I recall those halcyon days of pulsating hard rock in 1968  pounded out by the band Blue Cheer. I must admit that I could only tolerate so much of their sound at a time. It’s interesting what the mind rejects but the universe accepts.

Looking back on what Blue Cheer established has helped me to appreciate their role in the annals of rock music. Sprung from the loins of the psychedelic era in San Farncisco, the band is said to have been named after a street brand of LSD and promoted by renowned LSD chemist and former Grateful Dead patron, Owsley Stanley.

Blue Cheer clearly established heavy metal way before it had a moniker.

Vincebus Eruptum, Blue Cheer’s landmark 1968 debut, is widely regarded as ground zero of the heavy metal explosion. The album, featuring the classic Blue Cheer lineup of guitarist Leigh Stephens, bassist/vocalist Dickie Peterson and drummer Paul Whaley, includes the trio’s mind-melting reading of Eddie Cochran’s “Summertime Blues,” which became a Top 20 single.

You can find the mono edition of Vincebus Eruptum at a very cool record emporium, Sundazed Music. Long live Blue Cheer and vinyl!

Related articles

• BLUE CHEER ‘Not Done’; Resurgence Is On The Way, Says Manager (thesodashop.wordpress.com)