THE NEW LEAD SINGERS
The Eight Men Who Replaced John Kay
The Eight Men Who Replaced John Kay
1. Tom Pagan
The first new lead vocalist, joined in early 1977. Today teaches the word of God through his ministry based in Los Angeles, California. Pagan performed with Goldy McJohn, Kent Henry, and Nick St. Nicholas.
2. Larry Green
Lead vocalist of a New Steppenwolf band in 1978, which included Nick St. Nicholas. Sounded like Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin. Worked on a new Wolf album (never released) with legendary producer Phil Spector. Current whereabouts unknown.
3. Bob Simpson
Lead vocalist of two New Steppenwolf bands that featured different line-ups. The first included Rushton Moreve, Goldy McJohn and Kent Henry, the second, Nick St. Nicholas. Simpson sang and played guitar for the Denver, Colorado band Nightwolf from 2001-2014.
4. Peter McGraw
Lead vocalist of a New Steppenwolf band in 1979 to early 1980 which included Goldy McJohn, today is an established recording artist and performer in Canada. His 2009 album, "Follow Me To The Blues" received critical acclaim.
2. Larry Green
Lead vocalist of a New Steppenwolf band in 1978, which included Nick St. Nicholas. Sounded like Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin. Worked on a new Wolf album (never released) with legendary producer Phil Spector. Current whereabouts unknown.
3. Bob SimpsonLead vocalist of two New Steppenwolf bands that featured different line-ups. The first included Rushton Moreve, Goldy McJohn and Kent Henry, the second, Nick St. Nicholas. Simpson sang and played guitar for the Denver, Colorado band Nightwolf from 2001-2014.
4. Peter McGrawLead vocalist of a New Steppenwolf band in 1979 to early 1980 which included Goldy McJohn, today is an established recording artist and performer in Canada. His 2009 album, "Follow Me To The Blues" received critical acclaim.
5. Tommy HollandLead vocalist of a New Steppenwolf band in 1979, today fronts the House Of Holland band based in Chicago. Holland's wolf band featured Nick St. Nicholas, and future Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali.
6. Don Coenen Lead vocalist of a new Steppenwolf that toured in 1979 and early 1980 that had the distinction of being the only one that featured no "former members" of original Steppenwolf bands. Today Coenen performs with Nightwolf, a Denver, Colorado band. Occasionally, Coenen still sings "Born to Be Wild."
7. Tim West
Lead vocalist of a New Steppenwolf band in early 1980, which included Kent Henry. Currently lives near Los Angeles, California, and still sings and performs with regional bands.
Lead vocalist of a New Steppenwolf band in early 1980, which included Kent Henry. Currently lives near Los Angeles, California, and still sings and performs with regional bands.
8. Nick GrahamLead vocalist of a New Steppenwolf band in 1980, which included Kent Henry and Goldy McJohn. It was the last New Steppenwolf band without John Kay to tour. Graham is best known as having been lead singer of southern rock's The Doubleshot Band, from Savannah, Georgia. He died April 17, 2014 at age 59 after a long illness.
"FORMER MEMBERS"
OF STEPPENWOLF
Goldy McJohn, Rushton Moreve,
Nick St. Nicloas and Kent Henry
OF STEPPENWOLF
Goldy McJohn, Rushton Moreve,
Nick St. Nicloas and Kent Henry
1977 Photo: Top row: Jamie James and Tony DeSanti, bottom row: Goldy McJohn, Kent Henry and Nick St Nicholas. Seated: Tom Pagan.
Only four members of the original Dunhill recording-era Steppenwolf ever participated in New Steppenwolf bands that were formed and toured during John Kay's absence: Goldy McJohn, Rushton Moreve, Nick St. Nicholas, and Kent Henry. How many different versions of New Steppenwolf did they each tour with?
Nick St. Nicholas was a member of four different versions of New Steppenwolf. He worked in the bands fronted by Tom Pagan, Larry Green, Bob Simpson and Tommy Holland. Nicholas' years of particpation: 1977-1980.
Kent Henry was also a member of four different versions of New Steppenwolf. He worked in the bands fronted by Tom Pagan, Bob Simpson, Tim West and Nick Graham. Henry's years of particpation: 1977-1980. (Henry died in 2009.)
Goldy McJohn was a member of three different versions of New Steppenwolf. He worked in the bands fronted by Tom Pagan, Peter McGraw and Nick Graham. McJohn's years of particpation: 1977-1980. (McJohn did make a 'guest appearance' at one concert with a New Steppenwolf band fronted by Bob Simpson, but was not a member of that band.)
