“Extraterrestrial Live” – A Cosmic Collision of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Mastery
Prepare for liftoff with Blue Öyster Cult's 1982 double live album, "Extraterrestrial Live". This sonic odyssey captures the band's raw energy and electrifying stage presence, showcasing their cosmic rock anthems in a whole new light. From the fiery intensity of "Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll" to the epic grandeur of "Godzilla", this album transports you to a dimension where hard rock reigns supreme. With guest appearances by Robby Krieger of The Doors and a setlist that spans their iconic career, "Extraterrestrial Live" is a must-have for any fan seeking an otherworldly musical experience.
In the vast expanse of rock 'n' roll history, few bands have ventured into the cosmic unknown quite like Blue Öyster Cult. Their electrifying third live album, "Extraterrestrial Live", released in 1982, serves as an auditory passport to a celestial concert experience like no other. With a lineup of rock luminaries and special guest appearances, this 2LP 12" album takes listeners on an otherworldly journey through time and space, all while being expertly produced by Sandy Pearlman and George Geranios.
A Galactic Gathering: Blue Öyster Cult Band Members
The driving force behind this cosmic musical expedition is none other than Blue Öyster Cult's exceptional lineup. Eric Bloom, the enigmatic frontman, leads the charge with his dynamic vocals and commanding stage presence. Joe Bouchard's bass lines form the pulsating heartbeat of the band's sound, while Rick Downey's drums provide the rhythmic backbone that propels the sonic spacecraft forward. Allen Lanier's keyboard wizardry adds layers of texture to the cosmic tapestry, and Donald "Duck" Dharma Roeser's iconic guitar solos send sonic shockwaves across the universe. Albert Bouchard's contributions round out the ensemble, creating a synergy that is as captivating as it is electrifying.
A Celestial Symphony: The Live Performance
"Extraterrestrial Live" captures the band's 1981 tour in all its interstellar glory. The album kicks off with the anthemic "Dominance and Submission", immediately setting the tone for the intergalactic journey ahead. As the album progresses, listeners are treated to a celestial symphony of hits like "Burnin' for You", "Godzilla", and "Don't Fear the Reaper", each track pulsating with an energy that can only be described as otherworldly.
One of the highlights of the album is the special guest appearance by Robbie Krieger, the legendary guitarist of The Doors. Krieger's collaboration with Blue Öyster Cult on the track "Roadhouse Blues" adds a cosmic dimension to an already stellar live performance, creating a musical encounter that transcends time and space.
Sonic Alchemy: Production and Artistry
"Extraterrestrial Live" is a testament to the skillful production of Sandy Pearlman and George Geranios. The album's sound quality is pristine, capturing the raw power of Blue Öyster Cult's live performance while maintaining a level of sonic clarity that allows every instrument to shine. The artwork, in typical Blue Öyster Cult fashion, is both captivating and enigmatic, teasing the cosmic wonders that await within the grooves of the vinyl.
Legacy and Cosmic Resonance
Decades after its release, "Extraterrestrial Live" continues to resonate with audiences across the universe. Blue Öyster Cult's ability to fuse hard rock with a cosmic mystique has solidified their place as pioneers of a genre that defies earthly boundaries. The album stands as a testament to the band's live prowess, capturing the essence of their legendary concerts and inviting listeners to embark on an ethereal journey through the cosmos.
Music Genre: Progressive Psychedelic Heavy Metal Music |
Album Production: Produced by Sandy Pearlman, George Geranios |
Record Label & Catalognr: CBS 22203 |
Packaging: Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design |
Media Format: 12" Double LP |
Year & Country: 1982 Made in Holland |
Band Members and Musicians on: Blue Oyster Cult Extraterrestrial LIVE 2LP |
Blue Oyster Cult's Band-members, Musicians and Performers |
Complete Track Listing of: Blue Oyster Cult Extraterrestrial LIVE 2LP |
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Extraterrestrial Live, a double live album by Blue Öyster Cult, sports a hauntingly detailed, science-fiction-inspired cover.
A mysterious robed figure stands at the top of a wide, metallic stairway leading down from an imposing, circular spacecraft. The robe, richly decorated with cryptic symbols, drapes over the figure’s outstretched arms, evoking an air of prophecy or cosmic authority.
Two sleek, almost spectral canines, resembling elongated Dobermans, stand guard at the base of the stairs. Their sharp ears, gaunt bodies, and glowing collars exude an unsettling, otherworldly presence.
The spaceship itself looms in the background, its enormous curved structure adorned with intricate, biomechanical patterns. A hatch-like portal hints at an advanced, enigmatic technology. The environment beyond is barren and desolate, stretching into the distance with an eerie emptiness.
Scattered around are rugged road cases, some marked with "BOC," reinforcing the album's live performance theme while juxtaposing the mystical and sci-fi elements with the grit of rock touring life.
The back cover of Extraterrestrial Live continues the eerie, sci-fi aesthetic of the front, presenting Blue Öyster Cult beneath the shadow of an enormous alien spacecraft.
