Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll

"Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll" is the debut single by American hard rock band Blue Öyster Cult from their eponymous debut album Blue Öyster Cult. Despite not charting, it has become a staple in the band's live show.^[5][6] Its demo is credited with getting the band signed with Columbia Records.^[7] Lead vocals were performed by drummer Albert Bouchard. The lyrics describe the devastation of nuclear war with metaphors likening the destruction to rock and roll music.

"Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll"
Single by Blue Öyster Cult
from the album Blue Öyster Cult
B-side	"Before the Kiss, a Redcap"[1]
Released	April 21, 1972
Recorded	October 1971
Studio	The Warehouse, New York City
Genre	Heavy metal hard rock[2] blues rock[3]
Length	3:14 (single edit) 4:03 (album version)
Label	Columbia
Songwriter(s)	Sandy Pearlman Donald Roeser Albert Bouchard
Producer(s)	Murray Krugman Sandy Pearlman
Blue Öyster Cult singles chronology
"Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll" (1972) "Hot Rails to Hell" (1973)

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Rolling Stone	(favorable)[4]

Cash Box called it a "hard driving, heavy metal rocker will be immediately attractive to both AM and FMers looking to put some life into their playlists."^[8]

Personnel

• Eric Bloom – stun guitar
• Albert Bouchard – vocals, drums
• Joe Bouchard – bass
• Allen Lanier – keyboards
• Buck Dharma – lead guitar

Cover versions

The song has been covered by Church of Misery (on Master of Brutality), Iced Earth (on Tribute to the Gods) and 3 Inches of Blood (as a bonus track on Here Waits Thy Doom).