First time hearing Blue Oyster Cult "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" Reaction | Asia and BJ

[@kellifranklin4432]

This is my favorite song of all time. The iconic SNL " cowbell" skit is a must watch for you guys! This song also shows up in Stephen King's "The Stand" mini series. It really is just a perfect rock song. I want it played at my funeral.

[@cathyhall1350]

That's what I was thinking! More cowbell! 🎼✌️😂🎸

[@robertembury6094]

@@cathyhall1350 I used to air guitar this song now I "air Cowbell"

[@evelynhoard2845]

Yes! More cowbell!!!

[@easternadventures9978]

In The Stand movie as well.

[@jamesgonzales5285]

👊🏻👍🏻🤟🤘

[@corkydukeII5898]

Whoever requested this, THANK GOD they requested THIS Studio version and not the live version....this studio one is MUCH better

[@gregoryriddle2618]

Yep...Unlike Veteran Of The Psychic Wars, where the 1981 live version is killer and one of Buck's best leads on video

[@vindigregorio6697]

100%.. tbh, I think that's usually true.

[@oldmanghost219]

So True. this is one of those that the studio is best. But sometimes it is the live version. Just depends and i would not automatically assume one version or the other.

[@urizen7613]

@@gregoryriddle2618 I was thinking the same thing.

[@Nitramrec]

I don't think so. What's about kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipOte2OnZ76GmZo ?

[@CuttinEJ]

It was about him preceding her in death and the grief she suffered until she joined him. This song is heavier and deeper than you realize. It’s about true love.

[@larryg7126]

Great explanation.

[@bobbyscott5162]

Bullshit! It's about suicide..Period.

[@tracyhall3655]

The song was written for his girlfriend who was dieing of cancer

[@bobbyscott5162]

@@tracyhall3655 LMAO

[@bethmiller1840]

I've heard this song a million times... love it!... but I never looked it it this way. Really interesting interpretation!

[@woahblackbettybamalam]

My favourite song of all time. The last verse is so chilling “The curtains flew and then *he* appeared”

[@londonfog6654]

Saying don't be afraid 🍻

[@kevincaulder9001]

Asia. You hit the nail on the head with your analysis. Death is coming for all of us. It would be less trauma if the euphoria induced by the music provided the ease of passage. You are here. And now you are gone. Love. Life. The seasons. Marriage. 'Til death do you part as BJ notes. It all comes. And it all ends. Live your life everyday. It's the best that we can do. Always.

[@Kim-hc5si]

YES KEVIN! 👏👏👏

[@kevincaulder9001]

@@Kim-hc5si Thank you, Kim.

[@joannparker1977]

Perfect analysis!!!

[@SnoBear626]

Blue Oyster Cult was far and away my favorite band in high school. They made the disco years tolerable for this old rocker!

[@kellifranklin4432]

Omg! You are so right!

[@hifijohn]

There were plenty of great non disco bands in the 70's.

[@SnoBear626]

@@hifijohn You are absolutely correct. I was just trying to make a point.

[@hifijohn]

@@SnoBear626 Fortunately disco did last very long by the end of the decade it was already on its last legs.

[@SnoBear626]

@@hifijohn Very true. Unless, of course, like me, twenty years later you marry an ex disco queen LOL. Life is great!

[@rick5440]

For a song about death, its very seductive and soothing. Dharma said its more about eternal love than death. He also said he wrote it after an illness when he envisioned an early death for himself.

[@ewrekzz7360]

One of my absolute favorites, like top 3. The fact that Stephen King used lyrics from this as opener quotes in various chapters of The Stand makes it that much more indelible. Do more BOC?

[@tambij]

Love this song. “Don’t Fear the Reaper”. I’m 49 years old now and I remember my Dad listening to this song since I was 3 years old. Love all the guitars, Drums, their voices are perfectly harmonized. ❤

[@michaelyork4554]

"Godzilla" next, Buck killing it on guitar, fun, very infectious song.

[@IFY0USEEKAY]

Yeah, then "Burnin' for you".

