New Music: Badfinger, Blue Öyster Cult, Ringo Starr

Essential new titles featuring power pop legends Badfinger, genre-defying rockers Blue Öyster Cult and beloved singer-drummer Ringo Starr are reviewed this week.

Artist: Badfinger
Title: Head First (Y&T Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, The Beatles
Tell me more: Rock's most tragic tale likely involves power pop pioneers Badfinger, a British troupe that scored a handful of enduring singles ("Come and Get It," "No Matter What," "Day After Day," "Baby Blue") before financial and personal struggles led to the suicide death of 27-year-old leader Pete Ham in 1975. But now the band's shining legacy returns via the release of their long-lost album Head First 50 years after the disc's original recording in 1974; the new collection features Ham's final studio recordings and is definitely a welcome addition to Badfinger's stellar discography. For years, the master tapes for the Head First sessions were believed to have been lost. However, the recent rediscovery of the original multi-track tapes allowed for the mixing and mastering process of the tracks 50 years after they were recorded in the Apple Recording Studio on Savile Row in London. The parade of soaring originals on Head First includes the melodic opener "Lay Me Down," biting "Hey Mr. Manager," glorious harmonies-drenched "Turn Around," acoustic "Back Again," lovely "Keep Believing," Beatlesque "Moonshine," and ambitious rock opus "Passed Fast." Information: badfingerlibrary.com.

Artist: Blue Öyster Cult

Title: 50th Anniversary Live — Third Night (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)

You might like if you enjoy: Blue Öyster Cult, classic rock

Tell me more: In September 2022, classic rock greats Blue Öyster Cult thrilled fans with a once-in-a-lifetime trilogy of sold-out concerts, each dedicated to one of the beloved genre-defying band's first three albums. Founding member Albert Bouchard (drums, vocals) joined the original core duo of Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser (lead vocals, lead guitar) and Eric Bloom (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) along with Richie Castellano (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Danny Miranda (bass) and Jules Radino (drums, percussion) at each of the special performances. Now the third night of the concert series has been released courtesy of Frontiers Music; 50th Anniversary Live — Third Night is available on audio CD and vinyl as well as via DVD and Blu-ray. The concert recording is outstanding, with the early part of the set presenting the 1974 album Secret Treaties in its entirety. Standouts from that album's performance include the rocking opener "Career Of Evil" (whose lyrics were penned by punk rock poet Patti Smith), the jazz-meets-prog rock gem "Subhuman," hard charging rocker "Dominance and Submission," and an extended version of the dazzling "Flaming Telepaths." The marathon-length show also provides BÖC time to perform stellar takes of long-time favorites "Burnin' For You," "Godzilla," "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" and the set-closing "Cities On Flame With Rock And Roll." Among the most spellbinding tracks on the live set is "I Love The Night," an atmospheric rock ballad featuring Roeser's signature lead guitar work and top-tier vocals. Information: http://www.blueoystercult.com/.

Artist: Ringo Starr

Title: Look Up (Lost Highway)

You might like if you enjoy: Ringo Starr, T Bone Burnett, Buck Owens

Tell me more: Ringo Starr is back with one of his most delightful solo efforts, the country music-focused Look Up. Produced and co-written by T Bone Burnett, the album features a rich mix of tracks ranging from the infectious opener "Breathless" (featuring guitarist Billy Strings) and the buoyant title track anchored by Starr's emotive lead vocals to the sorrowful "Time On My Hands" and rockabilly mining "Never Let Me Go." Other standouts include the beautiful ballad "I Live For Your Love" (the latter bolstered by Molly Tuttle's vocal harmonies and mandolin playing), country rocker "Rosetta" (featuring Tuttle and the Southern blues duo Larkin Poe), shimmering "String Theory" and reflective self-penned "Thankful" (the latter featuring Alison Krauss' harmony vocals and Paul Franklin's pedal steel guitar). Recorded in Nashville and Los Angeles in 2024, the 11-track disc marks a welcome return by one of rock music's most iconic names. Information: ringostarr.com.

Robert Kinsler

New Music: Peter Gabriel, Blue Öyster Cult

 Groundbreaking rock is on full display via several new titles available now.

