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Blue Oyster Cult

May 15, 2014 by strictlyrock Leave a Comment

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Sandy Pearlman, who had worked for the rock magazine “Crawdaddy!,” had many contacts in the local music scene of Long Island, New York and was interested in the idea of putting a band together. The first version of this band, which would be called “Soft White Underbelly,” started in 1967 and included members Allen Lanier, Donald Roeser (aka Buck Dharma), and Albert Bouchard. Eric Bloom joined the band in 1969 and they soon underwent a name change. Now know as “Oaxaca,” Joe Bouchard (Albert’s brother) joined in on the fun and the band changed their name again to “Stalk-Forrest Group,” a title under which they would release an LP. The band then became “Blue Oyster Cult,” and thanks to Sandy Pearlman signed with Columbia Records in 1971.

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The band released its self-titled debut album “Blue Oyster Cult,” in 1972. It produced the songs “Then Came the Last Days of May” and “Stairway to the Stars,” among others, and sold well. The band promoted the album by touring, notably, with the band Alice Cooper. Not wasting any time, the band released their second album “Tyranny and Mutation,” in February of 1973. The album charted slightly better than their previous one, finding its way to the #122 spot. Only a little more than a year later, the band released yet another record, “Secret Treaties.” Reaching the #53 spot, the album remained on the charts for 3.5 months. Although not until 1992, “Secret Treaties,” was eventually certified Gold, selling over 100,000 copies.

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There was no doubt that “BOC” was becoming increasingly popular, but they had yet to break into the top 20 on the charts. The band released “Agents of Fortune,” in 1976, which produced one of their recognizable and popular songs, “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper.” The single reached the #12 spot and helped the album eventually sell more than 2 million copies; earning the band its first Platinum record. The song “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” would later be featured in the blockbuster video game, Rock Band, ensuring the bands place in pop culture history for years to come. They followed up “Agents of Fortune,” with the album “Spectres,” in 1977. Despite the fact that the album itself wasn’t nearly as successful as “Agents…” it did produce the classic track “Godzilla,” which was a monster radio hit. “Godzilla,” would later be featured in the incredibly successful video game “Guitar Hero.”

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With the September 1978 release of the live album “Some Enchanted Evening,” the band gave fans the chance to relive their concert-going experience. In case the band needed confirmation that they were an incredible live act, they got it when the album sold more than 1 million copies and was certified Platinum. Unfortunately, their next album, “Mirrors,” which would be the first not to be produced by Sandy Pearlman, didn’t sell as well. “Cultosaurus Erectus,” was released in 1980, and although it did make it to the #14 spot on the UK charts, failed to impress in the US. The band maintained its popularity however, co headlining a tour with English megastars Black Sabbath. The next year BOC bounced back with the record “Fire of Unknown Origin.” The album, although it was only certified Gold, produced the catchy and memorable hit “Burnin’ For You.” The single reached #1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Charts, and the album itself made it all the way to #24. Unfortunately “Fire….” would be the last album to contain contributions from all the original members.

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Drummer Albert Bouchard parted ways with the band and was replaced by Rick Downey. “The Revolution by Night,” was released in 1983 and then Rick Downey left as well. In 1985 Albert Bouchard returned to the rejoin the band, but while touring, was replaced by another drummer. Allen Lanier soon quit also, and drummer Jimmy Wilcox and keyboardist Tommy Zvoncheck were recruited to finish the album “Club Ninja.” After a German tour, Joe Bouchard was replaced by Joe Rogers and in 1986. With Eric Bloom and Buck Dharma being the only original members, the band took a break. The band, which now included Bloom, Dharma, Lanier, Jon Rogers and Ron Riddle, got back together in 1987. After Sony Music took over Columbia Record and the 1988 album “Imaginos” wasn’t successful, the band lost their record deal. Although the band has released albums since, they have failed to reclaim the success of their previous records. Despite this fact, they have remained popular and expanded their fan base, picking up a new generation of listeners with contributions to video games and movies. The band’s current lineup includes Eric Bloom, Buck Dharma, Richie Castellano, Jules Radino and Rudy Sarzo and they are currently touring around the world.

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100 Greatest Rock & Roll Bands

  1. The Beatles
  2. The Rolling Stones
  3. Led Zeppelin
  4. Jimi Hendrix
  5. Elvis Presley
  6. The Who
  7. U2
  8. Pink Floyd
  9. The Doors
  10. The Police
  11. Elton John
  12. Metallica
  13. AC/DC
  14. Van Halen
  15. Nirvana
  16. Guns N' Roses
  17. Santana
  18. The Allman Brothers Band
  19. Bon Jovi
  20. David Bowie
  21. Grateful Dead
  22. Rush
  23. Yes
  24. Black Sabbath
  25. Bob Dylan
  26. James Brown
  27. The Beach Boys
  28. Eric Clapton
  29. Fleetwood Mac
  30. The Eagles
  31. Bob Marley
  32. Van Morrison
  33. Bruce Springsteen
  34. The Clash
  35. Queen
  36. Janis Joplin
  37. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
  38. R.E.M.
  39. The Kinks
  40. Steely Dan
  41. Steve Miller Band
  42. Jethro Tull
  43. Tool
  44. The Scorpions
  45. Coldplay
  46. Stone Temple Pilots
  47. Rod Stewart
  48. Marilyn Manson
  49. Creedence Clearwater Revival
  50. KISS
  51. The Pretenders
  52. Green Day
  53. Aerosmith
  54. Tina Turner
  55. Pearl Jam
  56. Ted Nugent
  57. Pantera
  58. Motörhead
  59. Judas Priest
  60. ZZ Top
  61. Megadeth
  62. Motley Crue
  63. Alice Cooper
  64. Def Leppard
  65. Iron Maiden
  66. Billy Idol
  67. Journey
  68. Anthrax
  69. Rage Against the Machine
  70. Blue Oyster Cult
  71. Alice in Chains
  72. Genesis
  73. Red Hot Chili Peppers
  74. Chuck Berry
  75. Buddy Holly
  76. Little Richard
  77. Elvis Costello
  78. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
  79. Sex Pistols
  80. Cream
  81. Frank Zappa
  82. Talking Heads
  83. Stevie Ray Vaughan
  84. Billy Joel
  85. The Band
  86. Ramones
  87. Lynyrd Skynyrd
  88. Jerry Lee Lewis
  89. Doobie Brothers
  90. Foo Fighters
  91. The Cure
  92. Soundgarden
  93. Iggy Pop
  94. Peter Gabriel
  95. The Byrds
  96. Traffic
  97. Deep Purple
  98. Blondie
  99. Velvet Underground
  100. Heart

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