FORMED in New York in 1967 veteran rockers Blue Öyster Cult are still going strong after more than half a century as they went back to basics at Manchester Academy.
The band’s longest-lasting and most commercially successful lineup included stalwarts Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser (lead guitar, vocals) and Eric Bloom (lead vocals, “stun guitar,” keyboards, synthesizers), Allen Lanier (keyboards, rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Joe Bouchard (bass, vocals), Albert Bouchard (drums, percussion, vocals).
The band’s current lineup includes Roeser and Bloom, as well as Danny Miranda (bass, backing vocals), Jules Radino (drums, percussion) and Richie Castellano (keyboard, rhythm guitar, backing vocals).
British Blues rockers The Temperance Movement, provided a lively support act before the veteran rockers took to the stage, like a group of old friends gigging in a bar.
I can’t recall a time when I have seen a show where the headline band hasn’t even got a a stage set featuring their name.
It was certainly back to basics for Blue Öyster Cult, which was somewhat surprising as one of the founding father’s of supporting videos during the dawn of MTV.
But this set had just the bare basics of the band, their instruments and a few lights as they let their music do the talking.
For an aficionado of the band (and I am sure there were many in the packed audience) I am sure the music was more than enough. But it would have been hard to win over new fans who are used to being far more visually stimulated these days.
Having last seen the band way back in the early 1980s when they were at their peak, I was expecting a little more. I can’t fault the music or the musicianship of the band and due to the lack of visual effects, one can only presume the band, after more than 50 years, has decided to let their music do the talking – and who can argue with them after producing one of the most iconic rock anthems of all time with Don’t Fear the Reaper.
Other stand outs for me where Godzilla and Burning for you, both tunes from that iconic times in the 80s when Blue Öyster Cult were probably at their peak.
Blue Öyster Cult let their music do the talking
Set List
1.Transmaniacon MC
2.Before the Kiss, a Redcap
3.Career of Evil
4.Burnin’ for You
5.Dancin’ in the Ruins
6.Harvest Moon
(chosen by audience over Shooting Shark)
7.The Vigil
8.E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence)
9.Buck’s Boogie
10.Then Came the Last Days of May
11.True Confessions
(Buck on vocals)
12.Black Blade
13.Godzilla
Guitar Solo
(Buck Dharma)
14.(Don’t Fear) The Reaper
Encore:
15.OD’d on Life Itself
16.I Love the Night
17. Cities on Flame With Rock and Roll
