Happy Birthday today (Nov. 9) to former Blue Oyster Cult bassist Joe Bouchard. He's 71. Also celebrating is original REO Speedwagon drummer Alan Gratzer (70).
Blue Oyster Cult formed out of Long Island, NY with the classic lineup of Buck Dharma (lead guitar, vocals), Eric Bloom (guitar, vocals), Allen Laneier (keyboards, rhythm guitar), Joe Bouchard (bass), and Al Bouchard (drums). The band and had a string of hit songs including “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper”, “Godzilla”, and “Burnin’ for You”., selling nearly 25 million albums worldwide since the release of their debut album in 1972. Joe Bouchard’s signature tune with Blue Oyster Cult was “Hot Rails to Hell”. Bouchard left BOC in 1986 and has kept busy in the music business with various projects over the years including Blue Coupe. Blue Coupe features Joe along with his brother and former BOC drummer Al Bouchard along with ex Alice Cooper bassist Dennis Dunaway. The band performs early Blue Oyster Cult and Alice Cooper songs, as well as new material. They have also released a couple of albums.
I've met Joe Bouchard on several occasions and he is such a great, humble dude. He's also participated in some radio station events over the years. Cheers to Joe Bouchard on his birthday today! For more on Joe Bouchard, check out his official website here.