Last night in Milwaukee, something rare and electric happened on the Riverside Theater stage. With Eric Bloom sidelined due to illness, the spotlight shifted almost entirely to Buck Dharma—and what unfolded was an unforgettable night of Blue Öyster Cult deep cuts, surprises, and sheer rock ‘n’ roll resilience.
Fans arrived expecting the usual blend of Bloom-Dharma vocal duties, but it quickly became apparent that this show would be different. With no Bloom to share the load, Buck stepped up and carried the torch with grace and power. The set leaned heavily on his catalog, and the result was a concert like no other in recent BÖC memory.
Right out of the gate, the band came in hot. Buck’s playing was razor-sharp, his voice strong, and his presence magnetic. You could feel the extra intensity—almost like he was playing for two. And while we missed Eric’s commanding presence, there was something poetic about Buck taking the lead in such a full-throttle way.
One of the absolute highlights of the night was the inclusion of “Dancing in the Ruins.” Longtime fans know this isn’t a regular on BÖC’s setlists, and to hear it performed live—especially in this context—was a true gift. The synth-laced rock groove sounded fresh, and Buck’s vocals fit it like a glove.
Then came “Shooting Shark,” the kind of song that reminds you just how underrated BÖC’s catalog is. With its emotional build and smooth groove, it was a moment that had the crowd swaying and cheering. Buck handled it beautifully, bringing out the depth and subtle pain in the lyrics. A masterclass.
When the first few notes of “Then Came the Last Days of May” floated out over the crowd, the atmosphere shifted. It was as haunting and mesmerizing as ever. Buck told the story like only he can—his guitar painting every detail with precision and emotion. It was another reminder of how essential he is not just as a guitarist, but as a storyteller.
But perhaps the biggest surprise—and most moving moment—came with “I Love The Night.” For many of us, this song is sacred territory, a deep fan favorite that rarely sees the light of day. But last night, it lit up the Milwaukee sky. Buck’s performance was passionate and haunting, sending chills through the room.
What really stood out, though, was how tight the rest of the band sounded. Richie Castellano, Danny Miranda, Jules Radino—every one of them stepped up and filled the sonic space with skill and energy. They weren’t just covering for Eric; they were honoring him, and lifting the music to another level.
Even with Eric out, his presence was still felt. The camaraderie of the band, the setlist choices, the subtle nods—they all spoke to how much of a cornerstone he is. The crowd cheered louder every time his name came up, and chants of “Get well, Eric!” echoed through the venue.
The audience, for their part, gave it all back. There was no disappointment, no letdown—just overwhelming support and joy. Milwaukee showed up and embraced the moment. It became less about what was missing and more about what we were lucky enough to witness.
Blue Öyster Cult have always been more than the sum of their parts. Last night proved that again. They adapted, delivered, and turned a tough situation into a night that many of us will never forget. It was a concert for the history books.
So here’s to Buck Dharma, the rest of the band, and of course, to Eric Bloom—get well soon. We missed you out there, but your band did you proud. And to everyone in Milwaukee: we were part of something special last night. A truly great show.
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