Buck Dharma

The Profile

Buck Dharma (Donald Roeser) is an American guitarist, singer and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist and a vocalist for Blue Öyster Cult. His stage name was coined by manager Sandy Pearlman. He wrote and sang the hit (Don't Fear) The Reaper and sang Burnin' for You, and released the solo album Flat Out in 1982.

Lead guitarist and vocalist of Blue Öyster Cult; American; active since 1967; stage name given by Sandy Pearlman; composer and singer of (Don't Fear) The Reaper; solo album Flat Out (1982).

A single review spotlights Buck Dharma—Blue Öyster Cult’s lead guitarist, singer and songwriter—praising his fluid, melodic legato and strong compositional voice. It assesses his 1982 solo album Flat Out as more relaxed than BÖC, noting the absence of Allan Lanier’s keys. Highlights include That Summer Night, Cold Wind, and All Tied Up. Not a masterpiece, but undeniably classy and worthwhile.