The band members stand in a loose formation on barren, cracked ground, clad in rugged leather jackets adorned with patches. Each member exudes a distinct presence—some gazing into the distance, others gesturing as if in mid-conversation. One of them, holding a deck of cards, adds a subtle element of mystery.
Above them, the underbelly of the alien vessel looms, an immense structure covered in intricate, biomechanical engravings. Soft, glowing orbs of light punctuate its surface, giving an impression of otherworldly intelligence. Hanging cables and tubes dangle from its edges, further emphasizing its futuristic and ominous presence.
In the upper left corner, the album's tracklist is printed in a minimalist, no-nonsense font, reinforcing the stark and immersive tone of the artwork. Meanwhile, a small pink box in the lower right provides a roll call of the band members, along with credits for production and special guests, grounding the illustration in the real-world context of the album's creation.
Description
This striking artwork from Extraterrestrial Live captures the album’s cosmic and surreal themes, blending science fiction with a heavy metal aesthetic.
A colossal astronaut-like figure dominates the frame, clad in an ornately detailed spacesuit that fuses futuristic and steampunk elements. The suit is a masterpiece of texture and color—deep blue fabric intertwined with metallic copper tubing, brass fixtures, and mysterious engravings that suggest ancient, otherworldly technology.
The focal point is the figure’s oversized helmet, its visor acting as a portal to another reality. Reflected within the glassy surface, three humanoid entities stand beneath a hovering spacecraft, their forms elongated and spectral, bathed in an eerie glow. The reflection distorts them, adding an unsettling, dreamlike quality to the image.
The background erupts in swirling, chaotic red and orange hues, evoking an alien sky or a cosmic storm. A second spacecraft, sharp and angular, drifts ominously in the upper left, hinting at unseen forces at play. This mesmerizing blend of sci-fi mysticism and raw visual power makes the artwork as unforgettable as the music itself.
"Extraterrestrial Live" Record Label Details: Orange to Yellow Colour CBS 22203
This is the CBS record label for Side 1 of Extraterrestrial Live, featuring Blue Öyster Cult’s signature hard rock anthems in their raw, live energy.
The label design follows CBS's classic aesthetic, with a warm orange-to-yellow gradient dominating the circular surface. At the top, the CBS logo—a stylized eye within a square—stands in bright yellow, contrasting against the gradient background. Below, the album title Extraterrestrial Live and the band's name, Blue Öyster Cult, are printed in bold black uppercase letters, ensuring maximum readability.
The tracklist for Side 1 is neatly aligned in a structured format, listing four songs: Dominance and Submission, Cities on Flame, Dr. Music, and The Red and the Black. Each entry includes its respective song duration, along with detailed songwriting credits denoting contributions from band members and collaborators.
Additional technical details are present, such as the catalog number CBS 22203, the stereo format marking, and the copyright notice attributing ownership to CBS Inc. The small black rectangle labeled "BIEM/STEMRA" denotes European music rights management. The central hole is cleanly cut, designed for placement onto a turntable spindle.
The label’s classic, minimalist layout reflects the era’s vinyl design, balancing bold colors with essential information while capturing the analog essence of this legendary live album.
CBS 64904 , 1972 , Netherlands
Blue Öyster Cult's self-titled 12" vinyl LP. Released in 1972, this album showcases the band's signature fusion of rock and mysticism. With haunting tracks like "Transmaniacon MC" and "Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll", the album's intricate musicianship and captivating themes continue to resonate, marking a timeless exploration of sonic mystique
Learn moreCBS 22203 , 1982 , Netherlands
Blue Öyster Cult's "Extraterrestrial Live" 2LP album. Capturing the band's 1981 tour, it delivers electrifying performances of hits like "Burnin' for You" and "Godzilla." With special guest Robbie Krieger, the album's interstellar sound, produced by Sandy Pearlman and George Geranios, immerses you in a celestial spectacle, leaving an indelible mark on rock's cosmic landscape.
Learn moreCBS 25686, AL 38947 , 1983 , Netherlands
"Experience Blue Öyster Cult's 'The Revolution By Night' 12" vinyl LP, a sonic voyage through the band's 1983 prowess. With tracks like 'Shooting Shark' and 'Take Me Away,' this album masterfully blends rock with atmospheric allure. Produced by Bruce Fairbairn, it's a nocturnal odyssey that encapsulates the band's evolution and enduring impact on the music scene".
Learn moreCBS 80103 , 1974 , England
"Delve into the enigmatic realm of Blue Öyster Cult's 'Secret Treaties'. Released in 1974, this album weaves a mysterious tapestry of rock and intrigue. With tracks like 'Astronomy' and 'Harvester of Eyes,' it's a mesmerizing fusion of dark melodies and thought-provoking themes. A testament to the band's artistic depth, 'Secret Treaties' continues to captivate and mystify listeners".
Learn more