Magic Carpet Ride is number 2, but one of us is missing in action. “Steppenwolf The Second” is just released but Dunhill already wants the next LP, so it’s back into the studio. “Candy,” with Marlon Brando & Richard Burton, becomes the first film featuring Wolf music: “Magic Carpet Ride” and “Rock Me.” There’s a new - old player in the band, the “At your Birthday Party” LP is coming along and we’re treated like Rockstars….even at the Playboy mansion, where the Alpha Playboy shows us “Big Bunny.” I get tipsy at the Bear’s ruined house, but we take the LP cover shot anyway. My Mother gets to see her boy play for thousands and is pleased that he amounts to something. It’s arena shows and festivals near and far, with the Grateful Dead, Sly & the family Stone, Marvin Gaye etc. and New Years Eve at the Phoenix Coliseum. 1969 starts with The Smothers Brothers TV show on CBS and another Playboy After Dark gig, Hef says “Big Bunny” is on the way. It’s off to Europe to play the UK, Germany, Holland etc. and coming home with vintage English cars. Newport’69 draws over 200,000 and we’re having a blast, next day in Toronto…..not so much. Peter Fonda & Dennis Hopper show us “Easy Rider” and we say YES, use “The Pusher” and “Born to be wild.” Good move, because the film’s success brings our music to many far flung corners of the globe. Our Ed Sullivan TV show gig goes well, but Ed’s not sure about “The Fugs” and rolls his eyes. A hot, new guitar player’s talents make our Monster album stand out. Jimi Hendrix likes the “Don’t step on the grass Sam” riff, while Jutta likes his swimming pool. The writing of the Monster LP becomes a true group effort and the album is a hit on University and College Campuses during the nationwide anti-Viet Nam War demonstrations. The LP’s lyrics resonate with many and give voice to some who make these songs their own. Jimmy Buffet reviews our show in Nashville, we visit the Man in Black at home, we then….to be continued in EP6….hope you’re still with me then: JK