Blue Oyster Cult’s Buck Dharma recently reflected on the famous ‘More Cowbell’ sketch from Saturday Night Live, parodying their hit song ‘(Don’t Fear) The Reaper.’ Dharma said the outcome was ultimately positive, even though it caused the band to take some preventative measures during concerts.
“It’s funny to think about,” Dharma explained during an interview with Vulture. “I feel bonded to Will and Christopher in a way, because we’re all at the mercy of the cowbell sketch in different ways. I feel a little bit of kinship and sympathy with them. Will’s character, Gene Frenkle, was made up. We dedicate the song to him sometimes.”
“But I would tell Christopher: It’s all bearable, I suppose. Blue Oyster Cult got through it and we persevered. When we play ‘Reaper,’ people still mimic playing the cowbell, and we had to ban people from bringing actual cowbells to the concerts. But, again, it’s a tiny cross to bear,” he added.
The sketch aired on April 8, 2000, and featured Will Ferrell as the fictional band member Gene Frenkle and Christopher Walken as producer Bruce Dickinson. Ferrell played the cowbell so aggressively while recording ‘Reaper’ that he annoyed and distracted the other band members. Walken, however, became obsessed with getting more of the ‘dynamite sound,’ famously saying, “I’ve got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell!”
It quickly became one of the most beloved sketches in SNL history and had a big impact on those involved.
Blue Öyster Cult will perform an exclusive show at the London Palladium on Sunday, May 25th, 2025, with When Rivers Meet.
