The Reaper man
Don’t fear American rockers the Blue Öyster Cult. MARION McMULLEN discovers why lead guitarist, singer and songwriter Buck Dharma has no regrets after more than 50 years rock ‘n’ rolling all over the world
NEW YORK was the birthplace of hard rockers Blue Öyster Cult in 1967 and they have gone on to establish themselves as one of the most iconic bands of their generation.
They have sold more than 24 million records worldwide and their repertoire of hits includes Don’t Fear The Reaper, Burning For You and Godzilla. The first two were penned by Donald Roeser, who is better known by his stage name Buck Dharma.
He recently performed at the Happy Birthday Elvis benefit concert in Washington DC and here talks about his lifetime in music ahead of his and fellow Blue Öyster Cult band members Eric Bloom, Richie Castellano, Jules Radino and Danny Miranda’s eagerly anticipated UK dates. You are now 71 and have been doing this for more than 50 years. What inspires you and keeps you motivated? I ENJOY playing and singing as much today as I ever did. I don’t have to work, but I do it because it’s rewarding personally. I could live if I couldn’t do it anymore, but I truly enjoy it, and will do it for another couple of years at least. (Don’t Fear) The Reaper is such a great track that has stood the test of time. Has the song’s success continued to surpass your initial expectations. IT’S great that (Don’t Fear) The Reaper has held up so well over time. Its endurance continues to surprise and gratify me, and, yes, I had no idea when we recorded it that it would have the impact it has. Are you looking forward to coming back to the UK? What do you most enjoy and how does playing here compare to back home in the States? I HAVE enjoyed the UK since first coming in 1975. I like the difference in culture and customs compared to the US, and revisiting friends and fans I’ve gotten to know over the years.
I’m looking forward to playing what used to be called Hammersmith Odeon in London again. We had great shows there in the heyday of Blue Öyster Cult.
Otherwise I like to get out into the countryside and visit the other cities and towns in the country. How have you adapted and developed your live production and approach to playing your music live over the decades? WE ARE currently touring with less special effects and props, focusing primarily on the music and the musical performance. It’s essentially what it’s all about, and I enjoy concentrating on that aspect of our musical catalogue. You have worked and toured with the likes of Patti Smith, Randy Jackson and Alice Cooper over the course of your career. Any highlights or people you still have on the wish list? ALL our collaborations and touring have been rewarding. I’m open to collaborating with anybody, perhaps some of the younger artists, although I don’t actively pursue such cooperation. A lot has changed within the rock community since you first started. Are there any rock artists that impress you? I LIKE The Rival Sons and the new youngsters Greta Van Fleet. I also discovered last year a 2015 album by Chris Cornell called Higher Truth. Knowing all you know now, what advice would you give your younger self when starting out and what advice would you give anyone in a band now? ONLY that I should prepare for a long career. I never anticipated I’d be still doing what I did in my 20s fifty years later.
I don’t know what to advise young people today. I’m not really involved in the current state of music business, it’s changing rapidly, of course, like everything else in life. Blue Öyster Cult’s last studio album Curse Of The Hidden Mirrors was released 18 years ago. Any current plans to make another record? AS A matter of fact, yes. Blue Öyster Cult is recording another LP this year, 2019, the first in many years. Should be out by Fall. If you could turn back time, is there anything you would change or do differently? I HAVE no regrets. It might be nice to have known more about the business side of the music industry, but I’m not complaining about the way it’s gone. I’m lucky to have worked at a job I like all my life.
The UK tour kicks off in Norwich on Thursday with further dates in London, Newcastle, Glasgow, Leeds, Birmingham, Bristol and Manchester. Support comes from blues rockers The Temperance Movement. Go to blueoystercult. com for tour and ticket details.