Blue Oyster Cult founding member Allen Lanier died Wednesday of chronic lung disease at the age of 67.
“We have extremely sad news to report,” posted the band. “We’ve lost our friend and bandmate Allen Lanier. Allen succumbed to complications from C.O.P.D. He is survived by his wife Dory, sister Mary Anne and mother Martha.”
“Although he retired from touring in 2006, Allen returned to the stage for what turned out to be his final appearance, reuniting with BӦC at the 40th Anniversary show in New York this past November.”
“DFTR [don’t fear the reaper] sweet man. We love you and miss you.”
Lanier played keyboards and rhythm guitar in Blue Oyster Cult. He was a founding member of the group when they started as Soft White Underbelly on Long Island, New York in 1967.
Lanier originally left BOC in 1985, but returned in 1987; he later retired from performing with them in 2006.
In addition to his work with Blue Oyster Cult, he also contributed to music by Patti Smith, Jim Carroll, The Dictators and The Clash, among others.
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