Rushton Moreve appeared in only one New Steppenwolf band, which was fronted by Bob Simpson. Moreve's year of particpation: 1978. The group toured 3 months at best, then disbanded. (Moreve died in 1981.)
Nick St. Nicholas was a member of four different versions of New Steppenwolf. He worked in the bands fronted by Tom Pagan, Larry Green, Bob Simpson and Tommy Holland. Nicholas' years of particpation: 1977-1980.
Kent Henry was also a member of four different versions of New Steppenwolf. He worked in the bands fronted by Tom Pagan, Bob Simpson, Tim West and Nick Graham. Henry's years of particpation: 1977-1980. (Henry died in 2009.)
Goldy McJohn was a member of three different versions of New Steppenwolf. He worked in the bands fronted by Tom Pagan, Peter McGraw and Nick Graham. McJohn's years of particpation: 1977-1980. (McJohn did make a 'guest appearance' at one concert with a New Steppenwolf band fronted by Bob Simpson, but was not a member of that band.)
Rushton Moreve appeared in only one New Steppenwolf band, which was fronted by Bob Simpson. Moreve's year of particpation: 1978. The group toured 3 months at best, then disbanded. (Moreve died in 1981.)
BEYOND VH1's 1998
"BEHIND THE MUSIC"
The Inside Story of New Steppenwolf Bands
Fronted by Pagan, Simpson, Coenen and West
From VH1's "Behind the Music: Steppewolf." Photo from left to nght: Tony DeSanti, Jamie James, Nick St. Nicholas, Tom Pagan, Kent Henry (in fron of Pagan) and Goldy McJohn.
VH1's "Behind the Music: Steppenwolf" program, originally broadcast in 1998 (still viewable on the internet) focused on Goldy McJohn and Nick St. Nicholas' participation in a New Steppenwolf band. Appearing in photos, Kent Henry is seen in the band, but his involvement virtually is ignored. Missed completely is Rushton Moreve's participation in a version of New Steppenwolf, which also is never mentioned in John Kay's "Magic Carpet Ride" book. "Behind the Music: Steppenwolf" made it appear that Goldy and Nick were a team throughout what has been called the "Bogus Wolf" period. That is far from the truth. The first New Steppenwolf band formed (with vocalist Tom Pagan) did feature McJohn, St. Nicholas and Henry in the same band. But, in early 1978, McJohn and St. Nicholas parted ways due to working disagreements and went on to form several different line-ups of their own New Steppenwolf bands. The two never played in the same band again. McJohn did, however, pair up with Henry in a 1980 New Steppenwolf band. All of the photos of New Steppenwolf that appeared in the "Behind the Music" Steppenwolf" were the first version of the band from 1977, which included Pagan. None of the eight versions of New Steppenwolf, which followed, ending in 1980, were pictured.
Tom Pagan Recalls How the First
"New Steppenwolf" was Formed
1978 Poster: Top row left to right: Goldy McJohn, Nick St. Nicholas and Jamie James. Bottom row left to right: Tony Flynn, Tom Pagan and Jimmy Hunter.
Tom Pagan Recalls The How The
First New Wolf Came Apart
From the Ashes, a 4th Version of
New Steppenwolf is Assembled
First New Wolf Came Apart
In late 1977 into early 1978, the first New Steppenwolf band would experience several changes in its line-up. Due to substance abuse issues, Kent Henry was replaced by guitarist Tony Flynn. Drummer Tony DeSanti departed the band as well. "The only reason that we needed to replace him was that he was tired of being on the road and away from his family," Pagan recalled "He decided that he had had enough. Can't blame him. That's when Jimmy (Hunter) replaced him." Drummer Jimmy Hunter soon left and was replaced by Jack White. Goldy McJohn then departed due to substance abuse issues and was replaced by keyboardist Evan Smith. Then Pagan threw in the towel due to burn-out. "My voice was shot," he recalled. One of his "best memories" in New Steppenwolf was rooming with Kent Henry while the band was on the road. "He was the sweetest guy you'd ever want to meet."
With Tom Pagan gone, Nick St. Nicholas gathered up the remaining musicians, Jamie James, Evan Smith and Jack White, and recuited a new singer named Larry Green forming a new band he simply called "The Wolf." Nicholas cut his ties with Promoter Steve Green and went with Dave Presnell to manage the band. This Wolf went on tour around Spring 1978. James penned many new songs during this period (including "Gimme Some Cold Cash") and the band recorded several of the new tunes with legendary record Producer Phil Spector. This Wolf disbanded by the end of summer. Pictured: Jamie James.
