George Biondo

George Michael Biondo[1] (born September 3, 1945) is a musician who served as bass guitarist of the Canadian rock band Steppenwolf from April 1970 to October 1976.[2] Born in New York,[3][4] Biondo has been based in Southern California throughout a career as a session musician and songwriter.

George Biondo
Biondo with Steppenwolf, on the right
Biondo with Steppenwolf, on the right
Background information
Birth nameGeorge Michael Biondo
BornSeptember 3, 1945 (1945-09-03) (age 78)
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
GenresAcid rock, hard rock, psychedelic rock, heavy metal
Occupation(s)Session musician, songwriter
Instrument(s)bass guitar
Years active1967-present
LabelsDunhill Records
Mums Records
Epic Records
MCA Records
Dore Records

Early career

Biondo played bass in a Los Angeles area band called Storybook People during which time they released a single on Dunhill Records, which received limited airplay in Los Angeles.[5] In 1968, Biondo replaced Nick St. Nicholas in another Los Angeles area band called T.I.M.E., when St. Nicholas departed for Steppenwolf. After T.I.M.E. guitarist Larry Byrom also left to join Steppenwolf, T.I.M.E. briefly attempted to carry on with Biondo as lead singer, but never released any further recordings.

Steppenwolf

In early 1970, Biondo replaced St. Nicholas a second time[6] when he joined Steppenwolf for the recording of Steppenwolf 7, contributing lead vocals on "Fat Jack" and co-lead vocals on "Foggy Mental Breakdown" and the chart-hit, "Who Needs Ya'".[7] In 1971, the band released their last new album for Dunhill, For Ladies Only for which Biondo wrote "Sparkle Eyes" with John Kay and "In Hopes of a Garden". He sang lead on the latter, as well as "Jaded Strumpet".[7] When Steppenwolf went on hiatus in 1972, Biondo became a founding member of the John Kay Band, appearing on both of Kay's solo albums on Dunhill Records.[7] When Steppenwolf reconvened in the mid-1970s, Biondo was brought back for the album Slow Flux. Then writing "Two for the Love of One" for the Hour of the Wolf album.[7] Biondo later wrote "Sleep" and co-wrote the instrumental "Lip Service" with Bobby Cochran and Wayne Cook for the Skullduggery album in 1976.[8] In 1981, Biondo added backing vocals to Wolftracks, the first studio album by John Kay and his new band, now under the moniker John Kay & Steppenwolf.[8]

After Steppenwolf

In 1980, Biondo reunited with Steppenwolf cofounder Jerry Edmonton in a band called Steel Rose. A Steel Rose single penned by Biondo, "Good That You're Gone", was released on Dore Records, and featured Biondo on lead vocals.[9] When Steel Rose disbanded in 1984, Biondo returned to writing and freelance club and session work.

Discography

Studio albums

Compilations

Singles
Release date A-side B-side US Chart Peak UK Chart Peak
1967 "Do You Believe"
"Afternoon Glare" "No Return"
1970 "Screaming Night Hog" (Kay) "Spiritual Fantasy" (Kay) 62
"Who Needs Ya" (Byrom/Kay) "Earschplittenloudenboomer" (Byrom) 54
"Snowblind Friend" (Axton) "Hippo Stomp" (Byrom/Kay)
1971 "Ride With Me" (Bonfire) "For Madmen Only" 52
"For Ladies Only" (Edmonton/Henry/Kay/McJohn) "Sparkle Eyes" (Biondo/Kay) 64
1974 "Straight Shootin' Woman" (Edmonton) "Justice Don't Be Slow" (Kay/Richie) 29
1975 "Get Into The Wind" (Cochran/Van Beek) "Morning Blue" (Biondo)
"Smokey Factory Blues" (Hammond/Hazlewood) "A Fool's Fantasy" (McJohn)
"Caroline (Are You Ready)" (Bonfire) "Angeldrawers"

References
  1. "Letter from George Michael Biondo of Steppenwolf". Fineguitarconsultants.com. Archived from the original on 2007-08-07. Retrieved 2007-11-20.
  2. "Steppenwolf Family Tree". Steppenwolf.com. Archived from the original on 2007-11-14. Retrieved 2007-11-20.
  3. "Music.msn.com". Archived from the original on 2011-05-19. Retrieved 2008-08-16.
  4. "George Biondo". Music.msn.com. Archived from the original on 2013-01-29. Retrieved 2007-11-20.
  5. "Searchin' for Shakes". Comps.ugly-things.com. Archived from the original on 2007-11-28. Retrieved 2007-11-20.
  6. "Steppenwolf Biography". Steppenwolf.com. Archived from the original on 2010-02-01. Retrieved 2007-11-20.
  7. "The Making of the Music Part 2". Steppenwolf.com. Archived from the original on 2007-11-24. Retrieved 2007-11-20.
  8. "The Making of the Music Part 3". Steppenwolf.com. Archived from the original on 2007-11-24. Retrieved 2007-11-20.
  9. "Connolly Artist". Connollyandco.com. Archived from the original on 2007-11-02. Retrieved 2007-11-20.
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