With deep-seeded roots in Long Island, NY, Blue Oyster Cult has been around for over four decades. With some of Hard Rock/Heavy Metal’s most memorable tunes, the band has sold millions of records and continue to perform year after year. Drawing audiences of faithful fans as well as newcomers looking to experience a history lesson in Classic Rock, Blue Oyster Cult returned to home for the second time in 2014 on Saturday, October 18th to dazzle at The Space at Westbury. Performing earlier in the summer as a part of the free concert series Music Under The Stars at John Burns Park in Massapequa, the setting for this fall show was slightly different inside the walls of the traditional refurbished theater featuring mood lighting and an ambiance that would surely make the night special.
Without an opening act, Blue Oyster Cult began with the theme of HBO series Game of Thrones filling the air of The Space, building anticipation before they opened with “I OD’ed on Life Itself.” Working through “The Red & The Black,” “Burnin’ for You,” and “Golden Age of Leather,” everyone was rocking and rolling to the ear-tingling guitar work of Buck Dharma and Richie Castellano. Reaching into their extensive discography, to fans delight they went back to many of the hits they produced including “Buck’s Boogie”, “Black Blade,” and “They Came the Last Days of May.” Many of the songs spun on spectators turntables for many years, and still sounded as fresh as ever.
Going into mega hit “Godzilla,” the band broke for a moment to introduce each band member, such as their newest editions of bassist Kasim Sulton. Leaving the stage for a moment, Jules Radino was left in the spotlight and his drum solo was nothing short of spectacular, bringing everyone at The Space to their feet with loud applause. Staten Island native Castellano also had a few chances to bring his energetic playing style front and center not only on guitar, but on keyboard as well. Lastly, original Blue Oyster Cult members Eric Blo0m and Buck Dharma did not miss out on the spotlight either with each having a chance to show the talents that had them at the top of the charts. After continuing to finish “Godzilla,” the band closed their set, provoking everyone to sing along with an awe-inspiring rendition of “Don’t Fear the Reaper.” Exiting the stage once again, cheers echoed through the theater before the band returned for a four song encore of “Harvester of Eyes”, “I Love the Night”, “Hot Rails to Hell,” and “Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll,” continuing to excite the crowd until the very end.
Blue Oyster Cult are as great now live as they were at the height of their popularity. Their amazing abilities left the audience speechless and clamoring for more, proving this band is still a vital and important part of Rock-n-Roll . Do not miss them as they continue their touring schedule through late 2015 with stops around the US and the UK.
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