Nick St. Nicholas Salvages Players
and Forms Band Called "The Wolf"
and Forms Band Called "The Wolf"
With Tom Pagan gone, Nick St. Nicholas gathered up the remaining musicians, Jamie James, Evan Smith and Jack White, and recuited a new singer named Larry Green forming a new band he simply called "The Wolf." Nicholas cut his ties with Promoter Steve Green and went with Dave Presnell to manage the band. This Wolf went on tour around Spring 1978. James penned many new songs during this period (including "Gimme Some Cold Cash") and the band recorded several of the new tunes with legendary record Producer Phil Spector. This Wolf disbanded by the end of summer. Pictured: Jamie James.Photos in the poster above show (from left to right): Rushton Moreve, Bob Simpson, Kent Henry, drummer Jerry Posin and keyboard player John Hall.
Rushton Moreve Recruited, Kent Henry
Returns, Simpson Hired for 3rd New Wolf
By early June 1978, another New Steppenwolf band was be formed by Promoter Steve Green. Green had recruited original Steppenwolf bass guitarist Rushton Moreve, and rehired Kent Henry to join the new venture. Bob Simpson (who also played guitar) was brought in as the new lead singer, with John Hall on keyborads and Jerry Posin on drms to complete the band. This band went on tour that summer, creating confusions for Steppenwolf fans, as two versions of New Steppenwolf were touring at the same time; this band and St. Nicholas' band mentioned above. Reports are that John Kay discovered this, and insisted only one of the bands had the right to use the Steppenwolf name. Thus, this version disbanded around late August or early September.Returns, Simpson Hired for 3rd New Wolf
Top left: Nick St. Nicholas. Top right: Ruben DeFuentes. Lower left:
Frankie Banali. Lower right: Bob Simpson. Click on photo to enlarge.
New Steppenwolf is Assembled
With the disbandment of the two New Steppenwolf bands mentioned above, Nick St. Nicholas agreed to work with Promoter Steve Green again if the shenanigans stopped. Bob Simpson joined St. Nicholas, and guitarist Ruben DeFuentes and drummer Frankie Banali were hired to complete a new band by the end of September. St. Nicholas and DeFuentes had worked and recorded together with Blue Cheer in 1976. This version of the band went on tour and lasted until the end of April 1979. Banali was replaced in early March of that year with Jack White.
A 5th Version of New Steppenwolf
Pops Up Featuring McJohn's Return
In early 1979, when Goldy McJohn was a member of the band Southern Pacific (which featured vocalist Peter McGraw), a plan was hatched to tour as Steppenwolf. With the exception of McGraw and McJohn, new musicians were hired. "The Wolf," as the band preferred to be called according to one newspaper article, included guitarist Paul Nauman, Ricky Reed on bass and drummer Rene Bernard. Robbie Roberti soon replaced Bernard on drums. This version of Wolf lasted until the fall of 1979.
Pictured: Holland, Emery, St. Nicholas, DeFuentes and Riley.
Pictured: The band Southern Pacific. Far left is Goldy McJohn, far right is Peter McGraw (with moustache.) The other musicians pictured were replaced to form "The Wolf."
Pops Up Featuring McJohn's Return
Pictured: Holland, Emery, St. Nicholas, DeFuentes and Riley.
St. Nicholas' Band Undergoes Shake Up,
6th Version of New Steppenwolf Emerges
Cast of Unknowns Band Together for
a 7th Version of New Steppenwolf
According to early 1980 Alaskan newspaper accounts, one-time Steppenwolf Kent Henry formed what was billed as a "Steppenwolf World Tour," which featured singer/guitarist Tim West in the role of lead vocalist. The March 3, 1980 edition of the Anchorage Daily News reported "Tim West (was) dressed in black and wearing dark sunglasses, was blantant in his imitation of original singer John Kay." The band also featured Mark Frere on bass guitar, Jerry Posin on drums, and a keyboard player. Henry, Frere and Posin worked together in 1979 in The Kent Henry Band and a revival of Blues Image. New compositions like "Blow this Popstand" (written by Frere) were played at Wolf shows. Unlike Goldy McJohn and Nick St. Nicholas, Henry was not part of the original licensing agreement to use the Steppenwolf name. Pictured: Mark Frere.
