If “Don’t Fear the Reaper” comes on the radio, can you hear that song without thinking “More Cowbell”? Many in the current generation can’t, which is a bit of a shame as The Blue Oyster Cult deserves to be remembered for more than that Saturday Night Live skit.

The Blue Oyster Cult was one of the top Hard Rock/Heavy Metal bands in the 70’s.  As much of their music was based on more science fiction and literary references than their peers, they were called by some as “the thinking man’s Heavy Metal band”. Simultaneously, they were able to generate some radio friendly songs that were able to expose them to additional audiences that other Hard Rock/Metal bands couldn’t generate. Metal bands are not the most beloved genre in the Hall, but as an American group they may possibly squeak in over some of their British counterparts should the Hall want to induct another “headbanging” band.

The Bullet Points:

Previous Rank:

2010: #69

Eligible Since:

1997

Country of Origin:

U.S.A. (Long Island, NY)

Why They Will Get In:

“The thinking man’s Heavy Metal band” could be a surprise inductee should the genre get another look.

Why They Won’t Get In:

More Cowbell.

Nominated In:

Never

Essential Albums:

Secret Treaties (1974)

Agents of Fortune (1976)

Specters (1977)

Fire of Unknown Origin (1981)

Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee:

Transmaniacon MC (From Blue Oyster Cult, 1972)

Career of Evil (From Secret Treaties, 1974)

Don’t Fear the Reaper (From Agents of Fortune, 1976)

Godzilla (From Specters, 1977)

Veteran of the Psychic Wars (From Fire of Unknown Origin, 1981)