[@michaelyork4554]

@@IFY0USEEKAY "I can't see no reason to put up a fight"👍

[@IFY0USEEKAY]

@@michaelyork4554 "I'm livin', forgivin' the Devil his due" 👌

[@oldmanghost219]

The drummer put on a Godzilla head in concert and it looked eerie with a strobe light on him.

[@thumplife792]

I was in tears laughing when BJ said "Come on Asia, take my hand and don't fear the Reaper!" and she replied "You're on your own!" 😂😂

[@sherrihimes7357]

That was pretty funny😅

[@akkeuss1905]

My favorite part too. Other than the amazing song that I love. Heard it recently playing in my local grocery store I think that official makes me old

[@42Mrgreenman]

@@akkeuss1905 LOL, I used to work at Family Dollar (A grocery/convenience store) in the mid 00's, and the radio station would play Don't Fear the Reaper EVERY morning during my shift...thankfully, I was a nerd who appreciated the beats and Shakespearean references, working with people 10-20 years older who grew up on that music, so I got to sing, hum, and drum on the shelves while I was working...but yeah, now I feel old...but funnily enough, back then, many of the customers were middle aged people of lower income, so they recognized the song too and would play along or give me a laugh or nod when they noticed...the job didn't pay well, but it was fun back then...

[@stephaniewashburn7700]

Such an iconic song. It never ages. I guess what you consider a timeless classic 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@rgmann]

This is the music I grew up on in the 70's! We were Sooo spoiled!!! The entire decade of the 70's and early 80's were simply awesome, whether rock, R&B, soul, fusion jazz, disco, we had it all!

[@aliciasaracino1233]

So true, todays kids are missing out..

[@mikecaetano]

Blue Oyster Crank It Up! Other BOC songs to check out? "Godzilla", "Burnin' For You", "Astronomy", "Subhuman", "Joan Crawford", "Veteran of the Psychic Wars" and more. If you've never heard this song before then maybe you also haven't seen John Carpenter's "Halloween" from 1978 -- the slasher film so good for its time that it spawned a franchise that lasts to this day. This song features in that film. Check out that too when you can. And if you're down for getting to the bottom of the cult and its wicked sense of humor, check out "Flaming Telepaths" off their "Secret Treaties" album.

[@demonhoopa]

ET!

[@stratocruising]

"Then came the Last Days of May" was always my favorite. Never gets mentioned, but it was their best.

[@jacknorth4855]

Astronomy would be the next one if you liked the vibe of Reaper

[@lynby6231]

@@stratocruising especially the live version from “On your feet or on your knees”👌

[@s8150f]

BJs interpretation of was excellent. It is a positive song. Don't be afraid. Live your life. When the time comes you can have peace.

[@KonceitedPrince]

This is one of my favorite songs of all time. It’s sonically and lyrically beautiful. I’ve never looked up the meaning but to me, it’s seems like he’s saying to not fear death & love each day to the fullest. Him & his lady are living their best life every day 😊

[@lynby6231]

It’s a love song the guy has died and he’s asking his girl not to fear death 💀 but to join him in the afterlife…… (don’t try this at home)😊

[@windwarattack2300]

The guitarist has openly said that this song was written about commiting suicide if you look it up.....but what bothers me is we have lyrics in the song that say "You can be like they are....dont fear the reaper..you will be able to fly...baby take my hand....40,000 men and women everyday (die)...you can be like they are"....which is the obvious encouragement of suicide...Great beautiful sounding seductive song...but the message of the song when someone who listens happens to be depressed and suicidal is the perfect spark that can push someone over to do something that is eternal and permanent thinking that the suicide act (death) is something beautiful and not to be feared...which is something the evil dark negative spirit forces that exist in this world opposite the good are celebrating and wanting you to believe when its not the truth at all ....be careful people...Life is a gift...live it until the end no matter how hard it gets..we get only one run at this....dont end it prematurely

[@mcbeezee2120]

Hit the Reaper nail on the head, Asia. Many a fan interpreted the shift and guitar solo as the Reaper's appearance. I always did.

[@ChadAdkins-hx5zz]

Guys also this song was used as the theme song in the horror movie HALLOWEEN back in the 70's.

