What can we say?

Even we were surprised at the size of the crowd. Although the gig was originally scheduled for Academy 2, it was sold out a couple of weeks before the date. Not only did we get a very big crowd, we got a very enthusiastic crowd who obviously enjoyed every minute of this fabulous show.

The band were certainly cooking with Buck and Eric in commanding form. The guitar work was was out of this world and new drummer Jules Radino certainly won his spurs and won many, many fans for his superb playing alongside outstanding bass player Richie Castellano.

Keyboard player Allen Lanier did not make the gig due to feeling unwell which was probably due to jet-lag. No disrespect to Allen, but the rest of the lads just stepped up another gear and covered the missing slot with a lot to spare.

Like the 2003 gig this was an exceptional night. Everyone left with a broad smile and know they had been well entertained.

We hope it's not three years before they return.

We are delighted to welcome Blue Oyster Cult back to Newcastle.

At their last gig, three years ago, there was a big crowd, but ..... the trouble was that this band had not been around in the UK for a while .... what were they going to be like?

While we scratch around for superlatives big enough let's just go to 10 out of 10 for the gig. These guys are seasoned professionals who have not lost their New York edge, but have grown in stature. Tight as a fish's arse they cruised into the set and cranked the handle to fever pitch with Then Came The Last Days with Bloom and Dharma literally down on their knees. The quality was second to none, truly outstanding, dramatic, remarkable music.

Of course we were all waiting for the song, yes that song, Don't Fear The Reaper and we got it .... full on.

The whole place erupted and joined the wall of sound.

Does it get any better? NO!

This is rock music for grown ups of the highest order. Other great songs in the set included Pocket, The Vigil, Harvester Of Eyes, Perfect Water, Buck's Boogie, Godzilla, Joan Crawford and Cities Of Flame.

Blue Oyster Cult are one of the best bands we have ever seen. Incredibly dramatic on stage, they certainly get the WOW! factor. Meet the boys of the band .....

Lead vocalist Eric Bloom's distinctive vocals are the personality and power that drives Blue Öyster Cult's harder-hitting songs.

On stage, Eric is a busy man... not only is he lead vocalist, he also handles both rhythm guitar and keyboards as needed. 

Eric's songwriting efforts comprise some of Blue Öyster Cult's best songs. His collaborations with Science Fiction Writer Michael Moorcock brought to light three excellent songs, The Great Sun Jester, Black Blade and Veteran of the Psychic Wars. and more recently, on the Club Ninja album, Eric recruited novelist Eric Van Lustbader for the song Shadow Warrior.   The Old Gods Return and Eye of the Hurricane are standout Eric tracks on the new album, Curse of the Hidden Mirror.

Buck Dharma's guitar playing is the signature sound of Blue Öyster Cult. One of the greatest guitarists of our time, Buck is the driving sonic force of Blue Öyster Cult, and continues to push his playing in new uncharted directions. A master from the beginning, he plays with an ease and grace that puts most players to shame. An extremely expressive player, Buck doesn't let any note go to waste. Each has something to say, if you're willing to listen.

Buck's talents don't stop at the humbucking pickups, either. Buck is a gifted songwriter and excellent singer. His smooth vocal style has graced the Dharma-penned hits "Don't Fear the Reaper" and "Burnin' For You" as well as several of the new songs on Curse of the Hidden Mirror. His voice contrasts and complements the sharper-edged style of lead vocalist Eric Bloom.

Buck's songwriting juxtaposes alluring chord progressions, melodic textures and fascinating lyrical ideas with the best parts of pop music, to create songs that are definitively "Buck." "Pocket" and "Stone of Love" on Curse of the Hidden Mirror are two classic examples of Buck tracks.

Blue Öyster Cult's very own mysterious "Cigarette Smoking Man," Allen Lanier is equally comfortable behind the keyboards or the guitar. Allen is instrumental in the underlying rhythm that drives the band. Onstage, Allen gets plenty of chances to shine on both instruments, adding his lead guitar to "The Red and the Black" or trading licks with Buck on the keyboards on "Buck's Boogie".

Through the years Allen has given us great BÖC songs like "In Thee," "Searchin' For Celine," "Tenderloin" and "Lonely Teardrops."

One early phone call on a Sunday morning in October of 2004 would forever change the life of Richie Castellano. The voice on the line asked, "Do you ROCK? Do you want to play bass?" The voice on the line was Eric Bloom and ever since then, Richie has been holding down the low end for Blue Oyster Cult.

Whether picking, plucking, slapping or tapping, Richie manages to stay true to BOC's tradition of melodic bassmanship. On stage, his high energy performances start from the first note of every show, and never let up until the house lights come on.

Richie has a Masters Degree in Music from the Purchase College Conservatory of Music. Richie's discography includes a dozen production credits from various artists, as well as a few solo projects. He has been the recipient of the first place award for the 1998 Songwriter's Hall of Fame songwriting competition and the 1996 Berklee College of Music soloist award.

Hard hitting drummer Jules Radino is the new backbone of BOC's live performances. From his relentless grooves, to blistering double bass, Jules plays with a style and musicianship that compliments the band. His on stage energy and showmanship is a thrill for fans. Always playing for the song, Jules seems to play the right thing at the right time.