The Story Behind Blue Öyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper," Cowbell's Crowning Achievement

The Story Behind Blue Öyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper," Cowbell's Crowning Achievement

Classic rock legends Blue Öyster Cult may be the first band to feature an umlaut in their name, but the band -- which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year -- was no gimmick. They released a string of major hits in the '70s, with their most transcendent classic of course being 1976's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper." The record that still haunts as deeply as ever, continually finding new ways to enter the zeitgeist.

Of course, that's partially due to that iconic cowbell. The use of the instrument was given even more attention thanks to Will Ferrell's classic 2000 Saturday Night Live sketch featuring Christopher Walken’s inimitable deadpan as Bruce Dickinson incessantly demanding, “More cowbell!”

Interestingly, Dickinson wasn't even involved in making the record -- and "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" isn't about what you might think it is. In this 14th episode of The Story Behind the Song podcast, Blue Öyster Cult's Buck Dharma discusses "The Reaper" with host Peter Csathy, touching on the song's lasting impact, its position in the modern music pantheon, and, of course, that cowbell.

Listen to the podcast above, or watch a segment of the discussion via YouTube. Make sure you're following The Story Behind the Song wherever you get your podcast, as there will be a special Halloween episode featuring Danny Elfman discussing Oingo Boingo’s “Dead Man’s Party." You can also keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media.

Blue Öyster Cult are currently on the UK leg of their 50th anniversary tour, but they have more US dates lined up for November. Get tickets here.



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The Story Behind Gary Numan's New Wave Classic “Cars"

The Story Behind Gary Numan's New Wave Classic “Cars"

Iconic UK new wave artist Gary Numan ushered in an entirely new form of electronic synth music with 1979's "Cars." While the sound would go on to define much of the next decade, the breakout smash came to Numan in mere minutes -- after nearly being attacked by thugs in his own vehicle. Yet Newman's artistic and personal journey has not been for the faint of heart, characterized by massive highs (his immediate superstardom with "Cars") and equally massive lows (struggles with not only recalibrating his music over server decades, but also his personal demons). In this second episode of The Story Behind the Song podcast, host Peter Csathy interviews Gary Numan about all of this as the pair discuss the hypnotic classic "Cars." As always on TSBTS, the guest musician also reveals the story behind one of their personal favorite tracks from their own catalog; Numan chooses “The Gift,” a song off his most recent album, Intruder, which was released earlier this year to largely effusive reviews. Make sure you’re subscribed to The Story Behind the Song to catch each episode of the monthly series. You can also keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our podcasts. Theme music courtesy of Juan Pieczanski. Support The Story Behind the Song by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRZyZV Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

16 Aug 20211h 27min

The Story Behind The Song Episode 1: Men At Work's "Down Under"

The Story Behind The Song Episode 1: Men At Work's "Down Under"

The Story Behind the Song finds host Peter Csathy digging into some of the most iconic songs of all time with the artists who made them. Others may scratch the surface, but we go deeper than anyone into the musician’s fascinating creative journey of how their most lasting songs came to be – and the moment that sparked their inspiration. For episode 1, Peter sits with Men At Work frontman Colin Hay to discuss their seminal 80's hit, "Down Under." Support The Story Behind the Song by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/mVRZyZV Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

15 Juli 20211h 9min

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