[@barrycohen311]

First time I heard this on the radio, I thought they were saying "Don't Fear the Reefer."

[@kenwelch198]

Lol best misheard lyrics ever!

[@cherylmarquez2645]

I remember my dad going to see them in concert in 1976, I was 13 & he also turned me onto Lynard Skynard & Led Zeppelin, two other great bands.

[@savannahday3178]

We took my sister off like support 10 years ago I remember whispering to her "please let me know your ok I love you!" After she died that night I went home to a cold house with no electricity "we had a bad storm so no power"listening to a battery operated radio WHERE NO SONGS CAME ON all of a sudden out of nowhere this song came on I have NO DOUBT it was her telling me she was ok I still get the chills everytime I hear this LOVE YOU JANICE

[@jeffreyg607]

Beautiful, and real. Has happened to me many times. Signs are given if we are paying attention. #Transcendence

[@TheCkent100]

A lot of people think this is a song about suicide. It isn't. The song was written by Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser, who also played lead guitar and vocal on this song. According to Roeser, it is a song about eternal love and the inevitability of death. He wrote it after getting a diagnosis of a heart condition. That lead him to fear that he would die at a young age. As many songwriters do, he wrote this song to help him cope with the bad news, and to express his hopes that should he die young, he would be reunited with his loved ones in the afterlife. He called it "a love song where the love transcends the actual physical existence of the partners." (per Songfacts).

[@arthurolson9297]

Great song. I second the motion for a reaction to "Godzilla" next for Blue Oyster Cult. Trivia note for Don't Fear the Reaper: it's playing on the car radio in the original Halloween movie when Laurie and Annie are on their way to their babysitting gigs.

[@stevenappleman]

Smoking a doobie too...😎

[@robertcrummel9105]

The opening of the original The Stand movie featured this song. Chilling

[@tomwolfe6063]

The third verse always creeps me out. “And she ran to him”……gives me the shivers.

[@bostonvair]

BJ nailed the meaning of this song, BTW... and yes, the lead guitarist is Buck Dharma.... one ofnthe greats!

[@mike196212]

Two songs are heard in the original HALLOWEEN,Billy Preston's OUTASPACE and this one,both on a car radio.

[@clintonsmith5163]

This song has what, I think, might be the greatest guitar solo ever recorded but, incredibly, all of the reactors to this song on KZbin (at least the ones I've watched) rarely even say anything about it. How can anybody listen to that incredible solo for the first time and not be completely blown away?

[@stevenappleman]

This song was also played in the original Halloween movie. There were also references to BÖC in the series Supernatural as well.

[@robertjr.3579]

brilliant analysis guys. I like how you described the song as a calm, inviting sound but yet its talking about death. Also, Asia nailed the bridge where the song drops and then the guitar solo comes in with a much heavier and sinister sound kind of like announcing the arrival and reality of the Reaper. I thought that was great. You two are really talented, keep it up.

[@pennybrock4858]

This was back in the day when there were actual bands, and members could play several instruments. Not like computerized fluff you get today. It took real talent.

[@sarablack2547]

Facts

[@chrisa4695]

They could read and write music, understood melody, chords, chord changes & progressions.

[@pbg0301]

That's exactly what I think when I hear this song

[@anthonypowell6234]

This one could be really scary in certain settings! The sound emotes the seduction of the reaper.

[@SnoBear626]

The song Joan Crawford, that's kinda scary in any setting!

[@Stormheart911]

This is easily one of my Top 5 songs of all time. I've been listening to it since it was first released, and the last verse still sends chills down my spine. For me, it's not really about death. It's more about surrendering to a love that's so powerful it reaches beyond everything...including death.

[@vindigregorio6697]

I freakin' love BJ.. He actually acted out not fearing the Reaper with his wife. 🤩

[@bapc3billneeley]

It's a nice thought to imagine that when it's time..there's someone there to help cross you over.

[@holgerschussler9107]

I saw them in Minnesota back in the late 70s. They were with Black Oak Arkansas....great concert!