Artist: Peter Gabriel

Title: Back To Front - Live in London (Mercury Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: Peter Gabriel, Radiohead, elbow

Tell me more: Available in 4K Ultra High Definition for the first time ever, Peter Gabriel's Back To Front - Live in London (released on May 10, 2024) is a marvelous showcase of how top-tier music making and state-of-the-art technology immerse and capture the power of a perfect concert. Filmed over two nights at The O2 arena in London on Oct. 21 and 22, 2013, the Hamish Hamilton-directed 142-minute Back To Front - Live in London was shot on Gabriel's tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of his groundbreaking 1986 album So. Gabriel embarked on that tour with his original 1986-87 touring band members drummer Manu Katché, bassist Tony Levin, guitarist David Rhodes and keyboardist David Sancious, who collectively played So in its entirety for the first time ever. The stellar visuals and audio quality on Back To Front - Live in London only bolster the power of the setlist. After opening with a previously-unheard and unfinished selection ("Daddy Long Legs" which would be further developed into "Playing For Time" for the artist's long-awaited 2023 full-length return i/o), Gabriel and company (including backing singers Jennie Abrahamson and Linnea Olsson) perform favorites and deep album cuts. Early standouts include the nuanced "Come Talk To Me," propulsive "Shock The Monkey," luxurious and poignant "Family Snapshot" and breezy crowd-pleasing track "Solsbury Hill." 

The performance of So selections includes a stunning "Red Rain" (enhanced by Katché's dynamic drum playing), euphoric "Sledgehammer" and "Don't Give Up," the latter teaming Gabriel's affecting vocals with Abrahamson's soprano. Gabriel shows off his theatrical talents and dance moves on an especially infectious version of "Big Time." The encore includes a performance of the ambitious art rocker "The Tower That Ate People" and impactful "Biko." 

Among the bonus features on the title is an interview with Gabriel and light show designer Rob Sinclair. A colorful 16-page booklet included with Back To Front - Live in London features a slew of photographs from the concert film as well as insightful liner notes penned by Mark Beaumont. Information: https://www.mercurystudios.co/.

Artist: Blue Öyster Cult

Title: Ghost Stories (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)

You might like if you enjoy: Blue Öyster Cult, the Animals, Raspberries

Tell me more: Leave it to the technological magic of artificial intelligence and 21st century digital technology to assist one of rock's great enduring acts to complete a collection of choice cuts in 2024. Blue Öyster Cult's Ghost Stories is a full-length album of "reimagined and newly completed songs" that span from 1978-2016. The "lost gems" featured on the album were recorded mostly between 1978 and 1983 — the exception being 2016's heartfelt cover of the Beatles' beloved "If I Fell." Now the archival recordings originally tracked on reel-to-reel analog tape by audio engineer George Geranios have been completed. Produced by Steve Schenck and Richie Castellano, original band members Eric Bloom and Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser as well as Albert Bouchard, Rick Downey and Castellano worked to complete the tracks heard on Ghost Stories. Early highlights on this new disc include the blues-rock opener "Late Night Street Fight," haunting "So Supernatural," a winning cover of the Animals' "We Gotta Get Out Of This Place," Neo-psychedelic nugget "Soul Jive," and rousing rocker "Gun." The dreamy "The Only Thing," a freewheeling lead guitar-fueled version of MC5's "Kick Out the Jams," the classic rock flavored "Money Machine" and melodic prog rocker "Don't Come Running To Me" are among the standouts on the disc's last half. Order Ghost Stories HERE.

Robert Kinsler

New Music: Tinsley Ellis, G. Love, Blue Öyster Cult,

Several of this writer's favorite blues and rock artists have returned with essential new listens. What's more, legendary rockers Blue Öyster Cult are back with a terrific new full-length concert release as well as a reissue featuring stellar versions of many of their best-known classics.

