The Mystery Behind Then Came The Last Days of May | Musical Maybes

"It's said the West is nice this time of year..."
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Lost Media, True Crime, and great guitar? Who else but Blue Öyster Cult? "Then Came The Last Days of May" is a an early standout track from BOC's first album: Blue Öyster Cult (1972). The song retells a deadly meeting between two dealers and three college kids in the Arizona desert. And, it does retell the story. While written by guitar virtuoso Buck Dharma (Donald Roeser), Buck based the lyrics of an actual event. It was an event tangentially connected to the origins and sound of the cult itself. The backstory itself has become somewhat of a mystery in itself though.
Buck tells of a trap laid for three college students on vacation. The song is an artistic interpretation of the story by the band, but the event was newspaper worthy. Strangely enough, the event was supposedly reported on by Arizona's own reporter Don Bolles in the last days of may. Every connection which emerges with the song's mysterious 1960s backstory makes it stranger. Like everything associated with Blue Oyster Cult, there is more than a touch of black humor and unnerving Horror in it.
What happened in the Last Days of May?
#BlueOysterCult - #ThenCameTheLastDaysofMay - #BuckDharma
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Video Sources (Support the creators/uploaders):
- Assassination of investigative journalist Don Bolles (network compilation): • Assassination of inves...
- Blue Oyster Cult Live! Washington DC 1976! full show: • Blue Oyster Cult Live!...
- Land of Geronimo: archive.org/details/0010_Land...
- Blue Oyster Cult - Then Came The Last Days of May - Live in Paris 1975: • Blue Oyster Cult - The...
- 1970 16mm Film - Omega experimental - Public Domain Footage: • Blue Oyster Cult - The...
- Richard Meltzer - "Rhymes with Seltzer" VHS rip: • Richard Meltzer - "Rhy...
- Classic Short Film about Drugs and Smuggling 1960s: • Classic Short Film abo...
- Easy Rider (1969)
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Music:
Soft White Underbelly - "Rational Passional" (00:02-00:36)
Michael Bross (Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee OST) - "Mudokons Follow 2" (00:34-02:45)
Frédéric Chopin - "Galop Marquis", performed by Aya Higuchi (02:47-02:56)
Mark Morgan (Fallout 2 OST) - "Gold Slouch" (02:57-06:18)
Mark Morgan (Fallout 1 OST) - "Moribund World" (06:14-09:01)
Mark Morgan (Fallout 2 OST) - "Dream Town" (08:53-12:00)
Mark Morgan (Fallout 2 OST) - "My Chrysalis Highway" (12:00-13:03)
Mark Morgan (Fallout 1 OST) - "Second Chance" (13:03-17:01)
Stalk-Forrest Group - "Then Came The Last Days of May" (17:01-17:09)
Blue Oyster Cult - "Ghost Riders Disco (They Just Can't Stop)" (17:09-17:42) (bit.ly/3mMwj6P)
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All copyrighted media, images, and music respective owner(s).
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Sources: rentry.co/The_Last_days_of_Ma...
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Thanks For Watching, That's What They Say

[@ACG7001]

Finally someone made a video on a BOC song other than don’t fear the reaper. Great song off their first album

[@meursault7030]

My favourite from them

[@RobBanks81]

When I was in high school in 1970, a kid from New York moved out to Los Angeles. We became fast friends. He told me this exact story, with details that it was a mobster, or mobsters, who murdered the three good buddies, and the sum stolen was $100,000 cash. This story was apparently a part of New York lore at the time, widely circulated and perhaps embellished with false facts - but maybe not.

[@BigBoolinScienceMan]

Never stop with the BOC content. I look forward to more of it with anticipation.

[@Pseudiom]

I'll probably due more song videos in the future. There's plenty more than was covered in this video and the Imaginos video and this one. When Albert Bouchard finishes his Imaginos stuff, I'm planning to go in depth about all that in the future.

[@abdielrainbowhellsangel2256]

@@Pseudiom The Symbol Never Dies!

