Allen Lanier, founding member and keyboardist and guitarist for Blue Oyster Cult, has died at the age of 67.
A post on the band’s Facebook page poster Wednesday, reads:
We have extremely sad news to report.
We’ve lost our friend and bandmate Allen Lanier.
Allen succumbed to complications from C.O.P.D.
He is survived by his wife Dory, sister Mary Anne and mother Martha.
Although he retired from touring in 2006 Allen returned to the stage for what turned out to be his final appearance, reuniting with BӦC at the 40th Anniversary show in New York this past November.
DFTR sweet man. We love you and miss you.
“DFTR” refers to the band’s 1976 hit, “(Don’t Fear) the Reaper”. The song was a #12 hit upon release but returned to the spotlight in 2000 after actors Christopher Walken and Will Ferrell did an infamous Saturday Night Live sketch in which they supposedly re-enacted the recording of the song, which required “more cowbell”.
Vocalist Eric Bloom also posted about Lanier’s death, saying “A lot of great memories, over 40 years worth. Maybe he’s playing a tune with Jim Carroll right now.”