Artist: Tinsley Ellis
Title: Ice Cream In Hell (Alligator Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Freddie King, Eric Clapton, Albert King
Tell me more: Blues rock great Tinsley Ellis is as true triple threat, able to play electric guitar, sing and write songs with a master's touch. Thus, his latest studio collection Ice Cream In Hell cements the Atlanta, Georgia native's well-earned role as a leading member of the contemporary blues scene and one of the genre's greatest living proponents. Opening with the blistering Albert King-styled "Last One To Know," his heavy baritone voice delivers vocal lines amidst his own persuasive guitar lines, that musical dance culminating with a mighty solo that closes out the track. He explores other reaches of his Southern blues-minded universe, including via the frisky "Don't Know Beans," the B.B. King-mining title track and "Foolin' Yourself," and affecting "Your Love's Like Heroin" are among the scorching cuts on the disc. Across the 11-track album Ellis is firmly in command and further defines his signature style for all to hear. If you are in Southern California, make sure to catch Ellis on tour this winter; he has dates at The Canyon in Agoura Hills on Feb. 27, The Rose in Pasadena on March 5, and at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on March 8. Information: TinsleyEllis.com.

Artist: G. Love
Title: The Juice (Philadelphonic/Thirty Tigers)
You might like if you enjoy: Tommy Castro, Marcus King, Keb' Mo'
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist G. Love (aka Garrett Dutton) has released The Juice, a Keb' Mo'-produced LP featuring several high-profile guests who add authentic magic to the glorious proceedings. The album finds G. Love singing, delivering spoken word and fusing gospel vocals, blues guitar, funk, hip hop and more into a musical stew that thrills at every turn. The talented Marcus King guests on the cool title track, a Delta blues-meets-gospel gem with a bouncy flow. "Soul-B-Que" is a funky romp adorned by blues harp, G. Love's signature rapid-fire vocal approach and stylish work of guest pedal steel guitar player Roosevelt Collier. Keb' Mo' takes advantage of his collaborations as well, notably on the playful blues funk turn "Go Crazy." Keb' Mo' and pedal steel guitar great Robert Randolph both show up for "Birmingham," a driving folk rocker enhanced by the star power. Hawaiian artist Ron Artis II joins G. Love on the breezy "Diggin' Roots," an acoustic nugget with a sing-along chorus and good vibes in sync with the sound across The Juice. Information: ThirtyTigers.com.

Artist: Blossoms
Title: Foolish Loving Spaces (Virgin Int'l)
You might like if you enjoy: Keane, Phoenix
Tell me more: England's celebrated indie pop quintet Blossoms has a knack for tapping into tuneful, dance floor-ready impulses across their third full-length release Foolish Loving Spaces. There is a buoyant and enlivening spirit across this album's 10 triumphant songs. The soulful gospel-injected "The Keeper" is a particularly joyful listen, while the catchy "Real Life" and "Your Girlfriend" lyrically delve into the realities of life getting in the ways of youth-driven romantic infatuation. The sleek sounds of the immersive "My Swimming Brain," synth pop shine of "Romance, Eh?" and disco-tinged "Sunday Was a Friend of Mine" are among my other faves on a fantastic return. Information: www.blossomsband.co.uk.

Artist: Blue Öyster Cult
Titles: Cult Classic; Hard Rock Live Cleveland 2014 (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)
You might like if you enjoy: Blue Öyster Cult, Rush, Asia
Tell me more: In early December 2019 I caught Blue Öyster Cult as the groundbreaking rock troupe delivered a powerful and inspired concert at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. The quintet's much-deserved reputation as a must-see live act is certifed via two newly-released collections out now. Cult Classic is the 12th studio album from the New York-spawned band. Originally issued in 1994, the 14-track disc features updated recordings of BOC's biggest hits including the enthralling "Don't Fear The Reaper," infectious "Burning For You" and undeniably fun "Godzilla." Beyond the band's timeless hits is a palpable pull that casts a welcome appreciation of the bona fide talents of the group; the psychedelic-tinged heavy rockers ""This Ain't The Summer of Love" and "Flaming Telepaths" are bolstered by lush harmonies. Elsewhere the blues-rocker "O.D.'D On Life Itself," literate prog rocker "Astronomy" and heavy metal rocker "Cities On Flame With Rock 'N' Roll" convincingly captivate. And everywhere across the collection listeners are treated to killer guitar work from Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser (just listen to the dazzling instrumental "Buck's Boogie"). The reissue comes remastered and with updated artwork. 