[@robertnasser9937]

Will see them for #7 at the Alaska state fair

[@user-ct8tk9nh8z]

In 1986 ,me and two friends of mine left Las Vegas on Memorial Day weekend to buy a few pounds of weed in Arizona. This song was definitely in my head the entire time. I proudly wear the hook and cross on my left arm.

[@user-ct8tk9nh8z]

🎉On the way back we were stopped by cops. The weed was in the wheel well and they didn't find it. Phew close call.

[@davev7883]

Article is from Statesman, Stony Brook, NY - March 23, 1971; Took place on July 8, 1970. Steve Lewis, 19 and Darrell Doyal, 18 of Phoenix. Doyal open fired on William Tait, 24 John Gast 24 (both died) and also shot David Anderson (he lived). Tait was a political science student and Anderson a biology pre-med student at Stony Brook University. Doesn't say much about John Gast, except that he was from Baltimore.

[@davev7883]

Just saw others below also made reference to the article.

[@VideosJacked]

A deep dive of my fave BOC song? What a way to end the year. Also, here we see Pseudiom keeping up tradition with an extended Dad Rock December. On a serious note, the videos on music have either introduced me to kick butt music or quite an interesting tale that only adds to whatever the song may be.

[@Pseudiom]

I aim to give interesting pseudo-historical perspectives and miss my schedule by varying degrees. I mean, if you're just talking into a camera, is it really a KZbin video?

[@VideosJacked]

@@Pseudiom i hope I didn't offend. You put plenty of work into this. People talking to a camera only presenting information feels too much like a college lecture. Quality over quantity.

[@Pseudiom]

Don't worry. My comment was positive. Just joking about current trends and how I'm a bit of a contrarian.

[@Kreln1221]

*While I love the version on the first album, especially with its haunting harmony vocals, my favorite version by far is on their first live album, **_On Your Feet Or On Your Knees._** For me, it's one of the best examples of the tone and dynamics possible with a great Les Paul plugged straight into a Marshall 1959 Super Lead, especially during Buck's solo...*

[@darwinfoye]

I saw BOC in 1978 and that guitar solo was amazing to see performed live. Buck Dharma just stood there wailing on his guitar for an extended solo.

[@Kreln1221]

@@darwinfoye I envy you that brother..., I envy you that...

[@scottmcdaniel4200]

Always has been my favorite version also. Buck really lays out a lead that highlights the solemness of the song. Forget about guitars that gently weep, Bucks solo cries like a baby.

[@robertharing7031]

I was lucky enough to have seen BOC in 80 or 81 and I saw a version of them during a time when the band was broken up at Myrtle Beach at a place called Rock Burger a band going by the same the Cult Brothers with I believe Buck fronting the show I attended every night they performed and on the last show he finally played TCTLDOM I was so happy he got a glass of Electric Lemonade. Oh what a great summer I almost forgot they played in my current location during the anniversary of Agents of Fortune in Roanoke Virginia

[@WilOptinal-wz3mt]

Still have the vinyl original, boc

[@donathon7303]

When people ask my favorite band I'm quick to say BOC.... what genre are they I simply say that they are BOC

[@pastelariaesquizoidedoseculo21]

Nice video, it's pretty hard to find videos about BOC out there. Such an underrated band

[@hansiaticmadnesskeeper8999]

We are going to sing this song with our band. Glad you brought this documentary up. It's so important to know what a song is about when you want to play it good.

[@richardbelton3813]

See what I posted above

[@roberteifert3129]

Remember this song from '73-74. Big fan then. This song was haunting then, and when i hear it on xm radio now i still get a chill. Rock and roll can do that.

[@RingAndSky]

I love all things BOC (even "Veins"...maybe not "Lightyears..." never mind...) but I think "Last Days of May" is the song which resonates the most with my non-Cultist friends. Friends and family patiently endure my Pearlman obsession, but only "Astronomy" comes close to being actually enjoyed. ;-) Thanks for posting this (and all)!

[@deedeedemon]

Oh hell yeah!! Always greatly enjoy your BÖC videos!