With McJohn and Peter McGraw parting ways upon the breakup of their Wolf Band, and the disbanding of Kent Henry's above mentioned Wolf band, the McJohn and Henry were recruited once more by Promoter Steve Green to tour as another New Steppenwolf. Green hatched the idea while booking shows for High Intensity, a Savannah, Georgia band featuring Nick Graham (lead vocals/guitar), Jim McKinnon (lead guitar), Paul Conroe (bass) and (drummer) Lawrence Hammock. "Steve asked us if we'd like to go on tour as Steppenwolf," Graham recalled. McKinnon and the name High Intesity were shed, McJohn and Henry were added, and the band began touring as Steppenwolf. Half of the set list were Wolf hits, the original compositions Graham wrote and performed with High Intensity. The group disbanded the end of 1980, leaving only John Kay and Steppenwolf as the "one and only" Steppenwolf band touring. Pictured: Nick Graham.
Frankie Banali, Ruben DeFuentes, Nick St. Nicholas, and Bob Simpson.
Oliver Tuthill may have never gone on tour with the 1979 New Steppenwolf band that featured Nick St. Nicholas, but he became a part of Wolf history. "I never performed with them in public," guitarist Tuthill said in an interview. "Privately in their home, I did. I recorded "Night of the Wolf" with them in a world-class studio. I was friends with their manager, Dave Pesnell, and he introduced me to Nick St. Nicholas. When they rehearsed, they invited me to jam with them, which I did often."
Nick St. Nicholas performs the New Steppenwolf song, "Night of the Wolf" with his band Starwolf in a 1986 music video. Nick formed the Starwolf after John Kay reclaimed the Steppenwolf name. Starwolf's lineup: Nick St. Nicholas (bass, vocals), Steve Stewart (keyboards, vocals), Dave Kury (lead guitar, vocals), Dean Woytcke (drums.) This was originally aired as an episode of "eXXtra," produced and directed live in the White Bear Lake studio by Larry Hutchinson Hutch. See NIGHT OF THE WOLF video. See all videos of STARWOLF ON YOUTUBE.
For stories on concerts and recorded concerts, see right hand rail.
6th Version of New Steppenwolf Emerges
When Bob Simpson was fired the end of April 1979, a new line-up emerged in June regarding St. Nicholas' Wolf band. Lead vocalist Tommy Holland was hired, a keyboardist named Geoffrey Emery, and drummer Dick Jurgens replaced Jack White. Ruben DeFuentes stayed on as lead guitarist. After a month, Jurgens quit, Jack White returning briefly before the band settled on drummer Steve Riley. When a disgruntled DeFuentes began sittng out shows in that fall in protest over payment issues, guitarist Tony Flynn filled in and soon replaced him. With John Kay suing to regain exclusive right to the Steppenwolf name, the band disbanded. St. Nicholas formed an all-new bands beginning in 1980 with Lone Wolf, then Starwolf, and went on tour leaving the Steppenwolf name behind.
Pictured: Don Coenen (in sunglasses), Geoffrey Emery (beside him at right) and Tony Flynn (between them, standing behind.) Other two musicians are unidentified.
Cast of Unknowns Band Together for
a 7th Version of New Steppenwolf
With the break-up of St. Nicholas' Wolf band, in early 1980, Tony Flynn and Geoffrey Emery recruited a singer named Don Coenen, and a bass guitarist and drummer and began touring clubs as Steppenwolf. "Tony Flynn got the idea to just use the name and go out on the road," an anonymous inside source recalled "Flynn talked Emery into it, with Don Coenen fronting the band as lead singer. It was a totally bogus wolf band." The key as to how this band (comprised completely of unknowns) was able to tour as Steppenwolf was likely due to a legal loophole. Geoffrey Emery's name was added to a 'revised' July 1979 licensing agreement signed by John Kay to use the Steppenwolf name. The amendment was a move to to exclude Goldy McJohn, replacing him with Emery, and continuing the arrangement Nick St. Nicholas. At the time of the revised agreement, Emery was the keyboard player in St. Nicholas' New Steppenwolf. It's likely Kay never imagined Emery would venture off on his own using the Steppenwolf name comprised of unknown musicians. Emery, who was also a lawyer, believed the amendment allowed him to use the name on his own. He concluded any band line-up, as long as he was included, had the authority to use the Steppenwolf name. Concert goers seeing the Don Coenen New Steppenwolf band and were astonished, and angry, as they did not see any members from the band's past. This band soon broke up as Flynn and Emery set their eyes on their next venture, forming a "Bogus" Deep Purple band.
