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United States Eric Bloom is a notable musician, singer, and songwriter, widely recognized for his integral role as co-lead vocalist and instrumentalist in the long-standing band, Blue Öyster Cult, a career spanning over five decades.
Eric Bloom is best known as the co-lead vocalist, guitar and keyboard/synthesizer player for the long-running band Blue Öyster Cult, with work on more than 20 albums. He is a founding member and continues to perform with the band, which has released notable albums like 'Ghost Stories' and 'The Symbol Remains', and celebrates milestones such as their 50th Anniversary.
The record label that has released several of Blue Öyster Cult's albums, including recent live albums ('50th Anniversary Live – Second Night', '50th Anniversary Live – Third Night', '50th Anniversary Live – First Night') and studio albums ('Ghost Stories', 'The Symbol Remains'). They also manage album releases for the band and have secured rights for 50th Anniversary live shows.
Newbury Comics has announced special limited edition vinyl releases for Blue Öyster Cult's albums, such as a blue vinyl version of 'Ghost Stories' (limited to 300 copies) and a silver vinyl edition of 'The Symbol Remains' (2xLP, 180g, gatefold, limited to 300 copies).
Eric Jay Bloom was born on December 1, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Queens. He attended JHS 216, Woodmere Academy, and Cheshire Academy. During his time at Cheshire Academy, he purchased his first guitar. Bloom pursued modern languages at Hobart College in Geneva, New York. His musical career began in college with his band, Lost and Found. In late 1968, members of Soft White Underbelly, including Donald Roeser (later Buck Dharma) and Allen Lanier, encountered Bloom, leading to a friendship. By November 1968, Bloom became the band’s tour manager, moving into their house in Great Neck, New York, in December 1968.
In April 1969, following the departure of lead singer Les Braunstein, Bloom assumed the role of vocalist for Soft White Underbelly. The band underwent several name changes before officially settling on Blue Öyster Cult in 1971. Their debut album was released by Columbia Records in 1972. A significant milestone occurred in 1976 with the release of their platinum album, “Agents of Fortune,” which featured the popular song “(Don’t Fear) the Reaper.” This album propelled the band to international recognition. Throughout the decades, Bloom has remained a constant member of Blue Öyster Cult, contributing as a co-lead vocalist, guitar, and keyboard/synthesizer player. He is credited with playing “stun guitar,” a term coined by the band for his distinctive rhythm guitar distortion.
Beyond his work with Blue Öyster Cult, Bloom has engaged in various creative endeavors. His enduring interest in science fiction has influenced much of his lyrical content. He collaborated with English science-fiction author Michael Moorcock on songs like “Black Blade,” “The Great Sun Jester,” and “Veteran of the Psychic Wars,” with “Veteran of the Psychic Wars” being featured in the film “Heavy Metal.” Bloom also worked with author Eric Van Lustbader on the song “Shadow Warrior” and with cyberpunk author John Shirley on albums such as “Heaven Forbid” (1998), “Curse of the Hidden Mirror” (2001), and “The Symbol Remains” (2020). In 2006, Bloom initiated a collaboration with artist Philippe Renaudin to produce and sell custom-made guitars, each inspired by a Blue Öyster Cult song and played during the band’s performances.
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