[@willmilone4029]

Absolutely love the BOC thesis. Well done!

[@douglemay7989]

Quite a song, and a chance for both Buck and Richie Castellano to display their talents. Maybe their live shows led/lead to the metal references?

[@eddiep2899]

...and Allen Lanier did a uniquely great co-lead/pre-lead before Richie fittingly joined the band (after Allen's death).

[@stevencuevas3563]

Beautifully done, thanks!

[@goopah]

Astoundingly well-researched, as usual.

[@screamingdizbuster7722]

Excellent sleuthing. Thanks for posting this.

[@xtheunknown4662]

Anything video about blue oyster cult is a guaranteed watch for me. They have a lot of great music. Especially the first 3 album's.

[@digitalvideotronicsintl]

Your BOC stuff is SO GOOD! All your stuff is SOOOO GOOOOOOD! Happy New Year!

[@Pseudiom]

Glad you like it. I was try to cover an original topic or give it a spin.

[@blackrainbowfiresword177]

Fascinating, I've always been haunted by this song since I heard it in the 70's, Cheers!

[@mangybones]

Man these are great! Thanks so much for doings these docs 😎🤘 Long live BÖC!

[@postandghost2024]

Excellent work as always!

[@Pseudiom]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@floobidyfloo]

quality vid happy new year

[@AshtonRogers-se1zj]

Amazing video. Subscribed!

[@akrocuba]

BOC FOREVER!!!!! Thank you for these great vids!!!!!

[@grantkelley3372]

Back to the BOC eh? All the power to you man

[@ruperterskin2117]

Cool. Thanks for sharing.

[@Ozarkprepper643]

Was raised on a ranch in Arizona throughout 50s and 60s. Still have my original Ranch there since the 70s in N AZ. Then was involved in horse racing as well as breeding thoroughbreds. The name of the news reporter that was killed was Don Bolles. It was a mob style hit. They blew up his Datsun car. Eventually Max Dunlap was convicted of the crime. Kemper Marley was also a liquor distributor but also had influence on gambling. The publicity of that case pretty much spelled the end for the Greyhound tracks. Although I'm sure there was much influence on all the horse racing Bush tracks around the state. As far as drug smuggling goes the Ochoa family seem to have its nose sniffing out opportunity everywhere.

[@IanThatMetalBassist]

One of my favorites from BÖC

[@Pseudiom]

"Last Days of May", "Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll"", and "Transmaniacon MC" are probably my three picks from the first album.

[@robertzm]

@@Pseudiom Throw "Stairway To The Stars" in there for a top four and we would be in 100% agreement

[@kit-ekat8139]

Good god you're talking about boc again. I am extatic

[@mistwolf]

Thanks for this. :)

[@georgewilson7432]

Thank you for everything, Pseudiom. Happy New Year to one of the few people on this platform that can be truly called content creator. You are gifted with second sight.

[@Pseudiom]

I'm always trying to strive towards an ideal. Learn something new in every project. I've grown more and more annoyed at certain video presentation styles and lack of originality that dominate KZbin as of recent. These compliments mean a lot coming from my consistent viewers!

[@kealsta]

Amazing. Thanks.

[@jimedenbaum2525]

Awesome. As a BOC fan who loves TCTLDOM and is an information junkie this hits all the targets...

[@jimedenbaum2525]

Maricopa County gets a mention too, which gets name checked in another SFG song. Lennon wrote a song or two based on what he read in the newspaper...

[@Happyville85]

Going to see them tonight.

[@duckBarman]

I posted a note on here saying that the FULL story, including transcriptions of multiple articles on the killings themselves as well as court reports of the trials of Doyal and Lewis, plus information on what happened to them afterwards etc etc can all be found on Hot Rails in the BOCIAQ features section, but I couldn't post any sort L I N K to it because, if I did, the post would disappear. Very strange thing... THAT note vanished without a trace...