Hard Rock Live Cleveland 2014 is a stellar two-hour concert recording available in several fan-friendly formats including 2CD + DVD, vinyl, and Blu-ray (this writer was provided the digital audio stream for review). BOC explodes out of the gate with "O.D.'D On Life Itself," the first of 17 selections that collectively embrace the troupe's parade of hits as well as far-flung cuts that capture BOC's diverse forays into blues, hard rock, progressive rock and experimental veins. "The Red and the Black" is one of those great tracks that is dizzying, somehow combining Celtic, classic rock and guitar-centered rock (including tandem fret play from Roeser and Richie Castellano); a six-minute take on "Golden Age of Leather" is launched with lush a cappella vocals and weaves its way through distinctive sections (including riff rock, progressive, and Byrds-like vocal harmonies) all perfect in their relation to the others. While the potent versions of the band's radio hits is a surefire draw, the inviting takes on the sumptuous 9-minute gem "Shooting Shark," bewitching "The Vigil," lovely "I Love The Night" and rollicking "ME 262" are among the other sonic attractions that make "Hard Rock Live Cleveland 2014" a welcome addition to any rock lover's library. The 10-minute-plus masterwork "Then Came The Last Days of May" is another standout track on the title, enhanced by a nuanced arrangement and fiery musicianship that builds to an explosive crowd-pleasing finale. In addition to Roeser (lead guitar, lead vocals) and Castellano (keyboards, lead guitar, backing vocals), the lineup includes Eric Bloom (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards), Jules Radino (drums) and Kasim Sulton (bass guitar, backing vocals). Information: www.frontiers.it.




Robert Kinsler

Blue Öyster Cult thrills capacity crowd at the Coach House

Blue Öyster Cult performing at the Coach House on Dec. 7, 2019. Pictured from left, Eric Bloom,
Richie Castellano,  Donald 'Buck Dharma' Roeser and Danny Miranda.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Blue Öyster Cult, Justin Abrams & Beyond Conception
Where: The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA
When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019
Next: http://blueoystercult.com

After seeing Blue Öyster Cult tear it up in front of a capacity crowd at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday night (Dec. 7, 2019), this writer was reminded (yet again!) why the band is one of the most influential and talented American rock groups to emerge out of the late 1960s. Yet while the New York-spawned troupe has sold more than 24 million records worldwide, contributed to the music video revolution in the early 1980s and continues to regularly tour, they have sadly never been nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

Richie Castellano unleashing a solo at the Coach House.

But I predict history will land squarely on the side of BÖC, whose current lineup includes founding members Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser (lead vocals, lead guitar) and Eric Bloom (guitar, keyboards, lead vocals) along with long-time lead guitarist/keyboardist Richie Castellano, bassist-backing singer Danny Miranda and drummer Jules Radino. 

The band's 100-minute concert at the Coach House featured a stellar setlist featuring all their best-known radio hits, as well as deep cuts extending as far back as BÖC's 1972 self-titled debut album through the group's 1998 LP Heaven Forbid.

Buck Dharma conjuring up genuine magic during a sold out concert
at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019.

After coming out on stage at 9:15 p.m., the band unleashed the enduring rocker "The Red & the Black," Bloom handling lead vocals while Dharma displayed the first of many impressive guitar solos that would be showcased this night.

Eric Bloom at the Coach House.

BÖC's style may be rooted in progressive rock and early heavy metal, but trying to use any simple label to categorize the band is at odds with their rousing, wide-ranging performance in Orange County. Indeed, the quintet opened up "Golden Age of Leather" with a full-on a cappella segment where four members sang without any instrumental accompaniment to introduce the song. Dharma's strong lead vocals came amidst a creative and ambitious six-minute early standout.

"Burnin' for You" was one of the first great rock songs of the 1980s (as was the song's music video that received heavy rotation on MTV when the station premiered in 1981) and retains its magic decades later. On Saturday, the infectious track was bolstered by shining vocal harmonies and a driving edge layered with winning guitar textures. 

"Harvest Moon" was another standout with Bloom's keyboards and Dharma's expressive lead guitar work adding a sense of mystery to the song. At one point Dharma's guitar work was played sans backing from anyone else before the full band came in and his solo became more aggressive. Then Castellano did a solo before their lead work came in tandem for a dramatic explosion of sound.

Every selection performed offered an opportunity to catch another element of BÖC's progressive reach; "E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence)" blended hard rock and sumptuous harmonies; "Tattoo Vampire" juxtaposed Cheap Trick-styled power pop and Iggy Pop alt rock; "Godzilla" was a fun audience favorite with monster sound effects, an audience sing-along, Dharma's guitar sliding on a microphone stand and Miranda's bass solo among the far-flung details in play.

