The Story Behind Reaper

How Blue Öyster Cult Created Their 1976 Cowbell-Infused Rock Anthem

In 1976, Long Island rock band Blue Öyster Cult released their first album, Agents of Fortune, with their single "Don't Fear) The Reaper" which became their biggest hit and helped them reach mainstream. The song was written by lead guitarist Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser, who was inspired to write the song after being diagnosed with a temporary heart arrhythmia and began imagining his death as a transition. The single's iconic features include its cowbell, which has since been used on Saturday Night Live as a musical joke. The original version of the song has been featured on numerous film and television shows.