[@Pseudiom]

Hi Kirth, it is not me. KZbin has been filter links of people trying to post in the comments. I have it set to allow all comments, but it still filters all links no matter what I do. I unfortunately can't do anything about it n the comment end. If you want to e-mail me everything at [e-mail], I'll add the link to the description and credit you/the website. I did search Hotrails, but I could only turn up the info on the song in the general FAQ.

[@duckBarman]

@@Pseudiom > but it still filters all links no matter what I do No, I meant that I explicitly DIDN'T post a link - I actually said in my original post that I WASN'T going to post a link because if I did, my post would vanish... so, I mentioned the WORD "link" but I DIDN'T post one... that seems to have been too much for youtube and my post vanished... to read the court reports etc etc, go to Hot Rails, then the "BOCIAQ" [Blue Oyster Cult Infrequently Asked Questions] (button on the top menubar near the right), then choose "Features" and you should see the link...

[@905Alive]

@@duckBarman I've reposted the info and it's been removed, this guy doesn't want the facts

[@ZiddersRooFurry]

@@905Alive It's KZbin's shitty algorithm, relax.

[@patrickbooten9149]

You bring the cult , i subscribe

[@retroroy8720]

Happy New Years, Pseudiom!

[@Pseudiom]

Happy New Year, Roy! I am stoked.

[@retroroy8720]

@@Pseudiom I have a feeling 2022 will be a good one!

[@Pseudiom]

Happy Blue New Year! Use this comment for dislikes for public transparency. Also: Anyone let me known if they know anything about this. I could find basically everything except the article Buck talks about (if it was actually written by who he thinks). I can be reached in comment, on Twitter, or by e-mail.

[@jasongallagher9432]

What's your e-mail address, friend? I'm always finding loose ends for you.

[@legalillegaldoc3427]

Need more of this box content

[@tuzonthume]

In the early 80's I was told by a guy at a party that this was the theme song for the ODDA [Oregon drug dealers association].

[@soundscapesasmr]

Need more BOC stuff. Maybe some Tragically Hip too!

[@davorbrijacak]

Oldschool Fallout soundtrack fits so well why you're talking about such a classic BOC tune.

[@jameskistler8139]

I have screenshots of the 12/6/1970 article about the murders from the Arizona Republic Newspaper. I don't see any way to upload them here :-(

[@MagnumInnominandum]

I had forgotten why I was subscribed to you. Oh yeah, I remember now.

[@Oldies.Slowed.Reverb]

Could you also do a Lord of the Rings video maybe? It would be really cool. Maybe about the mystery of LotR or Gollum etc or maybe a video focusing on the mysteries of the 1800s. Your channel is really epic! God bless you!

[@loilt5091]

BOC are NOT a metal band, yet you've continually dropped that very reference, several times...although Columbia initially tried to sell them as America's answer to Black Sabbath, they always had their own vision & eclectic influences. Very West Coast, psuedo-psychedelia, via the Doors, even the Grateful Dead, to a lesser extent. The Reaper riff has a Byrds connection...Steppenwolf & early Alice Cooper, included. Buck's style has a definite jazz side, his musician father, hailed from that background. But his own style is far too singular & melodic to be confused with that music. Albert Bouchard certainly could swing, doing his own thing. Allen Lanier was quite accomplished, with a versatile style, unto itself. They're definitely HEAVY & sometimes hint at riff driven metal, including a dark, cryptic, lyrical mythos. Adding Eric's leather, biker image, iconic first usage of umlaut’s in a rock band name, album art and general mystique…many lazy listeners love to mistakingly drop them into that genre.

[@fakesmile172]

They do have a few metal songs at least.

[@loilt5091]

@@fakesmile172 Heaven Forbid in particular; tracks 1, 3 & 5. In some cases, there's that Cultish, tongue in cheekiness... Personally, I generally prefer the more melodic tracks on that album..."Damaged" has it's charm, though.