[@hillbillyhippie4235]

Nice job y'all, was 16 when this came out, brings back alot of memories, hope your day is good

[@sarahzentexas]

I was 16 too!

[@hillbillyhippie4235]

Back when we had 8 track before cassette and cds

[@chuckcimo1756]

Me too!

[@stevensapyak7971]

3.12.22. “Cities on flame with rock ‘n’ roll”©️……. Next song‼️

[@lindariley8178]

I don't know if You all seen the movie Steven kings the stand they played this when the virus gets loose upon the world love to see you react to That movie have a awesome day

[@h1machiii]

The song is actually about not fearing the reaper. Buck Dharma (lead guitarist, wrote the song) got some scary news from a doctor and wrote the song after reflecting on his mortality and realized he didn't fear the reaper. It's also about his wife, it's a love song. Fortunately Buck didn't have anything to worry about, he turned out to be fine.

[@jondhuse1549]

The transition out of the middle section back into the main theme is one of the best I have ever heard!

[@jimcarmer1685]

Give Veteran's of the Physic Wars live from 1981Hollywood FL. video a listen, Buck Dharma has one hell'va guitar solo, or I Love the Night from their Spectra's album

[@leejeffrey6672]

In western culture the grim reaper is the hooded, faceless dark figure holding the scythe that comes for your soul. On a more gentle note in norse mythology it's the river man who comes to collect your soul and row you in the boat to take you to the other side. This is so eloquently translated by the late Nick Drake in the song River man.kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5XGkoWKnJlgnK8. Link to River man.

[@michellelanteri6897]

This was the opening song for the 1990’s TV Mini Series the Stand based on the book written by Stephen King

[@judydavenport9698]

Such a beautiful magical unconditional love two people share with each other,,,even thru death. Thanks for sharing

[@iliketowatch.]

(4:45) Asia correctly predicts that something dramatic is coming. It's a little something that BÖC like to call "stun guitar." ⚡🎸⚡

[@BalbazaktheGreat]

Everybody's talking about the cowbell; meanwhile, I'm sitting here with chill of anticipation for that guitar solo.

[@VICTOR-uj1xn]

This was used in the beginning of series The Stand when a Virus escaped and wiped out 90% of the population

[@stevechevy3382]

Nice reaction. A funky lyric song. That guitar solo at the end was really cool.

[@Terk1965]

One of the first great songs I ever heard as a kid in the 70's!!!

[@kthor]

Burnin’ for You is another great song of theirs🎼!! Saw them twice in the 70’s & great concerts both times!

[@judycienki9158]

This was the opening song on The Stand, the original.

[@alankvl]

I saw them in concert in Plattsburgh NY in the mid 70's. I believe it was their first laser light show. Was first time I heard "Don't fear the reaper". I can still see parts of that concert in my mind playing back.

[@edwinwestfall7089]

This song was an intro to a Steven King movie, I think it was The Stand

[@hippiedad]

From about '67 to '82, rock and roll ruled. BÖC is one of my all-time favorites. Listen to Astronomy. I think you'll enjoy it.

[@easyrolling]

One Of The Greatest rock songs ever!! Blue Oyster Cult is music on the dark side . but they are one of the most talented bands ever.. great guitarist in Buck Dharma.. Hit the Rabbit Hole!! Godzilla, Burning For You, Astronomy, on & on.. A heavy metal rock slide that isn't as heavy as you think.. but makes you think.. They were one of Metallica's influencers & Metallica covered them.. nice reaction..

[@viacrucis2509]

It’s funny how music back than could be so reflective of life, dreams, loss, and humanity. While there was some crap back then too, today’s music just doesn’t hit like that. Now we just bounce to the beat and crow about money, ass, and revenge.

[@rickfarrell3301]

"Cities on Flame" is a banger by BOC!

[@brianmonayong2769]

One of the greatest Halloween anthems of all time. And that outro though… always sends shivers down my spine…

[@Aluminari2]

This reaction was great. Asia got me choking,.."You on your own"...😆 The music almost reminds me of a symphony who adjusts their melody to the circumstances of the moment. Asia nailed it with the reaper making his appearance when the music fell away and then got heavy. Bravo to you both!

