If H.P. Lovecraft was a musician, he'd be in BoC.

That they and Rush have been snubbed by the industry for so long is a testament to how they refuse to cater to the industry itself, and it's never ending search for money. These two bands, among others, have stayed true to the fans, the music, and themselves. Rock and Roll has never been about fitting in, so it's a mark of pride that they've been out for so long.

Rush just inducted and BoC still out, but Aerosmith was in long ago? Says all you need to know right there.
Commercial success isn't the only form of success, and it's certainly NOT the form most worthy of respect.

Long live BoC.

Posted by Cthulhu on Sunday, 05/19/2013 @ 17:35pm

RIP, Allen Lanier

Posted by Aaron O'Donnell on Thursday, 08/15/2013 @ 11:14am

BOC should be in if only for the awesome cowbell riffs.

Posted by Telarock on Saturday, 02/8/2014 @ 14:27pm

Blue Oyster Cult reminds me of 38 Special.Very good songs & excellent musicians. It's always a mystery why certain bands break through as superstars & others never reach that height.

I'm afraid Blue Oyster Cult will never be inducted. There is such a backlog of deserving bands. KING

Posted by KING on Tuesday, 02/18/2014 @ 14:21pm

What kind of moron would say BOC had no influence on rock? In the early and mid '70s, before Don't Fear The Reaper, they headlined and sold out concerts without any radio air play. (Metallica?) They took a little known band on tour with them during this time and because of it they became mega stars (KISS). BOC is always about the music and their fans. They've gone from playing stadiums during the height of their popularity to playing rib fests and county fairs just so they can still play. How many other bands would do that? I've seen them in every venue and they always put on a hell of a show. They were all very talented musicians. They are what every band should be. Best live band ever.

Posted by EZE on Friday, 12/12/2014 @ 20:12pm

just visited this website to view what I had already thought.No BOC in the hall. what a shame.Just saw them in Cleveland,ohio in October.They still kick ass!All their songs....they could have played all nite.I'll see them again .screw the hall.

Posted by joe scap on Wednesday, 12/17/2014 @ 07:48am

What nothing against Blondie, but come on BOC is a great band and should be in the RRH of fame this band has been around since the late 60s and has put out some great music.. Go Buck

Posted by t smith on Sunday, 08/9/2015 @ 01:36am

Blue Oyster Cult, another band snubbed by the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. Its litereally a sin that Blue Oyster cult isnt in yet. Theyre still around touring and making music. They had influences just like the others. Todays msuic wouldnt be around if it wasnt for BOC, The CARS, Kiss, Blondie, Def Leppard , ect

Posted by Steve on Thursday, 12/22/2016 @ 02:16am

On Blue Oyster Cult: I think Blue Oyster Cult's longevity and excellent stage performances will help their nomination and induction. They had some monster great songs like Burnin' For You (Classic Perfection) and Don't Fear The Reaper. I'm a fan of the Joan Crawford song with the incredible piano intro. First class musicians. They BOC are on my 30 group list that I pared down from 45. It will be difficult to make the Final 20 but I think it's going to be BOC's time for nomination. Chicago,ELO,Kiss,Rush,YES have all been inducted in recent years. There seems to be 2 or 3 open spots for BOC to capture 1 of them. KING

Posted by KING on Tuesday, 07/11/2017 @ 05:11am

They did some amazing songs that sound powerful and fresh even today. As for their style, it was rock at it's best. I say get 'em in.

Posted by Colin Adam on Sunday, 03/25/2018 @ 13:21pm

These guys are have been influential in rock and metal world cause of their often cryptic lyrics, literate songwriting, and links to famous authors. These are the bands who cited them as one of their influences:

Iron Maiden, Metallica, Green River, Mudhoney, Alice In Chains, Iced Earth, Queens of the Stone Age, Pearl Jam, Body Count, The Cult, Firehouse, Twisted Sister, Ratt, Fates Warning, Possessed, Trouble, Candlemass, Saint Vitus, White Zombie, Opeth, Kvelertak, HIM, Turbonegro, Minutemen, Radio Birdman, Hoodoo Gurus, Widespread Panic, Moe, Umphrey's McGee, Stabbing Westward, Royal Trux, many more.

Two of the bands I've mentioned are in the HOF. Once we get enough bands who are BOC fans, that should give them an induction. You can count me in!

Posted by The Dude on Friday, 04/27/2018 @ 09:40am

Dude
You make a very compelling view!

Posted by DrRock on Friday, 04/27/2018 @ 22:40pm

Will Ferrell should do an induction speech for them. If not, then Christopher Walken is my second choice.