Henry Highjacks the Steppenwolf name,
Tours with Unauthorized 8th Wolf Band
Tours with Unauthorized 8th Wolf Band
According to early 1980 Alaskan newspaper accounts, one-time Steppenwolf Kent Henry formed what was billed as a "Steppenwolf World Tour," which featured singer/guitarist Tim West in the role of lead vocalist. The March 3, 1980 edition of the Anchorage Daily News reported "Tim West (was) dressed in black and wearing dark sunglasses, was blantant in his imitation of original singer John Kay." The band also featured Mark Frere on bass guitar, Jerry Posin on drums, and a keyboard player. Henry, Frere and Posin worked together in 1979 in The Kent Henry Band and a revival of Blues Image. New compositions like "Blow this Popstand" (written by Frere) were played at Wolf shows. Unlike Goldy McJohn and Nick St. Nicholas, Henry was not part of the original licensing agreement to use the Steppenwolf name. Pictured: Mark Frere.
McJohn and Henry Reunite for One
Final Howl in 9th New Steppenwolf
Final Howl in 9th New Steppenwolf
With McJohn and Peter McGraw parting ways upon the breakup of their Wolf Band, and the disbanding of Kent Henry's above mentioned Wolf band, the McJohn and Henry were recruited once more by Promoter Steve Green to tour as another New Steppenwolf. Green hatched the idea while booking shows for High Intensity, a Savannah, Georgia band featuring Nick Graham (lead vocals/guitar), Jim McKinnon (lead guitar), Paul Conroe (bass) and (drummer) Lawrence Hammock. "Steve asked us if we'd like to go on tour as Steppenwolf," Graham recalled. McKinnon and the name High Intesity were shed, McJohn and Henry were added, and the band began touring as Steppenwolf. Half of the set list were Wolf hits, the original compositions Graham wrote and performed with High Intensity. The group disbanded the end of 1980, leaving only John Kay and Steppenwolf as the "one and only" Steppenwolf band touring. Pictured: Nick Graham.
WOLF TRACKS 1977-80
New Steppenwolf in the Recording Studio
New Steppenwolf in the Recording Studio
1977: By all accounts, virtually every New Steppenwolf band entered a recording studio to lay down tracks in hopes of releasing a New Steppenwolf album. A demo tape of 3 new studio songs featuring Tom Pagan's Wolf was shopped around by promoter Steve Green but failed to generate interest from record companies.
1978: Legendary Phil Spector and Dave Presnell worked in the studio with the Wolf band fronted by Larry Green which included Nick St. Nicholas. Several new compositions were recorded including "Gimme Some Cold Cash" (but not enough for an album.) Demo tapes were shopped to record companies but no contract transpired.
ANOTHER IN 1978: Bob Simpson's first Wolf band featuring Kent Henry and Rushton Moreve also recorded several new studio compositions (including Rushton's "They Bleed") in hopes of an album, but this version of Wolf broke up after a few months. and the tapes were shelved.
1978: Legendary Phil Spector and Dave Presnell worked in the studio with the Wolf band fronted by Larry Green which included Nick St. Nicholas. Several new compositions were recorded including "Gimme Some Cold Cash" (but not enough for an album.) Demo tapes were shopped to record companies but no contract transpired.
ANOTHER IN 1978: Bob Simpson's first Wolf band featuring Kent Henry and Rushton Moreve also recorded several new studio compositions (including Rushton's "They Bleed") in hopes of an album, but this version of Wolf broke up after a few months. and the tapes were shelved.
Frankie Banali, Ruben DeFuentes, Nick St. Nicholas, and Bob Simpson.
1979: The most ambitious and complete new album project was "Night of the Wolf in 1979, which came very close to being released. It remains the greatest New Steppenwolf album attempt of the non-Kay period. According to singer Bob Simpson, "Record companies expressed interest, and we could have secured a contact."
Recording began in January 1979 when the band took a brief hiatus from touring. Bob Simpson, Nick St. Nicholas, Ruben DeFuentes and Frankie Banali had worked on up to a dozen new songs. They entered a recording studio in Hollywood and got to work. But, soon, a line-up reshuffling saw Banali depart the band in early March (replaced by Jack White) and Simpson the end of April.
Recording began in January 1979 when the band took a brief hiatus from touring. Bob Simpson, Nick St. Nicholas, Ruben DeFuentes and Frankie Banali had worked on up to a dozen new songs. They entered a recording studio in Hollywood and got to work. But, soon, a line-up reshuffling saw Banali depart the band in early March (replaced by Jack White) and Simpson the end of April.