[@Pseudiom]

To be honest, when talking about BOC, I've always meant "Metal" in Pearlman's terms when he talked about the band so like Mercury. Not that they're A metal band, but how Pearlman's original idea for the band was all about radical social upheaval and dominance and submission. The idea of BOC as a heavy metal like mercury in constant flux. Part of what he was going for with Imaginos in concept. The term has been diluted from Pearlman (and partially Meltzer's) original concept. So I don't entirely mean "metal music" when I use the term "metal" in reference to Blue Oyster Cult, but there is a tinge. I think the song "Blue Oyster Cult" itself is a good manifesto for the idea.

[@Olliemets]

I read recently in one of Popov's books about the Cult that they opened for the Dead at Stony Brook in 1967. Alan Bouchard said, "The Dead wasn't for me at all, but Don liked them (Buck) and was fascinated by Jerry's guitar playing. He got obsessed for awhile". I always suspected this as there are little hints of Jerry in many of Bucks solo's, at least to me. Buck is Such a talented and unique player. Interesting to me to learn recently that both Buck's and Jerry's Dads were horn players, jazz, and big band guys (although Jerry's Dad died early).

[@loilt5091]

@@Olliemets Allen Lanier & Albert Bouchard...I'm also a member of The Fraternity of Al's. Knowing of Buck's father's jazz background, I'm not surprised about his interest in Jerry, being such an eclectic, swinging guitarist, himself. Got 2 of Martin's books, as well...interesting, "Mirrors" is his personal favourite. While the production is strong, too much of the material is on the lite side, for this Cultist's tastes, preferring the first 4 albums the most❗ Right from my '70's high school days, I identified with OYFOOYK; being an artist, as well...the entire graphic concept, including the great, metallic logo, that they still deploy on occasion as a stage backdrop. The improvisional aspect of the band has always been a strong suite for myself, including their tendency for the odd cover version. Thanks. 🔭😈👽👾💀

[@bocswu]

I found a Stony Brook newspaper, Statesman, article from March 1971. The story is on page 2. It shows a picture of one of the murdered victims and one of the survivor. I'd post a link, but it might get deleted. I'll paste the contents of the article in a comment below. Along with another comment with the link of the article.

[@bocswu]

8:46 Arizona Youth Guilty In SB Student Death The first of two young men to stand trial in Tucson, Arizona for the killing of a Stony Brook student, his companion and the attempted murder of another Stony Brook student was found guilty last week of all charges against him. The jury recommended life imprisonment. The Tuscon jury found Steve Lee Lewis guilty in the July 8, 1970 murder of William Tait Mi, 24, a political science major here, John Gast, 24, of Baltimore and the attempted murder of David K. Anderson, a biology-premedical student here. Anderson took the stand at the start of the week-long trial and recounted the events that he said led- to the killing of Tait and Gast. Granted immunity from prosecution, he testified that he, Tait, and Gast believed they were about to consummate an $8400 marijuana purchase for resale on Long Island - when the killings took place. He said that Lewis, 19, and Derrell Lynn Doyal, 18, of Phoenix, supposedly were taking them into the desert to make the purchase when Doyal suddenly turned and opened fire. Lewis was driving the car, Anderson said. Anderson was shot but escaped and hitched a ride to Tuscon. Lewis and Doyal allegedly fled with $3500 of the $8400 in the car. They were arrested in Phoenix. In his testimony, Anderson said that he went to Phoenix to make a large marijuana purchase, met Gast and was eventually introduced to Doyal and Lewis. When the deal got too big for Anderson to finance, he said, Tait was invited in and flew to Phoenix. On the night of July 7, the five drove from Phoenix toward what Lewis and Doyal said would be a desert rendezvous with the sellers. Doyal is awaiting trial on charges identical to Lewis'. Anderson is expected to be the main witness in Doyal's trial as well. Sentencing for Lewis has been set for March 26.

[@bocswu]

Yup the link was deleted. Search: "Judge Accepts the Arbitrator's Decision; Strike Ruled Illegal" to find the Stony Brook Statesman's 12 page PDF. Scroll to page 2 and read it directly form the source.