Posted by The Dude on Saturday, 04/28/2018 @ 00:07am

I thought they were already inducted.

Posted by Tommy on Saturday, 09/29/2018 @ 16:21pm

On the Metal debate, Blue Oyster Cult's second album, Tyranny and Mutation, can be considered as Metal. "Hot Rails to Hell" and "7 Screaming Diz-Busters" are borderline metal, very heavy. Then you also have the only album by Armageddon, from 1975, (s/t), listed by Wiki as Hard rock, Heavy Metal, Prog rock. 3 songs, "Buzzard","Paths and Planes and Future Gains", and"Last Stand Before", I would consider as being Metal. Some of early Metal is undefined, as it was still developing, at that point. Of course you have Blue Cheer, and some Iron Butterfly songs, and you have to include Budgie, originating from Wales, around the same time as Black Sabbath, and early Zeppelin. Check out "The Author", or "Rape of the Locks", "Nude Disintegrating Parachutist Woman", "Crash Course in Brain Surgery", as there is plenty of early Metal to go around with Budgie. Being why Metallica, Soundgarden, Van Halen, and Megadeth covered their songs. Check out "Breadfan". Their 1974 album "In For the Kill" was voted Top Metal album of 1974, by UCR, or it may have been Blabbermouth, not sure. Tons of obscure bands from that time period were very heavy, and Metal kind of evolved from there..

Posted by Will N. on Tuesday, 01/22/2019 @ 00:58am

The fact that they are not in is a travesty! Just watched this year's induction, and wondering HOW they are NOT in, yet bands like RadioHead and the Zombies go in? Insane! I've seen them over 20 times, and they are amazing still to this day, my 22 year old son got tickets for us last year right before my birthday, 3rd time he has seen them with me, and they played for about 1 hr 50 minutes, and a lot of songs that I hadn't seen done live since the 70's, amazing! If anyone likes to watch a guitar MASTER Buck is a bucket list item!!

Posted by Jay E. on Thursday, 05/9/2019 @ 23:54pm

Jay E.,
Agreed. I have seen them about 12 times myself, starting with 1977, when they headlined, and Uriah Heep opened for them. This was the beginning of the laser light show era, when they started playing "Godzilla" for the first time on tour. They were very huge at the time coming off the "Agents of Fortune" album and tour, and just releasing "Spectres". They never fail to disappoint in concert, as you say, and always deliver a power packed show. Buck Dharma is truly an under appreciated guitarist, who is very talented, and he can shred if he has to, but is more of a haunting, melodic craftsman with the axe.

Maybe what has hurt this band is they are grouped in with the classic rock bands that never quite achieved super stardom, or maybe just briefly, but are still out there plugging along because they love it, and do it for the fans across the world who love their music. And I understand that their are a lot of people who do not like their material, or may be unfamiliar with it, but they have recorded great albums and still tour relentlessly. '70's bands like BOC, Grand Funk, Styx, Foreigner, Judas Priest, Foghat, Nazareth, Boston, and even Uriah Heep just played, are out there still jamming for the fans.

I will close by stating that during an 11 year period from 1972 - 1983, they released 12 very good, to great or excellent records(9 studio, 3 Live), and headlined many an arena during that heyday, making them definitely worthy for a nomination in the near future. Despite any negativity, or parody, they were always still a band to be taken very seriously, as their works have expressed with focused validity in their songwriting skills and musical versatility.

Posted by Will N. on Saturday, 05/11/2019 @ 23:11pm

I heard somewhere that Richard Meltzer, a music critic and long time contributor and associate of BOC, got into a heated debate with an HOF founder about the "Shit" acts getting in. In retaliation BOC has been blackballed. I have no idea if any of it is true. However, Beastie Boys? Run DMC? That shit has nothing to do with Rock and Roll. Then there are the "Formula" rockers. Boston, Foreigner, van Hallen. They all have their unmistakeable "sound" Over and Over and Over again. BOC's "sound" was vastly different from One Album to the next. their lyrics we're far too sophisticated for KISS fans, covering vast subject matter from Philosophy to social and political satire. No endless feminine crotch anthems here. An HOF induction would be a slap in the face. Hope they never get it.

