Blue Oyster Cult frontman Eric Bloom will miss a series of upcoming performances as he recovers from an undisclosed surgical procedure, per ultimateclassicrock.com.
The 81-year-old singer confirmed his absence on May 13, stating that while the surgery was non-life-threatening, his recuperation is taking longer than initially anticipated.
Bloom’s announcement comes as the veteran rock band prepares to resume their touring schedule on May 16 in Oroville, California. The group has been off the road since their last performance on February 26 aboard the Rock Legends Cruise. Despite the delay in his return, Bloom assured fans he is “on the mend” and expects a successful run of shows in his absence.
Former Blue Oyster Cult bassist and backing vocalist Kasim Sulton will stand in for Bloom. Sulton, who was a member of the band from 2012 to 2017, is a seasoned multi-instrumentalist best known for his work with Utopia, Meat Loaf, and Joan Jett. He is expected to perform with the group until Bloom is cleared to return.
The substitution is not expected to interfere with Sulton’s other professional commitments. He remains scheduled to join Todd Rundgren’s Damned If I Do tour, which is set to launch on June 11 in St. Charles, Illinois.
The band’s current itinerary includes various performances throughout the summer and autumn. While Bloom has not provided a specific timeline for his return, his recovery will be monitored as the tour progresses through North America.
Eric Bloom has been the primary lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for Blue Oyster Cult since 1971. His temporary absence marks a rare lineup shift for the “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” hitmakers, who have maintained a prolific touring presence for over five decades.
•Featured image byStephen J. Cohen/Getty Images