Nick and Ruben stayed, while a new lead singer, Tommy Holland, and keyboard player Geoffrey Emery were recruited. Next, a series of drummers took place, beginning with Dick Jurgens, replacing White. Jurgens quit the band only after one month, and White filled the spot again until new drummer Steve Riley was recruited mid-summer.
Upon Tommy Holland's entry, New Steppenwolf went back into the recording studio to reworking the tracks to reflect the new band's line-up. Holland did new voice overs. "They replaced Simpson's vocals with mine," Holland recalled. Banali's drum tracks were erased and replaced using both White and Riley. (Jurgens recalled he did not particpate in the recordings.) "They added my keyboards to the mix," Emery recalled. Nick St. Nicholas mixed and mastered the album himself.
Reports are that John Kay, who was already entertaining regaining exclusive right to the Steppenwolf name for himself, learned of the album and employed every legal maneuver to halt it. The album got tied up in the use of the Steppenwolf name (lease agreement) due to lapse in payments to Kay and Jerry Edmonton. This constituted a breach of contract. "Suddenly the record companies that were interested in signing the album wouldn't touch it due to the legal dispute," Bob Simpson recalled. Thus, the album was shelved forever. Besides the song "Night of the Wolf," other tunes reported recorded were "I Don't Want to Lose You" "Easy Rider" and "Randy's Rodeo."
1980: A completed New Steppenwolf album that was prepared for release in the fall of 1980, was also scuttled. Just before summer that year, promoter Steve Green formed one last New Steppenwolf band, recruiting Goldy McJohn and Kent Henry to pair up with an existing band from Savannah, Georgia by the name of High Intensity. The regional club band featured Nick Graham on vocals, Paul Conroe on bass, Jim McKinnon on guitar and drummer Lawrence Hammock. According to Graham, Green asked him and band mates if they'd like to go on the road "as Steppenwolf." Shedding Jim McKinnon and the High Intensity name, McJohn and Henry joined Graham, Conroe and Hammock and went on the road as Steppenwolf, criss crossing the county and Europe on tour.
When did this final new Steppenwolf album transpire? Actually, before Graham, Conroe and Hammock met Kent Henry and Goldy McJohn. Before the "Steppenwolf" arrangement occurred, the High Intensity band had been recording an album of original material with hopes of landing a record contract. These recordings were now reworked remixed to become a new Steppenwolf album.
Upon Tommy Holland's entry, New Steppenwolf went back into the recording studio to reworking the tracks to reflect the new band's line-up. Holland did new voice overs. "They replaced Simpson's vocals with mine," Holland recalled. Banali's drum tracks were erased and replaced using both White and Riley. (Jurgens recalled he did not particpate in the recordings.) "They added my keyboards to the mix," Emery recalled. Nick St. Nicholas mixed and mastered the album himself.
Reports are that John Kay, who was already entertaining regaining exclusive right to the Steppenwolf name for himself, learned of the album and employed every legal maneuver to halt it. The album got tied up in the use of the Steppenwolf name (lease agreement) due to lapse in payments to Kay and Jerry Edmonton. This constituted a breach of contract. "Suddenly the record companies that were interested in signing the album wouldn't touch it due to the legal dispute," Bob Simpson recalled. Thus, the album was shelved forever. Besides the song "Night of the Wolf," other tunes reported recorded were "I Don't Want to Lose You" "Easy Rider" and "Randy's Rodeo."
1980: A completed New Steppenwolf album that was prepared for release in the fall of 1980, was also scuttled. Just before summer that year, promoter Steve Green formed one last New Steppenwolf band, recruiting Goldy McJohn and Kent Henry to pair up with an existing band from Savannah, Georgia by the name of High Intensity. The regional club band featured Nick Graham on vocals, Paul Conroe on bass, Jim McKinnon on guitar and drummer Lawrence Hammock. According to Graham, Green asked him and band mates if they'd like to go on the road "as Steppenwolf." Shedding Jim McKinnon and the High Intensity name, McJohn and Henry joined Graham, Conroe and Hammock and went on the road as Steppenwolf, criss crossing the county and Europe on tour.
When did this final new Steppenwolf album transpire? Actually, before Graham, Conroe and Hammock met Kent Henry and Goldy McJohn. Before the "Steppenwolf" arrangement occurred, the High Intensity band had been recording an album of original material with hopes of landing a record contract. These recordings were now reworked remixed to become a new Steppenwolf album.