Posted by Bill on Monday, 06/17/2019 @ 00:40am

KING, - You are right in my wheelhouse with Blue Oyster Cult, and I think we should get the bandwagon moving a bit. I will add to what you had to offer, and will submit the B.O.C. challenge. Here are 60 Reasons why Blue Oyster Cult should be in the RRHOF, and are in descending order for personal favorites, done by heart, no need to compile a thought out list here:

1. - Astronomy(1974)"Live"(1978) -:- 2. Flaming Telepaths(1974)
3. - E.T.I.(Extra Terrestrial Intelligence)(1976) -:- 4. - Cities On Flame(1972)
5. - (Don't Fear) The Reaper(1976) -:- 6. - Career Of Evil(1974)
7. - Veteran Of the Psychic Wars(1981) -:- 8. - Godzilla (1977)
9. - Then Came the Last Days Of May(1972) -:- 10. - Black Blade(1980)
11. - Stairway To the Stars(1972) -:- 12. - Joan Crawford(1981)
13. - Dominance and Submission(1974) -:- 14. I Love The Night(1977)
15. - This Ain't the Summer of Love(1976) -:- 16. - The Subhuman(1974)
17. - Hot Rails To Hell(1973) -:- 18. - Tenderloin(1976)
19.- Harvester Of Eyes(1974) -:- 20. - The Vigil(1980)
21. - Burnin' For You(1981) -:- 22. - Teen Archer(1973)
23. - Tattoo Vampire(1976) -:- 24. - Goin' Thru the Motions(1977)
25. - O.D.'d On Life Itself(1973) -:- 26. - Perfect Water(1985)
27. - The Revenge Of the Vera Gemini(1976) -:- 28. - Shooting Shark(1983)
29. - Death Valley Nights(1977) -:- 30. - ME 262(1974)
31. - Sole Survivor(1981) -:- 32. - Mistress of the Salmon Salt(1973)
33. - Workshop of the Telescopes(1972) -:- 34. - Vengeance(The Pact)(1981)
35. - Morning Final(1976) -:- 36. - The Red and The Black(1973)
37. - Cagey Cretins(1974) -:- 38. - Searching For Celine(1977)
39. - Take Me Away(1983) -:- 40. - Dancin' In the Ruins(1985)
41. - RU Ready 2 Rock(1977)"Live"(1978) -:- 42. - Baby Ice Dog(1973)
43. - Golden Age of Leather(1977) -:- 44. - Divine Wind(1980)
45. - I'm On the Lamb, But I Ain't No Sheep(1972) -:- 46. - True Confessions(1976)
47. - Heavy Metal: The Black and the Silver(1981) -:- 48. - Wings Wetted Down(1973)
49. - Kick Out The Jams -"Live"(1978) -:- 50. - Celestial The Queen(1977)
51. - Dance On Stilts(2001) -:- 52. - I Am the Storm(1979)
53. - Sinful Love(1976) -:- 54. - Before the Kiss, A Redcap(1972)
55. - Fire Of Unknown Origin(1981) -:- 56. - The Horsemen Arrive(1992)
57. - Don't Turn Your Back(1981) -:- 58. - Nosferatu(1977)
59. - Pocket(2001) -:- 60. - 7 Screaming Diz-Busters(1973)

60 tunes for loyal fans, casual or interested fans, to prolong and continue the legacy.. More Cowbell? I think not..

Posted by Will N. on Wednesday, 10/23/2019 @ 00:15am

Great list Will! Anyone with negative BOC comments is as valueless here as the Hall of Shame for not really knowing (or allowing) some of the best rock music ever. An earlier post mentioned that BOC is for folks that recognize and appreciate the depth and varying styles that BOC offer. I totally agree with that.

Also, if one didn't grow up listening to BOC, they diss BOC because they are either bitter, because they missed out on BOC 'real time' when it was cranking out some of the best rock music in the 70s & 80s, or they lack the depth of ability to process this complex and unique rock music with some dark and humorous lyrics thrown in.

BOC never could be compared to their early metal contemporaries, they have always had their own personality and styles. Only BOC fans can comprehend them, and there are millions of us.

Lastly, every band mentioned on these posts have their merits and musical appeal. But there are many that have nothing to do with Rock & Roll. So the Hall of Shame is a bad joke, and real rock fans see it for what it is, valueless to the music consumers. By the way, the latest Rolling Stone issue features Taylor Swift. WTH does she have to do with rock? I rest my case!

Posted by Eric D on Wednesday, 11/20/2019 @ 19:40pm

Quote from above: 'BOC never could be compared to their early metal contemporaries, they have always had their own personality and styles. Only BOC fans can comprehend them, and there are millions of us.'

I think that anyone who thinks Blue Oyster Cult is 'Metal' is a bit 'mental'...

