Blue Öyster Cult

USA, 1967–now

Long Island band formed in 1967, blending hard rock with cerebral, occult and science-fiction themes. Hits like '(Don't Fear) The Reaper' and 'Godzilla' and their dark imagery made them a key bridge from psychedelia to heavy metal.

MusicRoots documents 3 artists who influenced Blue Öyster Cult and 1 artist Blue Öyster Cult influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Blue Öyster Cult?

• The Doors — The Doors' dark, literate rock was a clear influence on Blue Öyster Cult — they covered 'Roadhouse Blues' and echoed the Doors' menace and pretension.
• Steppenwolf — Steppenwolf's heavy biker-rock was a template for Blue Öyster Cult's early hard-rock sound — they covered 'Born to Be Wild'.
• Black Sabbath — Black Sabbath's heavy metal was part of the mould Blue Öyster Cult's early hard rock was cast in.

Which artists did Blue Öyster Cult influence?

• Ghost — Blue Öyster Cult's melodic, occult-tinged hard rock is a clear model for Ghost's blend of catchy songcraft and dark, satanic imagery.