Astronomy

The Zoo Crew is spinning the mesmerizing track "Astronomy" by Blue Öyster Cult from their 1974 album Secret Treaties, and Zoo Freaks are in for a cosmic ride with this one. This song, penned by drummer Albert Bouchard, his brother Joe, and producer Sandy Pearlman, is a standout for its cryptic lyrics and progressive rock flair. According to Pearlman in a 1975 NME interview, "Astronomy" is set on New Year's Eve at the Four Winds Bar, a real Atlantic Beach haunt, where the character Desdinova, tied to Pearlman’s sprawling "Imaginos" poem, embarks on a mystical journey. The lyrics reference celestial imagery like “the light that never warms” (the moon) and “my dog, fixed and consequent” (Sirius, the dog star), weaving a tale that’s part sci-fi, part occult. The song’s narrative depth inspired a 1988 music video narrated by Stephen King, a longtime fan, which depicted the "Imaginos" story without showing the band, focusing instead on its otherworldly vibes.

Another layer of trivia comes from Metallica’s 1998 cover of "Astronomy" on their Garage Inc. album, which brought the song to a new generation. Joe Bouchard shared with RockHistoryMusic.com that he first learned of Metallica’s plan via an America Online chat board, expecting they’d cover a hit like “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper.” Instead, they tackled "Astronomy," and Bouchard was thrilled to hear their take on a cassette sent to his mailbox. Fans on X have also celebrated the track’s legacy, with posts like @doomedparade in 2024 praising a 1976 performance for its raw energy and iconic style, noting its influence even on Metallica. Some fans on Reddit speculate the lyrics hint at a lesbian encounter, but Pearlman’s explanation leans more toward a cosmic apocalypse, leaving room for endless interpretation.

Blue Öyster Cult got their start in the late 1960s on Long Island, New York, under the name Soft White Underbelly, gigging around Stony Brook University. Originally formed by students Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser, Eric Bloom, Allen Lanier, and brothers Albert and Joe Bouchard, they were shaped by manager Sandy Pearlman, a rock critic with a vision for a band blending heavy rock with intellectual themes. Pearlman’s poetic lyrics and the band’s early psychedelic sound caught the attention of Elektra Records in 1968, leading to recordings as Stalk-Forrest Group, later released by Rhino’s Handmade imprint. By 1972, they rebranded as Blue Öyster Cult, signed with Columbia, and dropped their self-titled debut, which mixed gritty rock with eerie, poetic storytelling. Their first three albums, including Secret Treaties, built a cult following with their unique mix of hard rock, proto-metal, and progressive elements, setting the stage for hits like “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper.”

You can keep up with Blue Öyster Cult on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour dates, live performance clips, and updates like their 2022 50th anniversary shows. Fans also gather on the r/BlueOysterCult subreddit, a lively community discussing everything from classic tracks to concert memories, with a Discord server linked for deeper chats. For diehard Zoo Freaks, the band’s official site offers merch and details on releases like 50th Anniversary Live – Third Night, capturing their enduring stage magic.