BÖC Drummer Jules Radino at the Coach House.

"(Don't Fear) The Reaper" is the band's best-known song and its performance was a highlight at the Coach House. Introducing the favorite with an extended Dharma solo, Castellano's textured keyboards and Radino's drums were subliminally added. The classic rocker itself was a wonder with its haunting soundscape coupled with virtuoso musicianship, masterful fret work and sharp vocal harmonies.

A 15-minute encore was a chance for BÖC to delve even deeper into their discography, performing "Flaming Telepaths," "Hot Rails to Hell" and the playful "Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll," the latter coming with an epic false ending that made the subsequent real finish all the stronger.

Opening for BÖC was local group Justin Abrams & Beyond Conception. Although a cover of Elton John's "Bennie and the Jets" was didn't resonate with me the outfit's originals were plenty of fun. The loose garage rocker "Stix & Stones" and New York-flavored rocker "Rip It Off" were particularly memorable. 

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

Blue Öyster Cult performing at the Coach House on Dec. 7, 2019. Pictured from left,
Richie Castellano,  Eric Bloom, Donald 'Buck Dharma' Roeser, Jules Radino and Danny Miranda. 
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Blue Öyster Cult setlist at the Coach House on Saturday, December 7, 2019

Buck Dharma (guitar) and
Eric Bloom (keyboards) at the
Coach House on Dec. 7, 2019.

1. The Red & the Black 
2. Golden Age of Leather
3. Career of Evil
4. Burnin' for You
5. ME 262
6. Harvest Moon
7. Dancin' in the Ruins
8. E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence)
9. Buck's Boogie
10. Then Came the Last Days of May
11. Tattoo Vampire
12. Godzilla
13. Guitar solo (Buck Dharma)
14. (Don't Fear) The Reaper
ENCORE
15. Flaming Telepaths
16. Hot Rails to Hell
17. Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll

Blue Öyster Cult thrills capacity crowd at The Coach House

Blue Öyster Cult, from left, Eric Bloom, Richie Castellano,
Buck Dharma and Kasim Sulton.

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photos by Bob Steshetz

Blue Öyster Cult
With: Gun Boat Kings
Where: The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA
When: Friday night, March 31, 2017

Over the last few years I've been fortunate to catch Blue Öyster Cult in concert several times, but those occasions were either special industry showcases (most recently at the 2015 NAMM Show; see review here) or when BÖC was opening for another artist (see my review here of BÖC and Deep Purple bill at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa in summer 2014).

Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser impressed on both
lead vocals and lead guitar at The Coach House.

So when the chance came to catch the groundbreaking American hard rock troupe in a headlining role at the legendary Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Friday night, I knew I had to be there. The venue was packed and the excitement at seeing BÖC in a relatively intimate setting was palpable. 

This year marks the 50th anniversary of BÖC. Formed on Long Island, NY in 1967, the band was originally called Soft White Underbelly until 1971. As the quintet proved across its two-hour performance on Friday, BÖC has a rich and varied discography stretching back to the band's self-titled 1972 debut and continues to deliver top-tier performances. 

Jules Radino behind the kit.

The band's lineup includes Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser (lead guitar, lead vocals), Eric Bloom (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Jules Radino (drums), Richie Castellano (keyboards, lead guitar, backing vocals) and Kasim Sulton (bass, backing vocals). All made significant solo and collaborative contributions to the music making across the 17-song set.

After opening with a straight-forward rocking take on "The Red & the Black" and the satisfying prog rock-meets-hang banging "Golden Age of Leather" (complete with stellar vocal harmonies), the show's power quotient seemed to suddenly lift higher. "Burnin' For You" is one of the band's most beloved songs and soared this night. Dharma s distinctive lead vocals and lead guitar work, the lush mix of backing voices and the song's infectious and mysterious soundscape worked on a multitude of intoxicating levels. 

Richie Castellano at the Coach
House on March 31, 2017.

