A founding member of one of the most enduring rock groups of the late 1960s and ‘70s will be performing at Jazzbones on April 25 in a band guaranteed to satisfy your craving for legendary rock ‘n’ roll.

Goldy McJohn, a founding member and original keyboardist for Steppenwolf and now part of the local classic hard rock outfit Goldy McJohn and Friendz, will take the Jazzbones stage that night for a show featuring Steppenwolf’s music just like it was played back in the day by the original band. The “Friendz” - Glen Bui (lead guitar), Lloyd Poole (drums), Mike Kessal (bass) and David Ayres (lead singer) - are all accomplished musicians on their own (fans of Sugarfloaf may recognize Poole, now a wee bit older). Together with McJohn, Goldy McJohn and Friendz bring Steppenwolf’s music back in its authentic form just as it was heard at one of the historic band’s notable performances from years gone by with greats like The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Canned Heat, Iron Butterfly, Santana, the Grateful Dead and so many more.

“We’re a reincarnation of what Steppenwolf was back in the ‘60s,” Bui said, noting that all the Friendz are from Steppenwolf’s generation and have been lifelong fans of their music. Formed in early 2008, Goldy McJohn and Friendz have been playing Steppenwolf hits and other classic rock songs, and some of their own material, at smaller arenas, fairs and casinos. Bui said audiences have been responding so enthusiastically to the Steppenwolf songs, the band decided to take it to the next level and got to work recreating that Steppenwolf sound.

“We wanted to try to get it back to as close as the original sound as we could,” he said. “To get the sounds, a lot went into looking at early videos, listening to early recordings, and in fact talking to some of the members who went through Steppenwolf.

“We’re playing (the songs) note-for-note down to the last little bitty piece of the song. This is the real deal. When you come to see this band, what you’ll be hearing is the closest to Steppenwolf you’ll ever get.”

During the show the band will play every hit song Steppenwolf had in the Top 20 from 1967-1972.

Making for an outstanding double bill of eminent Northwest rock talent, Heart co-founder and distinguished guitarist Roger Fisher will open for Goldy McJohn and Friendz. Also known for his work in bands The Clever Bastards and Alias (with Heart founding members Steve Fossen and Mike DeRosier), Fisher’s guitar licks in the Heart classic “Barracuda” is just one example of the man’s extraordinary musical abilities and his significant contributions to the hard rock landscape.

Bui said Goldy McJohn and Friendz are in the process of recording their first CD, and are also the subjects of a documentary being produced by VH-1. Filming will take place during their Jazzbones gig. Bui mentioned that this film could very well finally solve a couple of questions that have been bandied about for decades in the annals of rock history: Was “Born To Be Wild” the first ever heavy-metal song, and did it spawn heavy-metal music? Bui says yes, as this song marked the first time in recorded history the term “heavy metal” was used. See the film to hear other people’s thoughts on the matter.

The band is also touring, with future dates in Everett and Bellingham, then into Oregon and Wyoming. Tickets to their Jazzbones show April 25 are $10 (21+ only), available in advance at www.jazzbones.com. The show starts at 9 p.m. To keep up on the latest band info, visit www.gmandfriendz.com and www.goldymcjohn.com.