It is with a heavy heart that we report that Blue Oyster Cult guitarist and founding member Allen Lanier has passed away at age 67 after complications with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (C.O.P.D.). Lanier had, apart from a two year gap, been with the band since it’s beginning and was on some of the band’s most famous recordings, including “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper”, “Godzilla”, and more. He also worked with such bands/artists as Patti Smith and The Clash. His last performance with BOC was in New York at the group’s 40th anniversary in November 2012.

BOC singer Eric Bloom posted via his Facebook page his own thoughts: “My great friend Allen Lanier has passed. I’ll miss the guy even though we hadn’t spoken in awhile. He was so talented as a musician and a thinker. He read voraciously, all kinds of things, especially comparative religion. We drove for years together, shared rooms in the early days. We partied, laughed, played. All BOC fans and band members will mourn his death. Ultimately smoking finally got to him. He had been hospitalized with C.O.P.D. It was Allen who heard some old college band tapes of mine and suggested I get a shot as the singer in 1968. A lot of great memories, over 40 years worth. Maybe he’s playing a tune with Jim Carroll right now.”

Rest in peace, Allen. Your music will live in infamy and you will be missed.

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