[@jaygreen1313]

@@bocswu Thanks for posting this. I’ve always wanted to know the true story, not just someone’s embellishments. My oldest brother bought this album when it first came out. It’s one of the first albums I ever heard. 50 plus years ago and I still play it often.

[@Happyville85]

I have seen it.

[@JohnHoulgate]

The Arizona Daily Star should have microfiches or other means of archiving back issues. It seems it would have covered this story back when it happened. This would have been news in any city at that time.

[@johngalt7382]

I thought the article had been found in the stonybrook campus paper, and that Buck had mis-remembered newsday.

[@maxm4696]

fucking. love. this. song. I got the vinyl as well.

[@1sttvbn]

It is a great song

[@markanderson3870]

NIce accounting of the background of a great song. But who cares about the article, if the incident happened it should be part of the public record. If it happened there will be records of charges, convictions, etc.

[@bakomusha]

Just finished New Vegas so the Fallout music really set the tone for me! Also the West is AWFUL right now! It's cold as hell and rainy! BOC AND Arizona, could you make a video more you?

[@Pseudiom]

I hope you enjoyed NV. As an aside, I always found Fallout 1 intensely creepy for some reason because of the music and visuals I guess. So I thought the music fit the subject. I never felt that about Fallout 2 because it was a little more lighthearted I suppose. I also don't know why I've had so many topics related to Arizona. I've never even been there. Seems like a nice state though. Part of the universe always attracts me to it.

[@bakomusha]

@@Pseudiom Well I had figured you where from the South West given your subjects too! I get where your coming from with Fallout 1 being a little creepy, and haunting. New Vegas has that same feel, especially if you don't listen to the radio. Also Easily the best Fallout IMHO.

[@barbranyberg2694]

Love B.O.C.

[@chickenman2097]

Are you still releasing the Steely Dan Video?

[@Pseudiom]

Yeah, it is coming. It turned into a longer series which is the reason for the delay. I was also having computer problems for most of last year which put most longer videos on hold. I have a few backlog videos I want to get out. I can't put a date on the first Steely Dan video, but I do have nearly all the research done. I'm going to start work on it after the current longer video I'm chipping away at. Copyright issues may also effect it, but that's very much TBA. I also got some recent information for a video I've been waiting to make for about two years, but that won't take as long.

[@maddiespencer3706]

The article has since been found and posted to the reddit BOC group. The shooter is still in jail and actually escaped in the 80s

[@philipcournoyer7024]

I'm a blue oyster cult record buyer from the start but thoroughly enchanted enthralled but live in fear of the eerie strange nazi-esque otherworldly-ness of Secret Treaties But love the first two even more Those guys aren't really human aren't they Were they created by the insect brains of Guillermo del toro

[@victorycrosby4896]

My favorite song off on your hands or on your knees.the "off" PUN intended,,although neither would you be uprite on your dogs.boc is may that way.tripidities purhappinings intendentcies in triplicats and dogs at times.

[@ranchotexino4929]

I can't explain it, But I know it when I see it So until then ....Freeze On, Freeze On.

[@bocswu]

Why do my comments answering who, what, when and where keep getting deleted?

[@minimoomin]

KZbin tends to block comments with links in them unfortunately.

[@bocswu]

@@minimoomin The owner of the channel has the option to block links. I don't mind, but he was asking for information about the event. Sometimes the best way to share is to supply a link.

[@Pseudiom]

Issue with KZbin. It automatically considers any outside link spam. I can't even approve the comment to make it visible. I pinned your other comment and put the link in my reply. Thanks again!

[@stephjobs5755]

fucking loved the vid

[@Pseudiom]

I'm not that good a true crime stuff, but I feel this came out as a good fusion of a bunch of topics.

[@jawaidbazyar3437]

BOC told in 4 minutes the story you are taking 18 minutes to tell ;-)

[@jeffreyfunk3514]

All right damnit! What the fuck did my distant relatives do?! Just kidding! Yeah the name is the same, but my old relatives with that name weren't in Arizona, especially that time period.

[@timdye1879]

It's pronounced: "Rose-er" Not "Rosier"!!!!