So I'm outside in the smoking area waiting in preparation for Blue Öyster Cult. At 25, I'm one of, if not perhaps the youngest, audience member here tonight. This was very much a middle-aged affair, which is cool. The fact that Buck Dharma (at 71!) and his entourage are packing venues around the globe still is mighty impressive but, perhaps not surprising given their initial stardom and now cult band reputation.
So I'm trying to grasp an idea of what to expect from these guys without basing a piece on The Reaper. I asked couple Mark & Julia whilst bumming a cigarette: “Don't fear the reaper!” interesting. In fact this was everyone's response. Cult saying? Their only noteworthy song? Let's find out...
The Temperance Movement warmed up BÖC and did a fine job for the crowd but I'm not sure BÖC reciprocated that, they were rather lukewarm and the audience replied by being stationary, waiting for something to happen. Don't fear the reaper…
The set turned up a notch when 'Burning For You' filled punters' ears with delightful, feel-good sounds, which got everyone's feet tapping and now experiencing a good show instead of expecting one. Bassist Dan Miranda was the enthusiastic one of the five, though his bass was suspiciously quiet - sound issues did seem to be a problem from the beginning with the support actually providing a more powerful sound. BÖCs sound levels ramped up as they continued to get into the gig.
The major appeal of this gig was BÖC's transitioning through their entire body of work, an abundance of rock, alt rock, early psychedelic rock, rock & roll. Every form of rock under one roof. The song 'Screams' was even a refreshing change in rock vibe with a funky organ sound brought into play.
Naturally with a band this seasoned you'd only expect excellent playing but in particular the newer members, Richie Castellano and the drummer (who's name unfortunately alludes me) were spectacular. The effortlessly charismatic Eric Bloom introduced a song about “two guys who went to get some weed then got arrested. Yeah.” This mainly instrumental piece brought out the energy of band and crowd alike with Castellano going on a wild shredding solo to the only midway applause before Dharma got in on the action and riotous drumming brought out the nostalgic teen in these leather clad, 70s rock-tee-wearing punters.
Next Bloom brought out his inner television reporter, voicing concerns about the one and only Godzilla. By this point the crowd were in full swing and really enjoying the classics which form foundations to the band's fame and longevity. The last one was of course the inevitable 'Don't Fear The Reaper' which to tell you the truth came out of nowhere! I really expected a major build up to the showpiece but it almost came in pretty flat. It was irrelevant though, everyone knows and loves this fine body of work.
BÖC are a great band and you could tell everyone in the room appreciated rolling back the years to watch this classic rock band and I suspect it'll be one of if not the last time they touch English soil to relive the loyal fans' youths. The problem was that, at points, the effort felt forced from the band but this is understandable when bordering on near fifty years' playing some of these tunes. A humbling occasion with some brilliant moments from everyone involved.
Reviewer - Tobias James
on - 26/2/19
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