Blue Oyster Cult Singer Eric Bloom Temporarily Steps Down After Surgery

Blue Oyster Cult singer Eric Bloom will miss several upcoming shows after undergoing surgery, the band announced.

Bloom, 81, shared the news in a message to fans. "During B C's time off I scheduled a non-life threatening surgical procedure," Bloom wrote. "I am on the mend, but the recovery is taking a little longer than expected. Kasim Sulton will be standing in for me for a few shows."

Bloom did not say how many shows he will miss. Blue Oyster Cult last performed Feb. 26 on the Rock Legends Cruise. The band is scheduled to resume touring May 16 in Oroville, California, with dates planned through the summer and fall.

Sulton, who will fill in for Bloom, played bass and sang backing vocals with Blue Oyster Cult from 2012 to 2017. He is also known for his work with Utopia, where he sang and played on the 1979 hit "Set Me Free." Sulton has also performed with Joan Jett, Meat Loaf and the New Cars. He released his solo album "Kasim 2021" in 2021.

Sulton is also set to tour with Todd Rundgren on the Damned If I Do tour, which begins June 11 in St. Charles, Illinois. There has been no word on whether his Blue Oyster Cult performances will affect his commitment to Rundgren's tour.