I’ve spent a lot of time with Blue Öyster Cult over the years. In recent times I’ve been fortunate enough to see them several times, including a majestic headline show at 2023’s Stonedead Festival. One of the cleverest groups around, their history is impressive, and they date back over 50 years, from their early formation in 1967, and self-titled debut album in 1972 through to most recent releases The Symbol Exists (2020) and this year’s Ghost Stories, the band are the epitome of musical excellence.
In September 2022 the band performed three back-to-back shows at the Sony Hall in New York City, as part of those 50th anniversary celebrations. The first release saw them play Blue Öyster Cult in full, whilst this show covers sophomore release Tyranny and Mutations. With founder member Albert Bouchard joining the band each night, there is an air of magic to this latest release, with the audience fully geared up and the band in superlative form. Just listen to the extended guitar work out that closes out fan-favourite Godzilla and you’ll understand.
The spine of Blue Öyster Cult has always been Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser and Eric Bloom, complemented for the past seven years by guitarist / keyboardist / vocalist Richie Castellano, bassist Danny Miranda, and drummer Jules Radino. Their work is sublime. Over 13 songs and 90-minutes, this is a treat which keeps on giving. Opening song The Red & The Black gets the foot tapping with its vibrant tempo, something that rarely dips. It’s incredible to think that many of these tracks are 50 years. The band change roles throughout, Castellano taking the lead vocal on Hot Rails to Hell, although the band’s ability to blend essential harmonies on the choruses remains a joy to experience.
It's a powerhouse of a line-up, with not a duff note anywhere to be heard. E.T.I. (Extra Terresital Intelligence), Godzilla and Tattooed Vampire all sound as good today as they did in the seventies, whilst it’s impossible not to sing along with (Don’t Fear) The Reaper or the groove of closing song Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll. If you are new to the band, this is an ideal introduction, although the question must be asked – where the hell have you been.
Blue Öyster Cult -50th Anniversary Live - Second Night is out on 9th August via Frontiers Records.
Review and last photo by Hutch
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