Being only 16, my Dad had to drive me from Caldwell to the cavernous South Mountain Arena in West Orange. Music was my special friend by 1969, and I can't remember anybody wanting to go with me so I went solo. South Mountain Arena was more suited to ice hockey. In fact, the New Jersey Rockets used to play there and my father and I went to a few of their games The New Jersey Devils used it years later as their practice facility. Perhaps this is how I found out about the concert.

Steppenwolf was led by John Kay and they had a couple of huge radio hits, 'Born To Be Wild' and "Magic Carpet Ride' .. But I was not prepared for the musical assault that awaited me.

Opening, was Genya Ravan and Ten Wheel Drive. They were a large, horn-driven band from New York. Subsequently, I would see Genya open many shows in the Metropolitan area. After their brief set, the lights went low and out came Steppenwolf. No way was I ready for all the 'finger pointing songs' as Dylan called them that Steppenwolf played.

1969 was a turbulent time in America. There was an us versus them mentality, the young against the old. And Steppenwolf was questioning the direction of America in dealing with poverty, Vietnam, and legalization of cannabis. Songs that blew me away that night were 'Monster' (he's got our head in a noose and he just keeps watching'), 'The Pusher' which was written by Hoyt Axton ('if I were President I'd declare total war on the pusher man') 'Sookie Sookie' written by Don Covay ('let it hang out baby'), and 'Don't Step On The Grass, Sam" where John Kay pleaded with Washington to leave the ganja lovers alone. They also did their hits, but it is these songs I remember.

Funny, but as much as I enjoyed this first concert, Steppenwolf was never really a favorite of mine after this. I did own one live record by them. But I think they opened my eyes to music that just wasn't about having fun, chasing girls, and fast cars. Perhaps that ordinary citizens must question authority in a free society. Valuable lessons for a 16 year old suburban Jersey kid!!

Next time, we will re-visit the legendary Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City. It was 1973 and my oh my 2 nights of The Band/Grateful Dead!! These two shows were the reason I turned down offers to go to Watkins Glen that summer.

We hope you supporters of WNTI enjoy reading about your favorite DJs' concerts!!

Scott Acton

WNTI's Scott Acton's morning program (Mon.& Tues. 6-9 AM), My Back Pages (Sat. 7-8 AM), Things We Said Today (Wed. 9-10 PM) and Contours (Sun. 7-8 AM)(contributing editor) - all Eastern Time U.S. and can be heard on 91.9 FM or Online (Now On Air - Listen Now)

© Copyright 2008, WNTI