The Holy Modal Rounders

The Profile

The Holy Modal Rounders are an American folk/psychedelic-folk group formed by Peter Stampfel and Steve Weber in the early 1960s. Known for irreverent, deconstructed takes on traditional songs and surreal originals, they helped shape acid/freak folk. Their track Bird Song appears in the Easy Rider soundtrack.

Core members: Peter Stampfel and Steve Weber. Associated with The Fugs. Sam Shepard played drums on Indian War Whoop (1967). Bird Song is featured in the film Easy Rider. Celebrated albums include Indian War Whoop (1967) and The Moray Eels Eat The Holy Modal Rounders (1968).

The reviews celebrate The Holy Modal Rounders for turning American folk inside out with absurdist humor, detuned instruments, and psychedelic risk-taking. Key albums praised include Indian War Whoop (1967) and The Moray Eels Eat The Holy Modal Rounders (1968), featuring cult cuts like Bird Song (in Easy Rider) and Werewolf. Founders Peter Stampfel and Steve Weber are credited with a joyous, chaotic, and unclassifiable sound. Sam Shepard’s cameo on drums underscores their avant spirit.