Blue Cheer's 'Summertime Blues' -- a song we wished we could have played on

October 31, 9:45 AMVintage Rock 'n' Roll ExaminerSteve Marinucci

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As a music fan, there were many songs you heard on the radio when originally released you wished you could have been a part of in the studio in your musical fantasy. Almost any Beatles song. "Bits and Pieces" by the Dave Clark Five. As a member of the Wrecking Crew playing on "Be My Baby" by the Ronettes or "Good Vibrations" by the Beach Boys. "Won't Get Fooled Again" by the Who.

But one that was an instant "we wish we could have been there" was Blue Cheer's "Summertime Blues." It was loud. It was raucous. It was one of those songs you didn't want the kids who had the band that practiced in the garage next door playing at 3 a.m. Geddy Lee of Rush has referred to Blue Cheer as one of the first heavy metal bands. "Summertime Blues" was certainly one of the loudest songs ever on Top 40 radio.

Dickie Peterson, singer and bassist for the group, died of liver cancer on Oct. 12. Here's to a great group and a great song for which the term "play it loud" was automatic.