Blue Öyster Cult’s Buck Dharma Admits Newst Album Might Be Their Last

Blue Öyster Cult’s Buck Dharma recently hinted that their newest album, Ghost Stories, might be their swan song. In a candid conversation with Goldmine, Dharma revealed the band isn’t planning any more recordings, although he didn’t rule out the possibility entirely.

“At this moment, we’re not planning to do any more recording, but that could change,” Dharma shared, leaving fans with a glimmer of hope. While the future of their studio work remains uncertain, the band’s live performances are far from over.

“For 2024, we’re committed to between 20 and 30 shows,” Dharma confirmed. However, the band’s plans beyond that remain up in the air, with no commitments yet for 2025. It seems the legendary rockers are taking things one step at a time.

Reflecting on the Band’s Future

Buck acknowledged the inevitable passage of time, saying, “Eric and I are getting old, and I’m just wondering if I’ll ever do anything else but get up and play.” After more than 50 years of performing, it’s a thought that weighs heavily on him.

Blue Öyster Cult has been a constant force in rock since the late 1960s, balancing recording and touring with remarkable consistency. Despite the uncertainty about how much longer they’ll stay on the road, Dharma is confident the band will carry on as long as they can.

For now, the band remains dedicated to their craft, but the question of how much longer they’ll keep going is ever-present. As Dharma reflects on the future, he’s acutely aware of the challenges that come with time.

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Slowing Down the Pace

In the interview, Buck Dharma reflected on the band’s approach to touring these days. “I think we’re throttling back from the years of heavy touring,” he shared. With both Dharma and Eric Bloom getting older, they’re aiming for a pace that feels more sustainable.

Despite scaling back, Blue Öyster Cult isn’t stepping away just yet. “We’re still booking shows in ’24. I haven’t thought about ’25 yet,” Dharma said, indicating that while they’re taking it one year at a time, the possibility of continuing is still on the table. He added, “I can still play and sing, I still enjoy it,” though he admitted that the grind of tour travel has lost some of its appeal.

This year, the band has a handful of dates lined up. They’re set to play at the Edgewater Casino in Laughlin, Nevada, on September 28, and after a few more performances, they’ll wrap up the tour at the Des Plaines Theatre in Illinois on November 2.