The guitarist Michael Monarch celebrates 74
Monarch’s big break came when he joined the rock band Steppenwolf in 1967 at the age of 17 as the band’s lead guitarist, contributing to iconic tracks such as “Born to Be Wild” and “Magic Carpet Ride”
The guitarist Michael Monarch celebrates 74
Michael Monarch was born on July 5, 1950, in Los Angeles, California. Growing up in the heart of the burgeoning rock and roll scene of the 1960s, Monarch developed a passion for music early on. He picked up the guitar as a teenager, influenced by the blues and rock sounds of the era.
Monarch’s big break came when he joined the rock band Steppenwolf in 1967 at the age of 17. As the band’s lead guitarist, he contributed to their distinctive sound, which blended hard rock with blues influences. Steppenwolf’s self-titled debut album, released in 1968, featured the iconic tracks “Born to Be Wild” and “The Pusher.” “Born to Be Wild” became an anthem of the counterculture movement and is often credited with popularizing the term “heavy metal.”
Monarch’s tenure with Steppenwolf was marked by a series of successful albums and singles. He played on the band’s first four albums, including “The Second” (1968), which featured the psychedelic rock hit “Magic Carpet Ride,” “At Your Birthday Party” (1969), and “Monster” (1969). His guitar work was a critical component of the band’s sound, characterized by powerful riffs and dynamic solos.
After leaving Steppenwolf in 1969, Monarch continued to work in the music industry, collaborating with various artists and bands. In the early 1970s, he joined the band Detective, which was signed to Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song Records. Detective released two albums, “Detective” (1977) and “It Takes One to Know One” (1977), which showcased Monarch’s guitar prowess and contributed to the band’s cult following.
Throughout his career, Monarch has been known for his versatility and ability to adapt his guitar playing to various musical styles and he also worked as a session musician and toured with other notable acts, including Janis Joplin’s band Big Brother and the Holding Company and blues rock artist Roger Glover.
Today, Michael Monarch continues to be active in the music industry, performing with various bands and participates in rock nostalgia events and festivals, often joining other classic rock musicians for special performances. Monarch remains a respected figure in the rock community, known for his contributions to the genre and his enduring influence as a guitarist.
In addition to performing, Monarch occasionally collaborates on new projects and recordings, sharing his wealth of experience with younger musicians.
Look back at Steppenwolf performing the Rock classic “Born To Be Wild” at the German TV show Beat Club in 1969
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