Watch Steppenwolf Perform “Born To Be Wild” In Midnight Special – What A Performance
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In the golden era of live television performances, The Midnight Special stood out as a stage for rock legends—and in 1975, Steppenwolf made sure their presence was unforgettable. Their performance of “Born To Be Wild” on the February 21st episode was more than just a song—it was an eruption of raw, untamed energy that defined their sound. The performance perfectly captured what made Steppenwolf icons of the hard rock genre.
Known for their gritty vocals and no-nonsense stage presence, the Los Angeles-based band had already secured a devoted fanbase by the mid-70s. They brought a rugged kind of rock to the mainstream, and The Midnight Special offered them the perfect stage to amplify that image. With the show’s signature moody lighting and energetic crowd, Steppenwolf’s appearance became one of the standout moments in the show’s history.
Though the show aired in 1975, it was part of a time when rock music on television was still treated as something rebellious and fresh. For Steppenwolf, who had already released major hits and topped charts, this performance wasn’t about proving themselves—it was about showing the world that their music was made to be heard live, loud, and with an edge that couldn’t be bottled.
The Song That Defined a Genre
“Born To Be Wild” didn’t just become a hit—it became a landmark. Released in 1968, the song helped define the sound of an emerging genre that would later be known as heavy metal. Its thunderous riff and the now-famous lyric “heavy metal thunder” were among the earliest uses of the phrase in music. While the term itself had literary roots—originating from William Burroughs’ novel The Soft Machine—Steppenwolf gave it a sound.
The track’s impact stretched beyond the radio waves. “Born To Be Wild” became the anthem for a generation of free-spirited rebels and was solidified in pop culture thanks to its inclusion in the 1969 film Easy Rider. The combination of the open road, roaring motorcycles, and Steppenwolf’s gritty sound became a symbol of freedom and counterculture. It was more than a song—it was a movement on two wheels.
What made the track enduring was its simplicity and power. With just a few chords and a thunderous delivery, it captured the primal spirit of rock. By the time Steppenwolf brought it to The Midnight Special, it had already become a classic—but watching them play it live reignited the fire and reminded audiences why it became a defining song of the era.
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A Performance Worth Revisiting
Watching Steppenwolf’s performance on The Midnight Special today still sends chills. There’s something timeless about the way lead singer John Kay belts out every word with raspy conviction, backed by a band that’s locked into a groove only seasoned road warriors can summon. It’s not just nostalgia—it’s witnessing a band at their peak doing what they do best.
The camera angles, stage setup, and audience reactions all feel authentic to the rawness of 70s rock shows. It wasn’t about perfection or polish—it was about passion. And Steppenwolf delivered that in spades. Every note of the performance screamed rebellion and authenticity, two traits that were—and still are—the backbone of rock ‘n’ roll.
So if you’ve never seen this performance, or if it’s been a while, take a few minutes and hit play. This is Steppenwolf in their purest form: loud, unapologetic, and born to be wild.
