There’s something undeniably thrilling about seeing a band whose songs have become part of the DNA of classic rock. Blue Öyster Cult have been carrying the torch for hard rock, cryptic lyrics, and dazzling guitar interplay for decades, and on August 27, 2010, at the Chevrolet Court stage at the New York State Fair in Syracuse, they reminded everyone in attendance why their name still carries such weight. This wasn’t just another fairground nostalgia act. This was a band still very much alive, delivering a set that balanced power, precision, and a sly sense of fun.
I went in expecting a solid performance, but what I got was far more—a masterclass in how to keep classic rock vital. From the very first notes, it was clear that Blue Öyster Cult hadn’t lost a step. Their mix of heavy riffs, smart songwriting, and just a touch of eerie mystique created a night that felt both timeless and thrillingly immediate.
Launching Into the Night
The band came out swinging with “The Red & the Black,” a song that perfectly captures their brand of hard-driving rock and wry storytelling. With its galloping bassline and machine-gun guitar riffs, it’s a natural opener, and the Syracuse crowd responded with fists in the air. Eric Bloom’s voice had that familiar bite, while Buck Dharma’s guitar work sliced through the humid evening air like a laser. From the very first chorus, it was obvious this was going to be a night of relentless energy.
They kept the momentum going with “Before the Kiss, a Redcap,” a deep cut that long-time fans recognized instantly. Its shifting rhythms and cryptic lyrics made it an early highlight, and the band’s tight musicianship ensured it never felt dated. Watching Buck Dharma and Richie Castellano lock in on those guitar harmonies was pure rock-and-roll joy—two players completely in sync, trading riffs and grins as they pushed the song forward.
Hits That Still Burn Bright
The first massive singalong of the night came with “Burnin’ for You,” the band’s early-’80s radio smash that still sounds like a perfect slice of melodic hard rock. As soon as Buck Dharma hit those opening chords, the entire crowd lit up, and when he stepped to the mic for the first verse, you could hear thousands of voices singing along. Dharma’s voice remains one of rock’s underrated treasures—smooth but urgent, capable of carrying both melody and muscle. His guitar solo was a textbook example of how to be flashy without ever losing sight of the song.
From there, they surprised the crowd with “Shooting Shark,” one of their more atmospheric and slightly funky tracks. Its moody bassline and shimmering guitar textures gave the set a cool change of pace, proof that Blue Öyster Cult isn’t just about hard riffs and pounding drums. The interplay between the band members was mesmerizing, with Castellano adding tasteful keyboard flourishes and drummer Jules Radino keeping a tight, inventive groove.
Instrumental Firepower
One of the night’s most jaw-dropping moments arrived with “Buck’s Boogie,” the instrumental showcase that has long been a concert staple. Buck Dharma took center stage, weaving through a dazzling array of riffs, melodic runs, and lightning-fast solos that had the crowd cheering after every flourish. It was a reminder that he isn’t just a great songwriter—he’s one of the most fluid, inventive guitarists in classic rock. The rest of the band gave him plenty of room, locking into a driving rhythm that allowed him to soar without ever sounding self-indulgent.
Then came the unmistakable opening riff of “Cities on Flame With Rock and Roll,” a track that remains as fierce today as it was when it first appeared on their 1972 debut. The song’s raw energy and pounding beat had the crowd moving in unison, a living testament to the enduring power of heavy rock done right. Watching the band attack this classic with such fire after all these years was nothing short of exhilarating.
Storytelling and Drama
Blue Öyster Cult’s music has always had a cinematic quality, and nowhere was that more evident than on “Then Came the Last Days of May.” This haunting, slow-burning ballad told a tale of friendship, betrayal, and tragedy, and the band treated it with the respect it deserves. Buck Dharma’s guitar work here was breathtaking—patient, expressive, and full of aching bends that seemed to hang in the air. The song built gradually to a powerful climax, drawing the audience into its narrative like a great short story set to music. It was a masterclass in dynamics, proving that sometimes the quietest moments can be the most powerful.
Of course, no BÖC show would be complete without the monstrous “Godzilla.” From the moment the lumbering riff began, the crowd erupted. Eric Bloom donned his trademark shades and delivered the tongue-in-cheek lyrics with a mix of menace and humor, while the band drove the song forward with earth-shaking force. Midway through, they broke into a playful jam, complete with monster sound effects and call-and-response moments that had the audience roaring along with the titular beast. It was campy, yes, but also thrilling—a perfect example of the band’s ability to balance theatrics with serious musicianship.
The Inevitable Reaper
As the main set wound down, there was only one song left that could serve as the grand finale. The opening arpeggios of “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” sent a ripple of excitement through the crowd, and for good reason. Few songs in rock history are as instantly recognizable or as perfectly crafted. The band delivered it with a mix of precision and passion, the famous riff ringing out like a clarion call. Buck Dharma’s vocal was warm and haunting, and his guitar solo—fluid, melodic, and endlessly inventive—was worth the price of admission all by itself. The crowd sang along to every word, creating a communal moment that felt almost spiritual.
Setlist
Here’s how the night unfolded, song by song:
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The Red & the Black
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Before the Kiss, a Redcap
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Burnin’ for You
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Shooting Shark
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Buck’s Boogie
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Cities on Flame With Rock and Roll
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Then Came the Last Days of May
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Godzilla
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(Don’t Fear) The Reaper
Encore: (jam and final bows)
A Band That Refuses to Fade
What impressed me most about Blue Öyster Cult that night was how fresh they sounded. Too often, veteran rock acts lean heavily on nostalgia, coasting on hits while offering little spark. Not here. Even after decades on the road, BÖC played with the hunger of a band still eager to prove themselves. The guitar tones were sharp and alive, the rhythms tight but never mechanical, and the vocals strong and characterful.
Buck Dharma remains the band’s not-so-secret weapon. His guitar playing is a study in contrasts—lyrical and melodic one moment, blisteringly fast the next. Eric Bloom brought a theatrical flair and commanding presence, balancing Dharma’s more understated style. Richie Castellano, the relative newcomer at the time, added youthful energy and virtuosic chops, his backing vocals and multi-instrumental skills giving the band extra depth. Together with Jules Radino on drums and Rudy Sarzo on bass, they formed a lineup that felt both classic and revitalized.
The Crowd Connection
The audience at Chevrolet Court was a wonderful mix of die-hard fans and curious fairgoers who knew at least a few of the hits. By the time Burnin’ for You kicked in, everyone was on their feet. Strangers high-fived during Godzilla, couples swayed during Then Came the Last Days of May, and when the first notes of The Reaper rang out, the entire fairground seemed to sing in unison. It was a beautiful reminder that music can bridge generations and backgrounds, uniting everyone in a shared moment of joy.
Final Thoughts
As the band took their final bows and the lights came up, I felt that unmistakable post-concert buzz—a mix of adrenaline, nostalgia, and sheer appreciation for what I’d just witnessed. Blue Öyster Cult may have been playing at a state fair, but they brought the energy and precision of a band headlining an arena. Their set was a perfect blend of hits, deep cuts, and instrumental showcases, delivered with the kind of passion that can only come from true believers in the power of rock.
Walking away from the Chevrolet Court stage that night, I was reminded of why these songs have endured. They’re not just relics of the past; they’re living, breathing pieces of art that continue to inspire and electrify. Whether you came for The Reaper, Godzilla, or the deep cuts that only the faithful know, Blue Öyster Cult delivered a performance that satisfied on every level. Decades into their career, they remain a force to be reckoned with—and on that late August night in Syracuse, they proved that their flame still burns as brightly as ever.