1969: We make it home for Christmas… and a 13 ft delight. Dick Clark’s American Bandstand “Tribute to Steppenwolf” kicks off 1970. Our “Concert for Peace” becomes the “Steppenwolf Live” LP, but we part ways with Gabriel. An evening backstage at the Grand Ole Opry, Jimmy Buffet’s review of our Nashville concert and a Sunday afternoon at Johnny Cash & June Carter’s home. Monster and more at Playboy After Dark and Bunny Ears at the Fillmore East? New blood in the band for “Steppenwolf 7” with Richie Podolor producing. Nixon expands the war into Cambodia, 900 campuses demonstrate, with 4 students killed at the Kent State campus in Ohio and we play concert at USC for the “Students against the war in Cambodia” committee. Back in England we play Bath Festival with Zepplin, Pink Floyd, Zappa’s Mothers and Santana, then lots of fun in ‘swinging’ London. Royal Albert Hall concert audience can’t get enough and its frenzy makes this special night unforgettable for us. Sailing to the Big Apple on the QE2 to play “Festival of Peace” at Shea Stadium, where I see Janice for the last time. Heatstroke danger at the Warehouse in New Orleans, but a great audience to play for. Become friends with Michael Blake who years later receives his Oscar for writing “Dances with Wolves.” We sue our label, Dunhill Records, in 1971 and strong arm a better deal. Our “For Ladies Only” LP, with a new lead guitarist, has its moments but lacks luster. My batteries are drained, I want time to recharge and do a solo album when I feel ready. Valentine’s Day is declared “Steppenwolf” day, but it’s also the day the Wolf says “Good Bye”…..wait, so this is the END?....Well, not so fast, stay tuned, the fat Lady has yet to sing. JK