[@prince_musicprod4617]

Us white folk had a tendency to disguise weird ass lyrics behind inviting sounding music during these years. Prolly all the acid and whatnot. Effing love your channel!!

[@krisdoggett483]

Love BOC!! Best way to describe them is kind of the American Black Sabbath. Great musicians in this band. The guitar player, Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser is way underrated. Check out "Flaming Telepaths", "Before the Kiss a Redcap", "Subhuman", "Harvester of Eyes", Sinful Love", "Then Came the Last Days of May" and "Astronomy". Their music is like psychedelic hard rock tinged with sci-fi. They're a great live band as well.

[@anthonyblakely399]

Love ❤️ this Rock band. Seen them in concert once. Excellent 👍 in concert!

[@krimmie1111]

BEST DRIVING SONG EVER!!!!! And must be heard LOUD!

[@kensolar69]

"Astronomy" Live version and Godzilla" are must listens. Live, Buck would really jam on guitar, one of the best. The woman who dies was someone whose time had come, old age, cancer etc. They could be subtle or loud and proud.

[@vincentschmitt7597]

This song always hits me differently. I was driving my mother to and from the cancer hospital multiple times a week for a year and a half until she succumbed to it. One time this came on the radio and when it ended there was an awkward silence. It really hit home that the end was coming.

[@zq9m3xh8]

Maybe I'm crazy, but I always got a slight Byrds vibe from this song. Terrific tune.

[@douglemay7989]

Spot on.

[@jamespitts1688]

I saw an interview where they said they were heavily influenced by The Byrdd

[@jamesbeck6401]

There are lyrics to the song also written on the page before the first chapter of the book

[@KikiMonsta1226]

We used to sing it as "don't fear the reefer" when I was a kid 😉. Brings back good memories.

[@lovedc4ever678]

Yeah! Thank you. I really needed this this day you guys!

[@tdb2012]

I grew up with this song. And until I listened to it again here it had been at least 20 years since I last heard it. According to Don Roeser (lead guitarist for BOC) who wrote "Don't Fear the Reaper," in one of his interviews with American Songwriter, he says: "I wrote it because I was feeling mortal. I had just been diagnosed with a heart arrhythmia. It turned out to be not life-threatening at all, but it certainly got me thinking about it. I just thought about, is there life after death? Could lovers somehow reunite across the realm of living and dying? Is there something else out there, and can you come back? ... It's basically a love song where the love transcends the actual physical experience of the partners."

[@michaelakkerman407]

Awsome Vampire love song by them... "I Love the Night " - BÖC One of my favorites.

[@ben_dornie]

Yes, "I Love The Night" is a gorgeously atmospheric song!

[@coyotej4895]

There was an old Poem I remember herring that was I believe, part of the inspiration for this; How like a lover does death come, when in the long night your pains he will alive. In his embrace sorrows sweet relief.

[@michelleg953]

This song is magic

[@Walter_Sobchak_43]

You both have lively yet thoughtful spirits. Thats why we love your reactions. Dont ever let the world take that from you two. 🤘🏾🇺🇸!

[@michelledotts2041]

I saw them in Bakersfield Ca way back in Oct 1976 when I was 19...a lifetime ago!

[@iRenegade164]

One of my favorite love songs. My wife and I ditched the notion 'till death do us part' because our love is stronger than death! We vowed that 'we shall never part!' Love of two is ONE - a singularity....

[@curiousman1672]

One of those songs you really have to listen to 20x to catch all of what's going on. Read the lyrics, etc. The guitar attack at 4:51 is the g.o.a.t. Just vicious. Love this song. Great post.

[@lovedc4ever678]

Nothing. Absolutely nothing makes me happier than reacts doing my favorite song in the ENTIRE WORLD! Buck Dharma greatest guitarist EVER!

[@jacksquat4140]

I've listened to this song a hundred times and believe it's told from the Grim Reaper's point of view. The eerie little guitar riff in the middle signifies his Royal Wickedness' arrival, while the quick pace of the drums signifies her pounding heart, from fear and eager anticipation. The guitar riff speaks volumes, making clear the meaning of this song.

