Kyuss, Monster Magnet, Trouble, Soundgarden, Nirvana. All these successful bands were deeply influenced by Blue Cheer, a band from San Francisco - USA. Blue Cheer had little things in common with the rest of the Bay Area bands of their time. While Janice Joplin and The Doors were indulging the hippy trip, Blue Cheer chose a heavier and more Psychedelic approach and this factor made many people to consider them the first Heavy Metal band. Rumours say that they blew up their studio while recording their second album "Outsideinside" (if that's not Heavy Metal then I don't know what is). In 1968 Blue Cheer released their first two albums "Vincebus Eruptum" and "Outsideinside" which are considered the foundations of Stoner music. In 1971 they decided to "call it a day" but reformed a couple of years later and continued to release albums ever since.

"Live in Japan" recordings took place in 1999 in Osaka and Tokyo. The band's line up was: Dickie Peterson (Bass / Lead Vocals), Paul Whaley (Drums) and Andrew McDonald on the guitars. If there is one thing that this band is good at that's live performances and this album is no exception. Andrew McDonald is an exceptional guitar player who's musical expertise along with Dickie Peterson's unique voice gave the band most of it's character.The band presents a variety of classic songs such as "Babylon", "Doctor Please","Big trouble in Paradise", "Out Of Focus" and ""Blue Steel Dues" which is my favourite song.

Many people are put off by live releases but before you decide whether or not to invest in this specific one keep this in mind: The real value of a Rock band is in their live performances and Blue Cheer are the pioneers! John Stefanis

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Related>> Dickie Peterson Interview

Related>> Vincebus Eruptum/Outside Inside CD review

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Review by John Stefanis