"Goldy and I went into the studio and were added into the existing compositions," Henry recalled in a phone interview in 2003. The existing tracks of the original guitarist and keyboard player in the club band were erased and rerecorded by Henry and McJohn. "Their album, for the most part, was already completed when we were came in," Henry added. "But, Goldy and I did add a new song or two."
The master tape was then presented to record companies as a new Steppenwolf album. "We had one small record label that was interested in releasing a new Wolf album, but they shied away from it due to the legal challenges over the Steppenwolf name," Graham recalled. The album, mainly featuring compositions written by Graham, was never released. However, one song, "38 Ford", was rerecorded by Graham's The Doubleshot Band in 2004 and released on an album.
The master tape was then presented to record companies as a new Steppenwolf album. "We had one small record label that was interested in releasing a new Wolf album, but they shied away from it due to the legal challenges over the Steppenwolf name," Graham recalled. The album, mainly featuring compositions written by Graham, was never released. However, one song, "38 Ford", was rerecorded by Graham's The Doubleshot Band in 2004 and released on an album.
ON THE RECORD
"Night of the Wolf" Session Guitarist
"Night of the Wolf" Session Guitarist
Oliver Tuthill may have never gone on tour with the 1979 New Steppenwolf band that featured Nick St. Nicholas, but he became a part of Wolf history. "I never performed with them in public," guitarist Tuthill said in an interview. "Privately in their home, I did. I recorded "Night of the Wolf" with them in a world-class studio. I was friends with their manager, Dave Pesnell, and he introduced me to Nick St. Nicholas. When they rehearsed, they invited me to jam with them, which I did often."
TITLE TRACK CAPTURED
Nick's Starwolf Performs "Night of the Wolf"
Nick's Starwolf Performs "Night of the Wolf"
Nick St. Nicholas performs the New Steppenwolf song, "Night of the Wolf" with his band Starwolf in a 1986 music video. Nick formed the Starwolf after John Kay reclaimed the Steppenwolf name. Starwolf's lineup: Nick St. Nicholas (bass, vocals), Steve Stewart (keyboards, vocals), Dave Kury (lead guitar, vocals), Dean Woytcke (drums.) This was originally aired as an episode of "eXXtra," produced and directed live in the White Bear Lake studio by Larry Hutchinson Hutch. See NIGHT OF THE WOLF video. See all videos of STARWOLF ON YOUTUBE.
RECENT RELEASE
"Nightwolf Live" CD featuring Bob Simpson
Contains no Steppenwolf cover songs. Features former
Steppenwolf lead singer Bob Simpson. Available here.
"Nightwolf Live" CD featuring Bob Simpson
Contains no Steppenwolf cover songs. Features former
Steppenwolf lead singer Bob Simpson. Available here.
For stories on concerts and recorded concerts, see right hand rail.
Musicians see Fame after New Steppenwolf
Frankie Banali departed New Steppenwolf in early 1979 and went on to become the drummer of the heavy metal band Quiet Riot. He has also been the band's manager for the past decade. Banali also played drums in the heavy metal band W.A.S.P. and on several Billy Idol albums, among others, and was briefly a touring drummer for Faster Pussycat. He's recorded 8 albums with Quiet Riot, and recorded several with W.A.S.P. Banali's version of New Steppenwolf included Bob Simpson on vocals, Ruben DeFuentes on lead guitar, Nick St. Nicholas on bass, and occasionally keyboard player Armond Blackwater at southern venues.
Steve Riley left New Steppenwolf in early 1980 and went on to become a drummer for for the band W.A.S.P., then departed to join the heavy metal band L.A. Guns. Riley recorded 3 albums with W.A.S.P. and a dozen for far with L.A. Guns. Riley's version of New Steppenwolf included Tommy Holland on vocals, Ruben DeFuentes and then Tony Flyyn on lead guitar, and Nick St. Nicholas on bass. Riley still tours and is a member of L.A. Guns.
Jack White returned to The Rick Springfield Band (which he was drummer for before joining New Steppenwolf.) In 1981 recorded the #1 hit, Grammy-winning song, "Jessie's Girl" with the band. Continues to tour with Springfield today. His second marriage was to Katy Segal, of TV's "Married with Children." Divorced, they have two children. White's resume includes having played drums for Mitch Ryder, Ike and Tina Turner, Rare Earth, Redbone, Gary Puckett, The Knack, Johnny Cash, David Lee Roth, The Bee Gees. David Cassidy and Steve Perry to name a few. White's with the versions of New Steppenwolf that included lead singers Tom Pagan, Larry Green, Bob Simpson and Tommy Holland.
