The Time Steppenwolf Played Three Full Encores — And Still Got Booed For Not Doing “Sookie Sookie”

April 2, 2025

It was a chilly March night in 1970 when Steppenwolf took the stage at the Fillmore East, a venue known for its electrifying atmosphere and iconic performances. The air was thick with anticipation as fans packed the venue, excited to hear their favorite tunes from the band that had taken the world by storm with songs like “Born to Be Wild.” The lights dimmed, and the audience erupted as the band opened with their powerful sound, guitars wailing and drums pounding. It felt like a magical moment where time stood still, as if the entire world outside had faded away.

As the night unfolded, the band delivered a set that was nothing short of spectacular. Each song resonated with a passionate energy, and the crowd sang along, their voices blending with the music. The band had a unique chemistry, and lead singer John Kay poured his heart into every note. After an exhilarating hour of raunchy rock and soulful ballads, the crowd, stirred by the performance, demanded more. Steppenwolf was happy to oblige, launching into two encores, each one greeted with deafening cheers and applause. They played their hits with gusto, the audience fully immersed in the moment, but as the final notes rang out, the band could still feel an underlying tension in the air.

When the third encore wrapped up, the crowd’s roar felt like it could shake the walls. It was a triumph! But as the last chords faded and the lights began to illuminate the hall, a surprising thing happened. Instead of cheers and gratitude, a section of the audience erupted in boos. Confused looks exchanged among the band members, they soon realized that some fans were clamoring for a beloved song they hadn’t played that night: “Sookie Sookie.” It was a classic they had left out, and though they had given everything in a marathon of performance, nothing could quell the disappointment of those who wanted more.

For John Kay and the band, the moment was a bitter pill to swallow. After the show, as they packed up their gear, they couldn’t shake the feeling of disappointment. How could they have given their all and still left people unsatisfied? In the days that followed, Kay found himself questioning his direction, wondering whether they had let their fans down. But after a few reflective days, he remembered the heart of why they performed in the first place: their love for music and the connection it forged with people. He realized that no matter how hard they tried, they couldn’t please everyone all the time.

Instead of allowing the negative experience to define them, the band dug deeper into their craft. They took it as a challenge to create more memorable music and to live up to the expectations of their fans. With renewed determination, they poured everything they had into their next album, which would go on to feature even more soulful tracks and hard-hitting riffs. They embraced the fact that not all performances would end perfectly, but what mattered most was their passion and resilience.

Years later, Steppenwolf would look back at that night not just as a disappointment but as a turning point. They had learned that every artist faces hurdles, but it’s how you respond to them that defines your journey. They kept moving forward, knowing that music was a powerful force that could lift spirits, bridge divides, and unite people. And with this knowledge, they continued to tour and create, proving that even in the face of challenges, the heart of rock and roll beats strong — inspiring fans and artists alike to keep striving and never give up on their dreams.