Another early highlight of the set included the '80s-styled synth foray "Shooting Shark," complete with Castellano and Dharma each playing multiple guitar solos; each of the sorties was very different and added depth to the song. Equally strong was "The Vigil," a bona fide masterwork that blended psychedelic and progressive rock styles, challenging vocal harmonies, and both tandem and solo guitar lines that were melodic and imaginative.

BÖC continued to unfurl one great song and one great performance after another. "Dancin' in the Ruins" was a melodic juggernaut, Castellano's keyboards and Dharma's emotive vocals layered atop the driving rhythm section. Old time rock 'n' roll ("ME 262," "Before the Kiss, a Redcap"), progressive rock (the ambitious "Then Came the Last Days of May"), melodic pop rock ("True Confessions") and post-punk rock ("Tattoo Vampire") offered up a masterclass in the importance of exploring new ground 

Eric Bloom in action at The Coach
House on March 31, 2017.

After thrilling the faithful with a powerful take of the band's 1977 hit "Godzilla," Dharma stood on the stage alone and performed a nuanced five-minute solo on his electric guitar. As the other band members filled in around him, he went into the iconic opening of "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" and BÖC simply lifted the audience to an even higher place.

The audience was not about to let the night end yet, and after an extended standing ovation, the band returned to perform a strong encore that was as potent as the regular set. "Perfect Water" was particularly powerful, a prog rocker with the characteristic mix of artful arrangement, wonderful musicianship and virtuoso musicianship that makes BÖC such a unique and treasured artist.

Opening for BÖC was the Gun Boat Kings, a six-man ensemble based in Southern California. The group impressed with a mix of original material that mixed up '70s-styled blues-rock, R&B, folk rock, jazz and soul. 

"Those Green Eyes" was an especially-strong song, a detailed and involving song that fused its run with a mix of soul, rock 'n' roll and R&B. "Angelina" was also convincing, recalling some of the strong cuts on Jefferson Starship's Red Octopus album with its jazzy and R&B flourishes.

Richie Castellano of BÖC.

Blue Öyster Cult setlist at The Coach House on March 31, 2017
The Red & the Black / Golden Age of Leather / Burnin' For You / Shooting Shark / The Vigil / Dancin' in the Ruins / ME 262 / Before the Kiss, a Redcap / Then Came the Last Days of May / True Confessions / Tattoo Vampire / Godzilla / (Don't Fear) The Reaper

Encore
Black Blade / Perfect Water / Hot Rails to Hell / Cities on Flame With Rock and Roll

Blue Öyster Cult: Concert Airs Friday, Sept. 2, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on AUDIENCE Network via DIRECTV Ch 239 and U-verse Ch 1114

This media release will be of definite interest to fans of classic rock...There is a bit more information about the band and touring information than my earlier post today.

AT&T and AUDIENCE^® Network Present:

"BLUE ÖYSTER CULT"

Exclusive Interview and Performance with the Classic-Rock Band

Airs Friday, September 2, at 9 p.m. ET/PT

On DIRECTV and U-verse (DIRECTV Ch 239/U-verse Ch 1114)

Blue Öyster Cult performs on AUDIENCE Network at Red Studios. Photo credit: Aaron Farley, AT&T and AUDIENCE Network.

Watch a Preview as BLUE ÖYSTER CULT Performs Their Classic Hit

"(Don't Fear) The Reaper" on ULTIMATE CLASSIC ROCK (here)

Tune in to the AUDIENCE Network concert special "BLUE ÖYSTER CULT"airing Friday, September 2, at 9 p.m. ET/PT (DIRECTV Ch 239/U-verse Ch 1114). The classic rock band stopped by Red Studios in Los Angeles to perform their seminal album Agents Of Fortune in it's entirety live. In the episode, the group sits down with Ted Stryker for an in depth interview spanning their history.

For a preview of the AUDIENCE Network concert special "BLUE ÖYSTER CULT," watch an exclusive "First Look" as the band performs their classic hit"(Don't Fear) The Reaper" on ULTIMATE CLASSIC ROCK (here)..

View the trailer for "BLUE ÖYSTER CULT" airing Friday, September 2, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on AUDIENCE Network, DIRECTV Ch 239/U-verse Ch 1114(here). Watch and share behind-the-scenes clips of the episode (here) and(here).

