Buck Dharma: Guitars, Tech, and Touring Tales

Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast

Dive into the fascinating world of Buck Dharma, the legendary guitarist from Blue Öyster Cult. Buck shares his incredible musical journey, starting from his high school surf band days to becoming a founding member of Blue Öyster Cult—a gig he’s held for over five decades!

Discover how Blue Öyster Cult evolved from playing bars to achieving major success, and learn about the band’s current lineup, which has been rocking together for over 20 years. Buck also reveals his appreciation for technology in live music: in-ear monitors and guitar modeling technology have transformed their performances.

Explore the band’s unique approach to songwriting and harmonies. Buck explains how their music, often mislabeled as heavy metal, actually incorporates complex arrangements and pop sensibilities. Plus, hear about their extensive touring history and the importance of maintaining good relationships within the band for long-term success.

This episode is packed with insights and stories that will resonate with musicians and fans alike. Whether you’re a casual listener or a tech enthusiast, you’ll find something to enjoy. Tune in to Gig Gab and join the conversation!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 454 – Monday, November 4th, 2024
  • November 4th: National Candy Day
• 00:01:11 Guest Co-Host: Buck Dharma from Blue Öyster Cult
• 00:01:56 Genesis of Buck Dharma
• 00:03:11 Backed into songwriting
  • Sandy Perlman — rock critic, lyricist, manager
• 00:05:44 The End of Every Song – New material…and fantastic material.
• 00:07:12 BöC Started as a Recording Act, not a bar band
  • Then played bars as the Stalk Forest Group
• 00:10:00 Post-arena time since 1985
• 00:10:40 Resisting IEMs…until we didn’t!
  • Full stereo mix plus voice-and-guitar +2dB
• 00:14:34 Modelers vs. Amps
  • Strymon Iridium
  • 2Notes C.A.B. Em
  • Marshall JCM 900 to keep the stage from being silent
• 00:16:32 BoC as a Harmony Band
  • “Mostly a Pop Guy”
• 00:19:06 “Burnin’ For You” was intended for the solo record
• 00:21:33 Discussing the album vs. single
• 00:23:50 Where is the technological replacement for liner notes?
  • Bitter Pill
  • Little Steven’s Underground Garage
  • Pat Guadagno
  • AllMusic
• 00:29:44 Crazy Stories
  • Black Sabbath with Ronnie Dio… Riot in Milwaukee
• 00:32:00 Finding the zone
• 00:34:00 Rehearsing in today’s world?
  • Blue Öyster Cult does Three Nights at Sony Hall
• 00:35:40 Deadest audience: record company executives
• 00:38:09 What’s Next?
  • European Tour 2025
  • 25 Million Records and 4,600 dates
• 00:40:00 Touring Tips
  • Mostly Fly Dates
• 00:43:43 The time to see BoC is now!
• 00:44:42 Gig Gab 453 Outtro
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