Way, way back in the 1970s one of the first albums I bought was Spectres and I saw the Blue Oyster Cult on that tour in Sheffield. Lasers, Godzilla head and whatnot all included. Ever since BOC have remained right up there as a band I have a strong affinity with.
The Cult toured over here in the UK in 2017 – which was notable as they played their debut album in sequence to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the album’s release. Saw them in Manchester – what a show!
And it got better when it was announced that their performance at the London O2 Indigo was to be released on CD/DVD. And now it has been. And what a treat it is. These days it’s no lasers or pyrotechnics – simply Eric, Buck and the boys doing what they do best and showing that when you’re this good, the music does the talking.
Consummately performed and captured here on the CD/DVD package. The DVD most impressive with BOC on top, top form.
Eric’s voice isn’t what it was (give him a break – he’s in his 70s) though he can still put it in. Buck’s guitar playing remains phenomenal. Effortless, sublime, melodic, heavy. The bloke can do the lot. Richie Castellano is also a fine guitarist. Danny Miranda and Jules Radino as solid as any rhythm section anywhere.
They rattle through that eponymous first album is fine style. It’s hard and heavy, sublime, melodic and even a bit trippy here and there. Right up there with any debut album you care to mention and holding up well after coming up five decades.
Transmaniacon MC and I’m on the Lamb But I Ain’t No Sheep a couple of punch rockers with the punchy riffs and Buck’s blazing lead work.
Then Came the Last Days of May is the classic atmospheric/melodic tale with Buck’s soulful vocals. And of course the remarkable extended guitar solos from Buck and Richie. Indeed, Richie pushes Buck close with his effort. A broken string can’t slow him down. Breath taking. Watch it and your jaw will hit the floor.
Stairway to the Stars and Before the Kiss a Redcap back to the rockers. Here is Stairway to the Stars:
Screams and She’s as Beautiful as a Foot go out in to the spooky/trippy territory as does Workshop of the Telescopes. In between we have the monstrously heavy Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll then the power-pop of Redeemed closing out the album.
A remarkable debut album performed and captured flawlessly on DVD.
But wait – there’s more…….
The rest of the set is Buck’s Boogie (more evidence as if it was needed about how great a guitarist Donald Roeser is) the obligatory Godzilla and Don’t Fear the Reaper with the encore of Tattoo Vampire and the screaming Hot Rails to Hell sung by Richie.
After going on five decades, the Blue Oyster Cult most certainly still have “it” and deliver. This 45th Anniversary show demonstrates exactly why they are true legends. Don’t think about it. Buy it!
>> BOC 45th ANNIVERSARY LIVE IN LONDON ON AMAZON HERE <<
There’s a new studio album due out in October. Very much looking forward to that.
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