Blue Cheer was an American rock band based in San Francisco that recorded in the late 1960s and early 1970s and was sporadically active until 2009. They played psychedelic blues rock, or acid rock, and are credited as some of the earliest pioneers of heavy metal.
Their line-up changed often, and Wikipedia lists 30 members over the years. The main players get their own section below, followed by the other members and the line-up summary.
Dickie Peterson – Bass, Vocals (1967–1972, 1974–1975, 1978–1979, 1984–1994, 1999–2009)
Dickie Peterson was the bassist and vocalist and the member who returned most often across the band’s history. He died in 2009.
Leigh Stephens – Guitar (1967–1968, 2005)
Leigh Stephens played guitar in the band’s earliest line-ups in 1967 and 1968, and returned in 2005.
Paul Whaley – Drums (1967–1969, 1969, 1984–1985, 1990–1993, 1999–2004, 2005–2009)
Paul Whaley was the band’s most frequent drummer, with several separate stints between 1967 and 2009. He died in 2019.
Randy Holden – Guitar (1968–1969)
Randy Holden played guitar with the band in 1968 and 1969.
Gary Lee Yoder – Guitar, Vocals (1969–1972)
Gary Lee Yoder played guitar and sang with the band from 1969 to 1972. He died in 2021.
Norman Mayell – Drums, Guitar (1969–1972)
Norman Mayell played drums and guitar from 1969 to 1972.
Ralph Burns Kellogg – Keyboards, Bass (1969–1972)
Ralph Burns Kellogg played keyboards and bass from 1969 to 1972. He died in 2003.
Mitch Mitchell – Drums (1969)
Mitch Mitchell played drums with the band in 1969. He died in 2008.
Other Blue Cheer Members
- Eric Albronda – drums (1967)
- Jerre Peterson – guitar (1967, 1974–1975; died 2002)
- Vale Hamanaka – keyboards (1967)
- Jere Whiting – vocals, harmonica (1967)
- Tom Weisser – guitar (1969)
- Bruce Stephens – guitar, vocals (1969; died 2012)
- Troy Spence Jr. – guitar (1972–1974)
- James L. Curry – drums (1972–1974)
- Ruben De Fuentes – guitar (1974–1975, 1987–1988)
- Terry Rae – drums (1974–1975)
- Nick St. Nicholas – bass, vocals (1975)
- Tony Rainier – guitar (1978–1979, 1984–1987; died 2025)
- Mike Fleck – drums (1978–1979)
- Brent Harknett – drums (1985–1987)
- Billy Carmassi – drums (1987)
- Eric Davis – drums (1987–1988)
- Andrew “Duck” MacDonald – guitar (1988–1990, 1999–2005, 2005–2009)
- David Salce – drums (1988–1990)
- Dieter Saller – guitar (1990–1994)
- Gary Holland – drums (1993–1994)
- Prairie Prince – drums (2005)
- Joe Hasselvander – drums (2004–2005, 2009)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the only constant member of Blue Cheer? Bassist and vocalist Dickie Peterson appears in the most line-ups, from 1967 to 2009, though not continuously.
How many members has Blue Cheer had? Wikipedia lists 30 members across the band’s history.
When was Blue Cheer active? The band recorded in the late 1960s and early 1970s and was sporadically active until 2009.
Related
- Complete List of The Dave Clark Five Band Members
- 5 Easy Grunge Songs on Guitar (Chords and Tips)
- 6 Easy Punk Songs on Guitar (Power Chord Songs)