AUDIENCE Network's new music slate continues to deliver groundbreaking concerts, unique stories and exclusive performances across all genres, plus select programming in ultra high-definition/4K*, to audiences nationwide since multiple series began airing this past January. Recent concert specials include: CeeLo Green, Hank Williams Jr., Cheap Trick, Peter Frampton, Flo Rida, Martina McBride, Lukas Graham, Kelsea Ballerini, Fall Out Boy and Panic! at the Disco, 2 Chainz, Keith Urban, The Lumineers, Cole Swindell, Cypress Hill, Dan + Shay, Josh Kelley, Andra Day, JR JR, Young The Giant and others. New shows premiere via national broadcast Friday at 8:00 PM ET/PT on DIRECTV Ch 239/U-verse Ch 1114,as well as streaming on directv.com, uverse.com and on smartphones and tablets, via the DIRECTV and U-verse apps.**

AUDIENCE Network's multiple series of original and exclusive performances give music fans an intimate view of music's most influential artists today. The network collaborates directly with musicians to create a unique show from their perspective.

For over four decades, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT has been thrilling fans of intelligent hard rock worldwide with powerful albums loaded with classic songs. Indeed, the Long Island, NY-­based band is revered within the hard rock and heavy metal scene for its pioneering work. BLUE ÖYSTER CULToccupies a unique place in rock history because it's one of very few hard rock/heavy metal bands to earn both genuine mainstream critical acclaim as well as commercial success. The band is often cited as a major influence by other acts such as Metallica, and BÖC was listed in VH1's countdown of the greatest hard rock bands of all time. Upon the release of BÖC's self-­-titled debut album in 1972, the band was praised for its catchy-­-yet-­-heavy music and lyrics that could be provocative, terrifying, funny or ambiguous, often all in the same song. BÖC's canon includes three stone-­-cold classic songs that will waft through the cosmos long after the sun has burned out: The truly haunting "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" from 1976's Agents of Fortune, the pummeling "Godzilla" from 1977's Spectres and the hypnotically melodic "Burnin' for You" from 1981'sFire of Unknown Origin. The intense creative vision of BÖC's original core duo of vocalist/lead guitarist Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser, and vocalist/rhythm guitarist Eric Bloom are complemented by Richie Castellano on guitar and keyboards, and the longtime rhythm section of bass guitarist Kasim Sulton, and drummer Jules Radino. For the taping of this special performance, they are joined by former member Albert Bouchard (guitar, percussion, vocals).

For more information on BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, visit: http://www.blueoystercult.com/, and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueoystercult/.

Catch BLUE ÖYSTER CULT on tour in the following cities:

DATES		LOCATION	VENUE
FRI	9/2	Marshfield, WI	Central Wisconsin State Fair
SAT	9/3	Virginia Beach, VA	American Music Festival
SAT	9/10	Chesterfield, MO	Chesterfield Amphitheatre
SUN	9/11	Oklahoma City, OK	Zoo Amphitheatre
FRI	9/16	Newton, NJ	Newton Theatre
SAT	9/17	East Durham, NY	Catskill Mountain Thunder Festival
FRI	9/23	Hogansburg, NY	Akwesasne Mohawk Casino
SAT	9/24	Lake George, NY	Charles R Wood Park American Music Festival for the Lake
FRI	9/30	Lakewood, NJ	First Energy Park Rock Carnival
FRI	10/7	Ridgefield, CT	Ridgefield Playhouse
SAT	10/8	Annapolis, MD	Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
SAT	10/15	Tyler, TX	Butler Square "Rock the Square" KKTX 96.1 event
FRI	10/28	Northfield, OH	Hard Rock Live
SAT	10/29	Atlanta, GA	Variety Playhouse
FRI	11/4	Jim Thorpe, PA	Penn's Peak
FRI	11/11	Hammond, IN	The Venue at Horseshoe Casino
SAT	11/12	Kansas City, MO	Voodoo Lounge at Harrah's Kansas City
SAT	12/17	Stateline, NV	Harrah's Lake Tahoe
THU	1/19	El Cajon, CA	Sycuan Casino
FRI	1/27	Brooks, CA	Cache Creek Casino
SAT	1/28	Everett, WA	Historic Everett Theatre
SAT	2/25	Peekskill, NY	Paramount Hudson Valley
SAT	3/4	Warren, PA	Struthers Library Theatre