Died On This Date (August 14, 2013) Allen Lanier / Blue Oyster Cult
themusicsover Allen Lanier
June 25, 1946 – August 14, 2013
Allen Lanier is best remembered as the founding keyboardist and rhythm guitarist for legendary American rock band, Blue Oyster Cult. Formed in 1967, the band scored huge hits with “Burnin’ For You,” “Godzilla,” and “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” which contains arguably the single greatest use of the cowbell in rock history. Joining the band when it was originally called Soft White Underbelly, Lanier went on to write such B.O.C. songs as “Lonely Teardrops,” “Tenderloin,” and “True Confessions.” He played on all the band’s classic era albums until departing in 1985. He rejoined the group two years later, but left for good in 2006. Lanier also performed and recorded with Jim Carroll, John Cale, and Patti Smith with whom he was romantically linked for a time. Allen Lanier died from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) on August 14, 2013. He was 66.
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