Posted by Paul in KY on Thursday, 11/21/2019 @ 06:53am

The word "contemporary" means occurring or existing at the same time. Nowhere did I (or would I) classify BOC as a metal band.

Posted by Eric D on Tuesday, 01/28/2020 @ 15:14pm

With newest class revealed, I could see BOC getting inducted in 2022 after Thin Lizzy in 21.

Posted by The Dude on Tuesday, 01/28/2020 @ 15:30pm

I think it is shameful that because BOC would not follow a set genre, but instead produced original and timeless albums instead of cookie cutter singles, they might be overlooked by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They are too busy inducting non-rock acts.

Posted by Jennifer Thompson on Friday, 02/14/2020 @ 17:35pm

If Thin Lizzy doesn't get nominated again, then the Nom Com should go with BOC. The votes are actually there, and it would open the doors more wider for Judas Priest and Motörhead.

Posted by The Dude on Thursday, 02/27/2020 @ 16:22pm

The Dude posted the Loudwire article for the 2 new songs off of the new Blue Oyster Cult album, "The Symbol Remains", and also Blabbermouth put out an article for a 3rd song and video, "Tainted Blood".. very good article on the new record.
https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/listen-to-new-blue-oyster-cult-song-tainted-blood/

Posted by Will N. on Tuesday, 09/29/2020 @ 21:09pm

Anyone else listen to the new record? I thought it was a solid 3.5/5 overall. Surprisingly good in my opinion. Good to see BOC going back to their hard rock roots with That Was Me and a couple other tracks. My personal favorite is The Alchemist. I would even go as far as to say that The Alchemist ranks among BOC's best songs. Also, I really dig Richie Castellano's vocals. Tainted Blood is where he really shines. If you haven't heard it yet and you've got an hour or so to spare, then check it out.

Posted by Jason Dagotto on Tuesday, 10/13/2020 @ 09:29am

Blue Öyster Cult has existed since the late 60s, so the band has indisputable longevity. The band has had two major hits, one of which--"Don't Fear the Reaper"--is a rock anthem that has endured since its release, having been featured in countless media (ex. The Stand--novel and film, Halloween); so it has had commercial success, as well. The group is also innovative, having been the first major rock band to take a full-fledged laser show on a large-scale tour; and it was the first major act to use an umlaut as a flourish in a logo. The ensemble and/or its members have collaborated with some extraordinary personnel throughout the years such as Patti Smith, Ian Hunter, Alice Cooper, and internationally acclaimed author, Michael Moorcock. The band shared a bill on the Black and Blue tour with inductee, Black Sabbath. According to setlists.fm, Blue Öyster Cult has played more live shows than any band that began recording in the 70s (with only a handful of acts above them PERIOD). The group even found a way to perform multiple live shows--WITH audiences--during the pandemic of 2020! The band's influence is immeasurable. I challenge anyone (especially you, Cheesecrop, who offered nothing in your argument apart from personal opinion [posted here on Sunday, 11.2.08 @ 18:47pm]) to ask of the members of Metallica and Iron Maiden if BÖC should be in the Rock Hall. Voters, please consider Blue Öyster Cult for induction.

Posted by bengrimmthething on Friday, 12/25/2020 @ 12:24pm

The rock and roll hall or fame constitutes most forms of popular music including rap which is a seminal and important musical movement and even so there are many other "rock" acts that deserve consideration first. No hate to boc.

Posted by David W Richman on Monday, 02/15/2021 @ 16:22pm

BOC IS THE 70'S BEST ROCK N ROLL BAND AND EVEN TODAY. GREAT IN CONCERT AND STOOD THE TEST OF TIME. IT'S A DAMN SHAME THERE NOT IN THE HALL OF FAME. TO HELL WITH SNL.

Posted by Don Sauls on Monday, 03/29/2021 @ 22:43pm

The building that houses The Hall of Fame is not complete until the brick engraved with the "Hook and Cross" symbol is laid. 'Nuff said.

Posted by Steve Walker on Monday, 09/6/2021 @ 10:26am

Their new album may not have helped their chances. Haven't yet decided if it takes over worst BOC album status from Spectres.

Posted by Dwight Crapson on Thursday, 02/3/2022 @ 07:37am

A must choice. A revolutionary band with a great tight sound. Influenced a lot of bands.

Posted by Carl Hardy on Wednesday, 02/16/2022 @ 21:04pm

So Dolly Parton goes into the Rock n Roll HOF before BOC. Are you F'n kidding me. Time to hold the nomination committee to ROCK N ROLL standards.

