That time I asked Buck Dharma how he came up with the classic riff for Blue Öyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) the Reaper”

By Steve Newton

“(Don’t Fear) the Reaper” might be my favourite song of all time. Or maybe it’s tied with John Lennon’s “Imagine”. Either way, I freakin’ love that song.

Several times over the years I’ve felt a tweak of pleasure along the top of my skull when I hear that song, coinciding with the killer guitar riff that drives the song, courtesy Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser. I shit you not, that really happens.

Back in January of 1997 I did the first of my three interviews with Buck, and made sure to ask him how he came up with that gorgeous little lick.

Have a listen:

 

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