Michael Monarch's departure from Steppenwolf was instigated by clashes in egos and drug issues: Prior to claiming one of the renowned '60s guitar riffs, Monarch worked with luminaries such as Janis Joplin, Jimmy Page, and Free's Andy Fraser.
Interview with Michael Monarch, Guitarist of Steppenwolf
In a fascinating conversation with our website, Michael Monarch, the teenage guitarist who played on Steppenwolf's iconic 1968 hit "Born to Be Wild", shares insights about his musical journey.
Monarch joined Steppenwolf when he was just a teenager, lending his unique style to the band's sound. The following year, he contributed uncredited work on Janis Joplin's solo album, "I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama!", further cementing his influence on the rock scene.
Reflecting on his initial interest in music, Monarch recalls wanting to play drums as a child, but his parents encouraged him to take piano lessons. By age 14, he had switched to drums and began teaching himself guitar, inspired by bands such as the Yardbirds.
Growing up in the vibrant Los Angeles music scene during the late '60s had a significant impact on Monarch's career. He describes the Sunset Strip as a bustling hub of young, talented musicians, with an energy that was special and distinct.
As Monarch was coming up, he was drawn to sounds reminiscent of his idols, the Yardbirds. His first guitars were far from ideal for rock, but he managed to make do with a Guild semi-acoustic, a Mosrite knockoff, and eventually a Fender Esquire.
In 1968, Monarch joined Steppenwolf after being impressed by the band's keyboard player, Goldy McJohn, and drummer Jerry Edmonton. After a neighbor discovered them rehearsing in a small garage in West Hollywood, they were signed by record producer Gabriel Mekkler and changed their name to Steppenwolf.
Monarch's wild spirit and lack of formal training brought a unique edge to Steppenwolf's sound. He recalls recording "Born to Be Wild" with a Fender Esquire plugged into a Fender Concert Amp, turning everything to 10 for maximum distortion.
Following Steppenwolf's success, Monarch lent his talents to Janis Joplin's album, credited as an uncredited session musician. He worked with her producer, Gabriel Mekkler, who was also behind the scenes at Steppenwolf.
Monarch reflects on the end of his time in Steppenwolf due to internal conflicts and the influence of drugs. He has continued to pursue music, working with Deep Purple's Roger Glover, Free's Andy Fraser, and leading his own projects. His latest album, "Playtime", showcases his unique style and blend of rock, jazz, and fusion harmonies.
Playtime is available now for purchase. Monarch remains humble yet proud of his contributions to rock history, noting the honor of having "Born to Be Wild" as the first single ever to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- Michael Monarch, the guitarist in Steppenwolf known for playing on their hit "Born to Be Wild," shared insights about his musical journey during an interview.
- Monarch was inspired to learn guitar by bands like the Yardbirds and switched from playing drums to teach himself the instrument at age 14.
- During his time in the vibrant Los Angeles music scene of the late '60s, Monarch used a Guild semi-acoustic, a Mosrite knockoff, and eventually a Fender Esquire guitar.
- Monarch joined Steppenwolf after being impressed by the band's keyboard player and drummer, and they were signed by record producer Gabriel Mekkler after a neighbor discovered them rehearsing.
- To record "Born to Be Wild," Monarch plugged his Fender Esquire guitar into a Fender Concert Amp, turning everything to 10 for maximum distortion.
