Houston Music Blog

Almost drove my parents insane with Vincibus Eruptum. Ain't no cure for the summertime blues.
Can't remember where I heard this, but apparently someone with a decibel meter christened Blue Cheer the loudest band ever.

Blue Cheer started it all for me! I'll miss you Dickie.

RIP Dickie. Was fortunate to see you in 2007 and 2008. Two of the most mindblowing experiences of my life. Such a kind, dear man, you are(and will be)sorely missed.

Marilyn:

Thanks so much for posting that info.

Ah, where to begin. I remember (I think, heh) their old flat in the Haight, where the kitchen light was one bare bulb, bright as high noon, and the guys were ripped on STP for three days at a time. Or the three nights in a row I went to hear them at the Straight, trying to figure out what they were up to and why they had to play those Marshalls so goddamned loud. You can imagine my chagrin, even while playing bass in an acid rock band myself, when my beloved classic Eddie Cochran version of "Summertime Blues" was turned into a 200db headbanger's anthem. Yikes! LOL.

You really have to wonder where the likes of Page, Plant, Iggy Pop, Kurt Cobain and so many other would have been without Blue Cheer's influence.

Today, of course, much of Blue Cheer's stuff sounds almost tame by comparison. I'd rather listen to it than a lot of other "music" out there. I think Dickie nailed it when he said all they were trying to do was play ultra blues rock and roll.

Got to hangout a bit with him at the Summer of Love Anniversary gig in Golden Gate Park two years ago. As a mutual friend commented this morning, he was one of the good guys.

R.I.P. brother man. You rocked the house.

It was 67' at Winterland and I was sitting right up by the stage. The drummer nails the kit down, they launch into Summertime Blues and the acid kicked in! I was blown away! The winds from the amps were blowing and the sound was HUGE! Great night! These guys started it all and deserve many thanks for all the years and good times. Losing Dickey is very sad. I just want his family to know that there are many of us out here that have some great memories thanks to him-God Bless and thanks!

Deeply saddened by the loss of a true rock innovator and pioneer. May Dickie rest in everlasting peace with the rock gods. Our thoughts are with Dickie and all in his loving family....he was a legend within our family....my children grew up listening to his music and hearing the "road tales" from their old man.

I was fortunate enough to open a 1970 Blue Cheer concert while drumming with the Texas group Touchstone at the Sunken Gardens outdoor arena in San Antonio. Hung out with Dickie and Ralph into the wee hours....they rocked the city and I have NEVER forgotten those precious sonic moments....true rockers and road dogs that set the standard for all coming after....the world of rock has indeed lost one of its greatest.
May the Cheer and Dickie's music forever stand....we loved ya Dickie....RIP.

Respectfully,
Leon "Psychodaddy" Oehlers and all in the Trash Rockets family.

Peterson was a theif and a junkie. The truth hurts doesn't it. No great loss.... except for those musicians who's instruments ended up at the pawn shops on 4th and Mission in S.F. so Dickie could geeze.

Louis,
Your rude comment was clearly designed ONLY to offend Dickie's family/friends. If you wanted to look like a heartless P.O.S., you certainly succeeded.

I dont give a fuck what you say about dickie peterson being a junkie and a rip off at some point in his life.I dont believe it but even if its true none of us are angels or saints and i still love dickie peterson and blue cheer and will miss him and the group.I would give anything to have you stand right in front of me for talking dickie peterson down like that.If you were to say it to my face true or not id re educate you real quick.And that is when a man dies such as Dickie peterson you dont talk that way wether its true or not because its in his past.You have no class.Be glad you didnt say this to my face in person.Tell me have you ever stolen anything? have you ever lied? have you ever had a substance abuse problem? You are a stupid ignorant fool.