Brown and Blue
by Kiffer on 9/30/25Brown County Music Center - NashvilleRating: 5 out of 5Brown County Indiana seems like an unlikely place for a legendary band to play but that's exactly where Blue Oyster Cult was on Friday, September 26th. While those assembled at the Brown County Music Center may have not been the tens of thousands the band experienced in its heyday, they made up for lack of numbers with enthusiasm. The band itself showed no signs of being in its fifth decade and immediately set to the task at hand, opening with the Mirrors cut, "Dr. Music."Long time members Buck Dharma and Eric Bloom received the largest ovations and justifiably so as both lorded over the stage and Dharma, as is his want, turned in some great guitar licks and solos throughout the 90-minutes. He also provided the vocals for the band's best known songs, "Don't Fear The Reaper,""Burning For You,"and "Dancing in the Ruins."Bloom in his trademark sunglasses alternated between guitar, keyboards and even percussion, providing vocals for a myriad of songs, including "E.T.I."Seemingly every album of the band's storied career save for Cultösaurus Erectus, where "Black Blade,"or "The Marshall Plan"would've been welcome additions, but those are minor quibbles. Richie Castellano provided a perfect foil for Dharma playing a number of notable solos while also playing keyboards with long-time bassist Danny Miranda providing some good bottom end with drummer Jules Radino in getting the sound the band is associated with. A highlight occurred near the end of the evening when the band had seemingly finished for the evening, the last notes of "Don't Fear the Reaper,"still ringing through the hall when B.O.C. reassembled and went into a favorite of mine and of many others in the audience, "Cities on Flame With Rock and Roll."At every pause, the crowed echoed its approval and the band seemed re-fortified as it played this '70's anthem with a new energy. As we made our exits, I couldn't be the only one knowing I'd witnessed a great show and hoped its not the last time the band comes through this area.