Careers of others in New Steppenwolf
Guitarist and singer Jamie James scored the hit ""My Mistake" with his band The Kingbees in 1980. Drummer Jimmy Hunter recorded with The Doors' Ray Manzarek, Flo and Eddie, Nick Glider and The Village People. Armond Blackwater, New Steppenwolf keyboardist on occasion, went on to play with Otis Day and the Knights. Jerry Posin was a drummer for Blues Image, The Kent Henry Band, and also collaborated with Cris Kirkwood of the Meat Puppets. Posin's current band, called Wolfpack, is recording an album of new material. Pictured: Jerry Posin.
THE NEW DEEP PURPLE?
3 Former New Wolf Members Join with
Rod Evans to Highjack DP Name
1. Drummer Dick Jurgens. 2. Guitarist Tony Flynn.
3. Keyboardist Geoffrey Emery
As New Steppenwolf bands were being dissolved by lawsuits filed by original lead singer John Kay in late 1979, three ex-members of various versions of New Steppenwolf began rehearsing another popular band's songs in a garage for their next venture. 3 Former New Wolf Members Join with
Rod Evans to Highjack DP Name
1. Drummer Dick Jurgens. 2. Guitarist Tony Flynn.3. Keyboardist Geoffrey Emery
The three would highjack the Deep Purple name and tour as a 'rvival' of the band. Former New Steppenwolf musicians Tony Flynn (guitar), Geoff Emery (keyboards) and Dick Jurgens (drums) became the foundation for the "New" Deep Purple band. Emery talked original lead singer Rod Evans into join in, thus giving the names some legitimacy. An unknown bass player named Tom DeRivera was hired to complete the line-up. The group began touring as the "New" Deep Purple in early 1980. Former members of the real Deep Purple sued, and brought the band bogus DP band to a halt by that fall. Photo inset: Flynn and Emery 1980. Also see FLYNN/EMERY/JURGENS: Relation Before New Deep Purple in right hand rail.
OTHER WOLF BANDS
St. Nicholas, Wilk, Johnson, Simpson & Coenen
St. Nicholas, Wilk, Johnson, Simpson & Coenen
Starwolf - Lone Wolf - The Wolf
In 1980 when Nick St. Nicholas departed New Steppenwolf, he formed several bands with the name wolf in them. The first being Starwolf, the second was Lone Wolf, and the final band was The Wolf, which disbanded in 1997 when St. Nicholas formed the World Classic Rockers with original Steppenwolf guitarist Michael Monarch. Visit the site.
The Wolf Tribe
In 2008, after decades of successful touring as guitarist and keyboardist with John Kay & Steppenwolf, Danny Johnson and Michael Wilk along with Jeff Bradshaw emerged as The Wolf Tribe. Visit their site.
Goldy and Frienz
Original Steppenwolf keyboardist Goldy McJohn is on tour with his own Steppenwolf showcase band playing the old hits with a new line-up of musicians. Visit their site.
Night Wolf
In Denver, Colorado, two former members of 1978-79 New Steppenwolf bands, Bob Simpson and Don Coenen, play in a band that calls itself Nightwolf, and occasionally perform classic Steppenwolf cover songs. Visit Nightwolf site.
Steppenwolf Tribute Band
From the state of Washington, John Kay look-a-like, and plays the band's biggest hits. Wolf Tribute Page.
In 1980 when Nick St. Nicholas departed New Steppenwolf, he formed several bands with the name wolf in them. The first being Starwolf, the second was Lone Wolf, and the final band was The Wolf, which disbanded in 1997 when St. Nicholas formed the World Classic Rockers with original Steppenwolf guitarist Michael Monarch. Visit the site.
The Wolf Tribe
In 2008, after decades of successful touring as guitarist and keyboardist with John Kay & Steppenwolf, Danny Johnson and Michael Wilk along with Jeff Bradshaw emerged as The Wolf Tribe. Visit their site.
Goldy and Frienz
Original Steppenwolf keyboardist Goldy McJohn is on tour with his own Steppenwolf showcase band playing the old hits with a new line-up of musicians. Visit their site.
Night Wolf
In Denver, Colorado, two former members of 1978-79 New Steppenwolf bands, Bob Simpson and Don Coenen, play in a band that calls itself Nightwolf, and occasionally perform classic Steppenwolf cover songs. Visit Nightwolf site.
Steppenwolf Tribute Band
From the state of Washington, John Kay look-a-like, and plays the band's biggest hits. Wolf Tribute Page.