[@salmuscles]

we used to sing “don’t smoke the reefer” lol 🌳🌳

[@thatmanstumototours2270]

I think I enjoyed watching this one more than any other of your( ya'lls) reactions .....BOC is a very diversified band. They cover a lot of ground within a single album, not to mention decades of kick ass, inventive and interesting music...massively underrated...there is no good or bad version of the band and all their music is worthwhile,early,late and all points in between.... It's all Blue Oyster Cult...

[@fairydust-weepthewildwinds]

Asia and BJ, 4th of JULY WEEKEND at the ROSE BOWL PASADENA CALIFORNIA , JOURNEY, BLUE OSYTER CULT, ALDO NOVA AND TRIUMPH….. I WAS 16 ALWAYS ROCKIN TO THE MUSIC 🎶 🧚🏽🎸💙

[@christopherblue2004]

Now watch the Blue Oyster Cult SNL Skit.

[@Steve-cm2ys]

Then go ahead and skip the Pulp Fiction "father's watch" scene. 😰😭😁

[@iliketowatch.]

True BÖC fans don't discuss that subject.

[@Uriahjw]

This song was one of my favorites by them. I also like Oing Boing's song Dead man's party. Those two I played all the time together.

[@craiggerren6434]

I have watched many times, Love you guys. Must say it is fun watching you hear sons from my past. Side note...BJ is jamming and studying and Asia has the "Stank" face. Love it. Keep it up.

[@miguelbotelho2613]

This is a great band they like to delve into sci fi fantasy supernatural subjects. One of my favourites for sure.

[@Deacon1952]

LOL ! You two are awesome! You are my Go-To when I had a bad day, I swear. " You're on your own..." made me choke on my coffee around the 3:30 mark or so...Asia, sigh...we gotta talk. LMAO !

[@jessegreen6138]

Donald (Buck Dharma) Roeser, wrote "Don't Fear The Reaper". He was the lead singer and the lead Guitarist on the song. You also may want to check out "Burning for You" and "Godzilla" too. Thank you for covering this song Asia and BJ.

[@davidchamberlain5425]

Came out in 1976!.yeah🎶👍🤗

[@chickenjo23]

I heard this at a funeral one time. The guitar solo was very interesting with the quiet, sadness of a funeral.

[@douglemay7989]

If they don't play it at mine, I will sit up.

[@neldablanco1663]

LOVE this song, also one other "Burning For You!" Thanks for reacting!

[@richardkovacs2671]

So cool to see reaction on 19976 blue Oyster the Long Island NY Band. Didnt you all know that this is the INTRO SONG to THE STAND with Stepghen Kings 6 hour thriller movie. That movie is culture and is about the pandemic and the reaper or the devil Randal Flagg. That movie has so many great stars from the 1980 and they did a remake with Actor Skarsgard junior 2022 i belive. BÖC is from 1970 era and are a rock band but have roots in , jazz blues and psycadelic. Talk about a mix. Love them!

[@josephdurham6051]

"Godzilla" is my favorite by BOC. Definitely worth a listen

[@Asherfonseca]

The music matches the personality of the Reaper, soft, enticing, reassuring but he is death. She was struggling as you see in the last stand, where he says she couldn't do it anymore. That's when he took advantage and had her submit to death. It's an amazing song. My Son had the Drummer as his Music Teacher. He was so kind to the guys and girls.

[@geraldhowe9622]

Buck Dharma is actually his nick name, His given name is Donald Rosier. He's probably a top 10 R&R guitarist. An absolute perfectionist. I highly recommend that you check out BOC's song called "Perfect Water", a song from a not widely known album of theirs called Club Ninja. That song will give you chills. It contains what I would suggest as being Buck's finest work. The guitar solos in that song are amazing. "I Love the Night" is another beautiful song of theirs.

[@cynthia8343]

You two are great! I love, love, love Blue Oyster cult! Thanks!

[@keefmack]

Love this band

[@MrFballard]

Saw'em in their heyday...best to see'em up close and personal in intimate clubs. True R&R LEGENDS!!!