Blue Cheer Members, Gear & Sound
Members
Select a Blue Cheer band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
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Journey Quicksilver Messenger Service Jefferson Starship Phil Lesh and Friends The Tubes The New Cars Vince Welnick’s Missing Man Formation The Mistakes Strangers In A Strange Land Prince-Knotter-Exley-Leach-Leventhal-Cotten Productions Magic Christian Don't Push The Clown Cotten/Prince Productions The Gilmour Project Too-Good-For-Neil-Hamburger-Band It Was Fifty Years Ago Today Sy Klopps Blues Band -
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About
Blue Cheer is an American rock band renowned for their groundbreaking influence on the heavy metal and hard rock genres. Formed in San Francisco in 1966, the group's original lineup consisted of Dickie Peterson (bass, lead vocals), Leigh Stephens (guitar), and Paul Whaley (drums). Known for their raw, powerful sound, Blue Cheer played a pivotal role in the development of blues rock, psychedelic rock, and heavy psych, often being credited as one of the first heavy metal bands. Their early albums, such as Vincebus Eruptum and Outsideinside, are celebrated for their high-decibel, guitar-driven compositions that laid the groundwork for future generations of rock musicians.
How to Sound Like Blue Cheer
Blue Cheer's sound is characterized by its aggressive, overdriven guitar tones and a thunderous rhythm section, creating a wall of sound that's both abrasive and exhilarating. The band's music is marked by monolithic guitar riffs and powerful, blues-infused solos, often achieved through the use of a 1968 Gibson SG Standard and a Dallas Arbiter England Fuzz Face pedal, which contributed to their distinctive fuzz-laden timbre. The heavy and raw sonic texture is complemented by the pounding drums and robust bass lines, with a Fender Jazz Bass frequently driving their sound. Musicians aiming to channel Blue Cheer's vibe should focus on achieving a loud, unrefined energy, embracing the chaotic yet structured nature of their music, which captures the essence of early hard rock and heavy metal.
Discography
Outsideinside
1968
Vincebus Eruptum
1968
Blue Cheer
1969
New! Improved!
1969
The Original Human Being
1970
Oh! Pleasant Hope
1971
Blitzkrieg over Nuremberg
1988
The History Of Blue Cheer: Good Times Are So Hard To Find
1990
Highlights & Lowlives
1990
Dining with the Sharks
1991
Three Giants, One Tour - Live in Germany in 1992
1992
What Doesn't Kill You
2007
Live at Rockpalast (Live, 11.04.2008, Bonn)
2008
The Beast Is Back
2009
7
2012
Live at Anti WAA Festival 1989
2014
Live & Unreleased '68/'74
2016
Hello Tokyo, Bye Bye Osaka - Live in Japan 1999
2016
Get the Blue Cheer Sound
Want to sound like Blue Cheer? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
