BLUE ÖYSTER CULT – at Sentrum Scene, Oslo – 26.05.25
- Posted on 28-05-2025
- – VENUE: Sentrum Scene
- – DATE: 26.05.25
- – ORGANIZER: All Things Live
Blue Öyster Cult, the legendary American rock band formed in the early ’70s, has always occupied a unique space in rock history. Known for their fusion of hard rock, proto-metal, and psychedelic influences – not to mention their love of science fiction and the occult (cough Godzilla cough) – BÖC has built a legacy around both their mysterious image and their musicianship. With almost six decades of music behind them and hits like “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” and “Godzilla” etched into the rock canon, the band’s return to Oslo felt more like a gathering of the faithful than a mere concert.
Despite the years, Blue Öyster Cult showed no signs of slowing down when they rolled into Sentrum Scene on Sunday night. Age may have brought a few grey hairs, but it hasn’t dulled their energy. These seasoned rockers took the stage with purpose, reminding the audience – young and old alike – that they’re still a force to be reckoned with.
The band opened with “Transmaniacon MC,” a gritty and energetic track that immediately set the tone: tight musicianship, no-nonsense delivery, and a room full of fans ready for a ride through the band’s expansive discography. “Before the Kiss, a Redcap” followed, bringing bluesy grooves and a reminder of the group’s early stylistic range. “Golden Age of Leather” added some theatrical flair, complete with its dramatic chant-along intro the band made sure the fans knew to chant before playing, this was a slice of classic BÖC charm.
I then moved out of the photo pit and found a spot in the gallery, hoping I wasn’t blocking anyone’s view as I settled in to take in the rest of the show. “That Was Me,” from their 2020 album The Symbol Remains, came next, fitting seamlessly into the set and proving the band still has something to say, even after all these years.
The energy in the room surged with “Burnin’ for You.” As that signature riff rang out, smiles spread across faces and the crowd erupted in song. It was one of the evening’s biggest moments – pure, electrifying nostalgia. The momentum kept building with “Dancin’ in the Ruins,” which offered a brighter, more radio-friendly contrast before pivoting into the quirky, punky punch of “Cagey Cretins.”
Slowing things down, “Harvest Moon” brought a more atmospheric, introspective tone to the evening, only to be answered by the soaring, layered “The Vigil” – a highlight for longtime fans that showcased the band’s more progressive tendencies.
Things took a cosmic turn with “E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence),” its sci-fi theme and catchy hook embraced enthusiastically by the crowd. “Hot Rails to Hell” revved things up again, bringing high-octane energy and showcasing the band’s tight rhythm section.
But it was “Then Came the Last Days of May” that truly stood out. The track unfolded like a slow-burning epic, building tension with every note. Buck Dharma delivered one of the most moving solos of the night – emotional, technically brilliant, and deeply felt.
The newer track “Tainted Blood” followed, its darker tone adding gothic drama to the set, before we entered the climactic stretch of the show – the trio of songs everyone had been waiting for.
“Godzilla” landed with a thunderous impact, its monster-sized riff stomping through Sentrum Scene to the crowd’s delight. The band clearly had fun with this one, especially during the playful bass and drum breaks. Without missing a beat, they launched into “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” and the venue lit up. Haunting, beautiful, and timeless, it drew the loudest sing-along of the night – and yes, they did it all without a wink to the infamous cowbell sketch.
They closed the night with “Harvester of Eyes,” a deeper cut that nonetheless hit hard – a gritty, satisfying finale to a packed and well-curated set.
Throughout the performance, the band’s chemistry and mastery were undeniable. The guitar solos – long, expressive, and technically sharp – never overstayed their welcome. Vocals were solid throughout, and the pacing of the set balanced fan-favorite hits with deep cuts and newer material, keeping both longtime fans and newcomers fully engaged.
One of the most heartening sights was the mix of generations in the audience. Older die-hards rocked out next to younger fans, some of whom were likely seeing the band live for the first time. It was a shared celebration – of music, of legacy, and of the enduring power of rock to bridge age and time.
Blue Öyster Cult didn’t just play a gig – they reminded Oslo that true rock never fades. It adapts, it evolves, and sometimes, it just keeps getting better with age. At Sentrum Scene, they proved they’re still very much alive and kicking – loud, strange, and utterly timeless.