Blue Oyster Cult – Canterbury Park – Shakopee MN – July 31st 2025

Canterbury Park presents Blue Oyster Cult with special guests Self Titled on July 31st

Review and photos by Kyle Hansen

As the sun dipped behind the grandstands at Canterbury Park, a steady stream of fans filled the open-air concert space, beers in hand and vintage band tees on full display. While most came for the headliner — classic rock legends Blue Öyster Cult — those who arrived early were treated to a standout opening set by regional rock outfit Self-Titled.

Self-Titled, a band that blends gritty Midwestern rock with a touch of ‘90s alternative edge, took the stage just after 7:30 p.m. and wasted no time igniting the crowd. With a tight, four-piece lineup, they launched into a powerful opener that set the tone: punchy guitars, soaring vocals, and a rhythm section that meant business.

Their cover songs showcased strong songwriting chops, particularly on tracks like “Long Time” Boston and “Foxy Lady” Jimi Hendrix, which was played perfectly. The crowd — a mix of longtime rock fans and curious newcomers — seemed engaged from the start. Heads were nodding, a few people danced near the front, and the band clearly fed off the energy.

A well-placed cover of Toto’s “Hold the Line” midway through the set brought roars of recognition, with the lead vocalist delivering Bobby Kimball’s high notes perfectly. It was one of the night’s most memorable moments.

What stood out most was the band’s stage presence: confident without being flashy, tight without being robotic. Guitar solos were expressive but not overindulgent, and the drummer drove the set with surgical precision. Between songs, the band offered brief, grateful shoutouts to the crowd and Blue Öyster Cult — never over-talking, just letting the music speak.

In a nutshell:
Self-Titled made the most of their opportunity on a big stage, delivering a sharp, dynamic set that proved they belong in front of large audiences. If they keep this up, they won’t be an opening act for long.

Highlights:

• “Carry on Wayward Son” – emotionally charged.

• “Is It Rock or Is It Love” – bold choice, beautifully executed.

• Strong crowd engagement and tight musicianship throughout.

Under a perfect summer sky at Canterbury Park, Blue Öyster Cult proved once again that age is irrelevant when the riffs are timeless. Playing to a multigenerational crowd that ranged from denim-clad diehards to curious younger listeners, the veteran rockers delivered a set that was equal parts nostalgia trip and affirmation of their lasting musical power.

From the first power chord, Buck Dharma (Donald Roeser) reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the most underrated guitarists in rock. His solos weren’t just technically dazzling — they had soul, nuance, and grit. During “The Golden Age of Leather”, his playing turned the track from a quirky cult favorite into a showstopper.

Eric Bloom, still commanding at 80, traded vocals and rhythm guitar with energy and charm. While his voice has weathered with time, he made it work — reshaping melodies to fit a seasoned growl rather than trying to force youthful tones.

Rather than stick to a standard greatest-hits run-through, BÖC took some rewarding detours. Tracks from their 2020 album The Symbol Remains added a moody, progressive touch. “This Is Me” and “Tainted Blood” were atmospheric, almost cinematic, showing they’re not coasting on legacy.

Of course, the crowd lit up for the big ones:

• “Godzilla” came with a thunderous extended drum break that had the lawn shaking.

• “Burnin’ for You” had everyone singing along, beer in hand and phones raised.

• They even added Black Blade cause three guys were yelling out the request.

• And “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” — saved for the encore, of course — arrived like a ritual, with the cowbell moment fully embraced and the solo stretching into a transcendent climax.

Canterbury Park proved to be an ideal venue: spacious but intimate, with great sightlines and a sound mix that leaned slightly heavy on the low end but served the guitars well. The crowd was respectful and tuned in — not a lot of wandering or talking over the band, just honest fans appreciating the moment.

Blue Öyster Cult may not tour with pyrotechnics or giant screens, but they don’t need to. What they bring is craft, consistency, and an eerie kind of magic that still clings to their music, even 50+ years in.

They’re a band that never exploded like some of their contemporaries — but they’ve outlasted most. And on this warm July night in Minnesota, they reminded us why: they’ve always played for the love of the song, and that love still burns.

Verdict:
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ — Vintage rock brilliance with fresh energy. Not just a nostalgia act — still evolving, still essential.