you'd like to request a guest from the 60's, 70's or 80's who you'd like to hear interviewed. simply send me a message [email protected]

Hi my friends,

Hope you’re having a good one.

After months of hounding him, the founder and lead singer of the 60's Canadian American rock band, finally agreed to chat with me.

He talks about Steppenwolf's amazing rise to success.

John also shares tales about how living the life of the rock star with all the crazy excesses nearly killed him.

He fondly recounts the time recently when he was invited back to a little town in Germany to share the stage with the ghost of Johan Sebastian Bach.

It's fascinating stuff.

Don't miss this conversation with Steppenwolf's John Kay or his latest film - Born to Be Wild ‘From Rock Star to Wildlife Advocate'. https://mauekay.org/born-to-be-wild

You'll find the transcript to this interview on my website https://abreathoffreshair.com.au/ Please visit and let me know how you enjoy the show.

And, don't forget if you'd like to request a guest from the 60's, 70's or 80's who you'd like to hear interviewed. simply send me a message [email protected]

Previous Episode

Spandau Ballet's Tony Hadley, Maria Muldaur and Australia's Own, Richard Clapton

2 Recommendations

A Breath of Fresh Air loves the music and the musicians of the 60's 70's and 80's. And, if you’re a fan of 80’s music, you’re likely a huge fan of English new wave band, SPANDAU BALLET. The group was inspired by London’s post-punk underground dance scene and became one of the most successful groups of the New Romantic era. We meet lead singer TONY HADLEY who tells us all about his time with the band, why he left it and we check in with some of his latest music that he's taking on tour.

My next guest has been dubbed “The First Lady of Roots Music” for albums that touch on her wide-ranging influences. On her latest excursion, MARIA MULDAUR teamed up with an unknown New Orleans street-band. The singer has had a long and storied career but is known around the world for that one particular song about a camel. You know the one I'm talking about, don’t you? We check in with Maria to hear all about how 'Midnight at the Oasis' came to be. You could be pretty surprised to learn the real story!

This week's listener's choice finds us chatting with one of Australia’s consummate hippies and most beloved musicians, RICHARD CLAPTON. The uber cool Richard joins us to walk us through his long career and regales us with stories of his past and present and his hopes for the future. If you don't know Richard Clapton's music, this interview will shine a lot of light on the man and the songs he's popularised over many years.

Do you have an artist you’d like to hear from? Just send me a message [email protected] and I’ll do my best to get your favourite 60’s, 70’s or 80’s artist onto the show to chat with them. If you like, you'd be welcome to join me to say hi too!

Hope you enjoy the show. If you do, perhaps you'd consider subscribing? Or maybe you could share it with some of your friends? You might even like to leave me a review/rating on the platform you're listening to it on. I'd be sooooo grateful!

Till next week then,

Warm regards

Sandy

Next Episode

Bill Haley Jr, Steam's Bill Pascali and Bluesman Larry McCray

His dad was known as 'The Father of Rock and Roll' but he was, unfortunately, no father to his own son. BILL HALEY JR has a new book out about his legendary dad and tells us that all Bill Haley wanted to do was get kids up and dancing again. Join me to hear that despite Bill Haley being way ahead of his time, playing ‘race music’ with a ‘hillbilly touch’ he enjoyed success for only a few short years before Elvis 'pipped him at the post', sending him spiralling into depression until his life was tragically cut short.

Meet BILL PASCALI, a singer known as the ghost of rock n roll. You may not have heard his name but he's best known for carrying on the legend of that one hit wonder group, STEAM, into current times. You remember Steam don’t you? Or at least their monster hit- Na Na Na Hey Hey? Bill debunks all the myths around the track and the band for us.

For self taught bluesman, LARRY MCCRAY, his latest success is somewhat bittersweet. The 62 year old has recently been taken under the wing of blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa who has helped him cut his latest album 'Blues Without You'. We catch up with Larry to hear all about his roots, what his sadness is and what he sees as the future of the Blues genre he grew up with.

Join me won’t you? And don’t forget if you’d like to request a guest from the 60’s 70’s or 80’s, simply send me an email to [email protected]

You can find more information about the artists I speak with every week by heading to the website www.abreathoffreshair.com.au