Posted by Bob Dennis on Sunday, 09/4/2022 @ 19:57pm

BOC needs (deserves) to be inducted into the RRHofF. Gr8 band, still playing today!!!

Posted by Chris on Thursday, 10/6/2022 @ 16:58pm

One of the great rock bands live in history very very underrated should be in the hall No Doubt

Posted by Chris Conn on Wednesday, 10/12/2022 @ 15:16pm

One of the great rock bands live in history very very underrated should be in the hall No Doubt

Posted by Chris Conn on Wednesday, 10/12/2022 @ 15:17pm

OK the fact that bands like the eurythmics, as well as singers like Lionel Richie, are in the "rock 'n' roll" Hall of Fame, and Blue Öyster Cult is not is an utter sham and travesty!

Posted by Jay on Saturday, 11/26/2022 @ 18:36pm

Blue Oyster Cult definitely belong in the hall of fame.. NOW. Some Enchanted Evening" is one of the greatest live hard work/metal albums ever recorded
You have to remember, BOC was rocking when disco was popular.
Their music is still popular today.
They are still performing, writing new music, and their classics still hold up today
They have one if the greatest hard rock guitarists ever, Buck Dharma. He still plays.. and SHREDS.
They have the hits, they have the jam songs. They have the deep cuts. They were right there with Sabbath when they made the "Black and Blue" movie

They are better than Judas Priest AND Motörhead
Stop this nonsense of recentivism.

Blue Oystet Cult belongs
In the hall of fame NOW!!!

Posted by William Ross on Thursday, 01/5/2023 @ 16:58pm

I LOVE BOC!!!!! id love to see them inducted and itd score another victory for hard rock and metal, alongside another egregious snub Thin Lizzy!

Posted by Will m on Tuesday, 01/10/2023 @ 19:03pm

Blue Oyster cult not being in the Rock n roll hall of fame is ridiculous already. They should ve been inducted 10 yrs ago or at least nominated. I know it has to with being revelant and influence along with hits. I know they have all three. BOC!

Posted by Steven Dwyer on Wednesday, 03/29/2023 @ 23:35pm

Take it from a guy who grew up in Boston Garden with about every band that came through from the mid 70's to the mid 80's; BOC put on a show that paled the efforts of many a band. WTF is up with the 'pop music hall of shame'; has anybody over there ever heard Buck Dharma play the guitar? I'd rather listen to Buck talk about playing the guitar than to hear most play it. The omission of BOC from the walls of the hall of small shows just how insignificant they are.

Posted by Steve Boyle on Friday, 04/28/2023 @ 06:00am

Take it from a guy who grew up in Boston Garden with about every band that came through from the mid 70's to the mid 80's; BOC put on a show that paled the efforts of many a band. WTF is up with the 'pop music hall of shame'; has anybody over there ever heard Buck Dharma play the guitar? I'd rather listen to Buck talk about playing the guitar than to hear most play it. The omission of BOC from the walls of the hall of small shows just how insignificant they are.

Posted by Steve Boyle on Friday, 04/28/2023 @ 06:01am

I've seen Blue Oyster Cult 22 times going back to the 70's with all original members. Saw the Black and Blue Tour. Saw their 50th anniversary tour. Rock legends!

Posted by Bill Arnold on Tuesday, 05/23/2023 @ 14:34pm

I think they are worthy. However, the window for BOC seems to be closed as the hall cares less about classic rock now.

Posted by power on Wednesday, 07/19/2023 @ 13:56pm

Considering if Blue Oyster Cult is Metal or not misses the point. They have always been Alchemists - mixing elements to create something unique and durable. In this way they are not easily categorized. The opening riff to Godzilla suggests Metal - the song itself is wonderfully heavy Pop. Tyranny & Mutation approaches Speed Metal. Are the MC5, Steppenwolf, or even Led Zeppelin considered Metal? These bands, including B.Ö.C. and Black Sabbath, among many others, led the way toward Metal as we know it today. Blue Oyster Cult, through their lyrics and presentation, added other elements borrowed from graphic novels and Science Fiction: villainy and sinister intent. And like those masterfully creative comic books we devoured in our youth, looking back, the impression left on our Rock and Roll brains is quite astonishing - I still get off on it.

Culture Factory's Vinyl Classic Edition's Mini LP CD's sound quality breaths new life into the first several albums up to and including Fire of Unknown Origin. I cannot believe how much fidelity was lost over the years. And YES, Blue Oyster Cult obviously belong in the H.O.F!

Posted by Gary Keeling on Saturday, 08/12/2023 @ 19:28pm