Photos: Blue Oyster Cult at Tucson Community Center, 1979
Riding the wave of songs like “Don’t Fear the Reaper” and “Godzilla” and a live album that sold 2 million copies, the group rode into Tucson in August 1979 for a concert at what was then called the Tucson Community Center.
Blue Oyster Cult in Tucson
Lead vocalist Eric Bloom during the Blue Oyster Cult concert at Tucson Community Center on Aug. 7, 1979.
Blue Oyster Cult in Tucson
Eric Bloom beckons skyward during the Blue Oyster Cult concert at Tucson Community Center on Aug. 7, 1979. BOC was formed when Bloom replaced the lead vocalist for Soft White Underbelly.
Blue Oyster Cult in Tucson
Band members during the Blue Oyster Cult concert at Tucson Community Center on Aug. 7, 1979. Donald Roeser switched from drums to guitar after breaking his wrist in the early 60s.
Blue Oyster Cult in Tucson
The ubiquitous cigarette lighters in the crowd during the Blue Oyster Cult concert at Tucson Community Center on Aug. 7, 1979.
Blue Oyster Cult in Tucson
Lead vocalist Eric Bloom during the Blue Oyster Cult concert at Tucson Community Center on Aug. 7, 1979.
Blue Oyster Cult in Tucson
Lead vocalist Eric Bloom during the Blue Oyster Cult concert at Tucson Community Center on Aug. 7, 1979. Bloom still tours with the band.
Blue Oyster Cult in Tucson
Donald Roeser (who wrote "Don't Fear the Reaper" and "Godzilla"), Joe Bouchard Eric Bloom and Allen Lanier (keyboards) during the Blue Oyster Cult concert at Tucson Community Center on Aug. 7, 1979.
Blue Oyster Cult in Tucson
Drummer Albert Bouchard during the Blue Oyster Cult concert at Tucson Community Center on Aug. 7, 1979. His brother Joe was bassist for the band.
Rick Wiley
Photo editor