From Soft White Underbelly to Blue Öyster Cult: The Evolution of a Legendary Band
In the autumn of 1967, a group of young men lived together in a house in the woods in Suffolk County, New York. They were students, graduates, and aspiring musicians who spent their days jamming and smoking dope. The house was cold and damp, with blankets covering the windows and black walls adorned with a mural of Jim Morrison as a lion. Among the residents were Donald Roeser, a talented guitarist, Allen Lanier, a keyboard player and guitarist, and Andrew Winters, who worked at a drugstore owned by Sandy Pearlman's father. Albert Bouchard, a drummer, and John Wiesenthal, a guitarist/bassist, completed the ensemble.
Under the guidance of Sandy Pearlman, the group, initially named Soft White Underbelly, began playing gigs in late 1967. They experimented with original material, including songs like "All-Night Gas Station" and "You." The band faced challenges with finding a suitable singer, trying out various candidates before settling on Eric Bloom. Les Braunstein, a songwriter and musician, joined the group and contributed his unique style to the band's sound. Despite creative differences and tensions within the group, they continued to perform and gain recognition.
Soft White Underbelly's performances caught the attention of Elektra Records, leading to a recording deal. The band started recording at Elektra's New York studio in late 1968 and continued at A&R Studio 2 in early 1969. They recorded several songs, including "Mothra," "Queen's Boulevard," and "Fantasy Morass." However, creative disagreements and dissatisfaction with the recordings led to Les Braunstein's departure from the band. The remaining members, now including Eric Bloom, forged ahead with their music, determined to make a mark in the music industry.
Despite facing challenges and setbacks, the band's perseverance paid off when they caught the eye of Elektra Records' Jac Holzman. The band's unique sound and energy impressed Holzman, leading to a positive response from the record company. With a new lineup and renewed determination, the band continued to work on their music, paving the way for a new chapter in their musical journey.