Blue Cheer

Just a Little Bit - ad 1968

Blue Cheer was an American rock band that initially performed and recorded in the late 1960s and early 1970s and was sporadically active until 2009. The band is best known for their heavy sound that has been cited as a significant influence on the development of heavy metal and stoner rock. Blue Cheer's style was rooted in the blues rock genre, but they are notably recognized for their pioneering contribution to the louder, more aggressive sound that would eventually characterize heavy metal.

History

The band was formed in San Francisco in 1967 by Dickie Peterson, who became the group's bassist and lead vocalist. The original lineup also included guitarist Leigh Stephens and drummer Paul Whaley. The name "Blue Cheer" was inspired by a variety of LSD that was popular in the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco at the time.

Blue Cheer's debut album, Vincebus Eruptum, was released in 1968 and is often considered one of the earliest examples of heavy metal music. The album included a cover of Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues," which became a hit single and is still the band's most widely recognized song. The sound of Vincebus Eruptum was characterized by loud, distorted guitars, thunderous drums, and Peterson's powerful vocals, setting a precedent for the heavy metal genre.

Following the success of their first album, Blue Cheer continued to release music throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, including albums like Outsideinside and New! Improved! Blue Cheer. However, they were unable to replicate the commercial success of their debut. The band underwent numerous lineup changes over the years, with Peterson being the only constant member.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Blue Cheer's influence on the development of heavy metal and stoner rock began to be more widely recognized. The band reunited with different lineups during these decades and continued to perform live.

Blue Cheer remained active into the 21st century, with Dickie Peterson leading the band until his death in 2009. Following Peterson's passing, the band officially disbanded.

Legacy

Blue Cheer is often credited with helping to lay the groundwork for the heavy metal genre. Their use of distorted guitar sounds, heavy rhythms, and powerful vocals influenced many bands that would come to define heavy metal in the 1970s and beyond. Additionally, their music has been appreciated by fans of stoner rock and other genres that value heavy, psychedelic sounds.

Despite their relatively brief period of commercial success, Blue Cheer's impact on rock music has been lasting. They are remembered as pioneers who pushed the boundaries of how loud and heavy rock music could be.

Discography

• Vincebus Eruptum (1968)
• Outsideinside (1968)
• New! Improved! Blue Cheer (1969)
• Blue Cheer (1969)
• The Original Human Being (1970)
• Oh! Pleasant Hope (1971)

See Also

• Heavy metal music
• Stoner rock
• Psychedelic rock
• Blues rock