Blue Öyster Cult
Friday 22nd February 2019
Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith, London, United Kingdom
It happens that BOC had played in what Eric Bloom called ‘Norrr-Witch ‘ the previous evening and made aware that certain followers would be at both shows, the group opted to modify the setlist and bring in some substitute numbers. I wasn’t expecting to hear OD’d or Harvest Moon and was delighted by their inclusion. Anyway, as Bloom growled ‘ I hate it when I see a band and it’s the same songs in the same order..’ Amen to that and with many albums under their belt, BOC have an endless oeuvre to raid. The group’s secret weapon is of course their sense of humour BUT these are serious players having fun, all masters of their instruments and the punchy dynamics these songs demand. Danny Miranda and Jules Radino keep the rhythm elastic and pounding as Richie Castellano hops from his green guitar to double keyboard. When Eric Bloom is not slashing away at his logo’d guitar he knocks out eerie droning chords at the keys whilst the mighty demon Buck Dharma has a stellar night on his headstock-less cheeseblock guitar, whirring and trilling out lead figures and rock-hard power chords. Guitar switches are kept to a minimum as the programme rocks onwards. The Apollo is packed out, this is the only place to be for a rock fan in The Metropolis tonight…
The material was a real treat, fan favourites mixed with less familiar gems. The group’s long-standing leaning towards sci-fi gives them a distinctive character and richness often absent in their contemporaries. Not an act to ever follow on stage as many a festival has proved. Opener Doctor Music sets the scene, the sound loud and clear and a purposeful approach. Back to the very first album for a delicious Before The Kiss, A Redcap. The swaggering Career Of Evil mines the song’s melody and then an insistent Burnin’ For You has fans unable to resist singing along.
For me, the surprise inclusion of OD’d On Life is a real jolt back to racing home with the latest vinyl album release, intrigued by the mysterious cover art and weird titles..I never really worked out who the Harvester of Eyes was ! Harvest Moon is a pacey, shadowy workout. The Vigil, as heard tonight is a breathtaking trip and then we get E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence) delighting many around me as a choice set item. The playing is fluid and exciting. Bloom then declares it is time for Dharma to branch out into the concert favourite Buck’s Boogie. This instrumental shoots sparks, a bass flurry, a thick-sounding Hammond break, quotes of other tunes and a sonic joie de vivre that cannot help but be a highlight.
Then Came The Last Days Of May was likely the best version I have ever heard, Castellano gaining spontaneous acclaim for his linear but well-judged solo run, equalled by a spirited Dharma speedburst. But tunefulness is never far away with this crew. Flaming Telepaths is razor-sharp and a clear fan pick.
On to a rolling romp through Godzilla, oozing one of the best grinding metal riffs ever concocted. By this time we are all ready for the steady chime and still stirring Don’t Fear The Reaper and the audience – standing, downstairs – are delirious.
Encore time now and BOC offer a strident Joan Crawford with its tart monochrome screenplay, then Hot Rails To Hell capped by the stomping Cities On Flame With Rock And Roll. This one certainly was…
Pete Sargeant
(Many thanks indeed to Chris Dean and the Wilful team and to agile lensman John Bull)
Feature Image And Photo Gallery Credit: John Bull/Rockrpix
(You can see the other photos in the gallery by clicking on the page numbers below)
Blue Oyster Cult continue to tour the UK in February/March 2019 at the following venues:
Tuesday 26th February 2019 – O2 Academy, Leeds, United Kingdom http://bit.ly/2EsTjSp
Wednesday 27th February 2019 – O2 Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom http://bit.ly/2a1lCcl
Thursday 28th February 2019 – SU Live, Bristol, United Kingdom http://bit.ly/2E532jQ
Friday 1st March 2019– Manchester Academy, Manchester, United Kingdom http://bit.ly/2h2alet
