Legendary rock band Blue Öyster Cult’s leading man, Eric Bloom, has announced that he will be taking a break from the band’s upcoming concerts after recent surgery. The surprise health update comes as the legendary band continues its live touring schedule. Bloom later told his supporters his recovery remains the top priority, but the group will proceed with scheduled performances with a substitute for him: Kasim Sulton. 

Even though he did not specify the type of operation or when he would return, he said that he fully supports his replacement. Blue Öyster Cult’s final date was February 26 on the Rock Legends Cruise. The ‘Don’t Fear The Reaper’ rockers are set to hit the road again on May 16 in Oroville, California, with shows including a November 27 gig at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts in New York. 

“During BÖC’s time off, I scheduled a non-life-threatening surgical procedure. I am on the mend; however, the recovery is taking a little longer than initially expected for healing and physical therapy,” Bloom said in a statement issued by the band, talking about the surgery. 

“Luckily, we have a deep bench. Our former bandmate Kasim Sulton will be standing in for me for a few shows and knocking it out of the park! I’ll see you all out there soon,” he added, speaking of his replacement. 

Sulton was the bassist and backing vocalist for Blue Öyster Cult from 2012 to 2017. This is also not his first time in such a role. Many fans will know him as the singer-cum-multi-instrumentalist of Utopia, with which he scored the 1979 hit ‘Set Me Free’. 

Beyond his time with Blue Öyster Cult, Sulton has built a long-standing reputation as one of rock music’s most versatile performers. 

Everything about Eric Bloom's temporary replacement: Kasim Sulton

Kasim Sulton is an American bass player, guitar player, keyboard player, and singer. Sulton, as a solo artist, reached the Canadian Top 40 in 1982 with ‘Don't Break My Heart’. He’s worked with Joan Jett, Meat Loaf, and The New Cars, among many others. 

He is also a successful solo artist with his most recent studio album being ‘Kasim 2021’. Sulton further sang lead vocals and played multiple instruments in the '70s-'80s rock band Utopia. He will further join Todd Rundgren's band for his upcoming ‘Damned If I Do’ tour, which begins June 11 in St. Charles, Illinois. 

There has been no hint that filling in with Blue Öyster Cult would impact his commitment to the Rundgren tour. In September 2015, Sulton led a global virtual songwriting collaboration at Hookist.com with legendary songwriter Paul Williams. The song's theme was “Celebrate Recovery,” and the goal was to reduce stigma around addiction. 

Meanwhile, the Blue Öyster Cult is moving forward with the support of the seasoned musician, as Eric Bloom concentrates on recovery. Bloom’s reassuring update and Sulton’s solid rock background have helped ease fans’ concerns as the legendary band continues its touring schedule. Fans are now looking forward to the return of the iconic frontman to the stage soon and hoping for Bloom’s speedy recovery.

Do you think Kasim Sulton is the perfect choice to step in for Eric Bloom? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Bias Sinha

Edited by

Adiba Nizami