One of the most iconic songs in rock history is Blue Oyster Cult's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" from their 1976 album Agents of Fortune. One of the producers of that, and many other BOC albums, was Sandy Pearlman. He has died at the age of 72.

Information about his death was posted on a GoFundMe page created by longtime friend Robert Duncan to help pay medical expenses after Pearlman suffered a cerebral hemorrhage in December that left him unable to walk or talk.

The post says, "Sandy Pearlman, poet, writer, songwriter, producer, manager, professor, polymath, visionary, passed peacefully, surrounded by love, July 26, 2016, in Marin County, California. Thank you to all who donated here. Your generosity has been deeply moving and provided welcome relief. Any funds remaining after paying for Sandy's care will be donated, in Sandy's name, to MusiCares, in order to help other musicians in need."

In addition to working with Blue Oyster Cult, Pearlman also produced the Clash's Give 'Em Enough Rope along with a couple of Dictators releases and several other albums. During his time in the music business, Pearlman also managed several acts, including the aforementioned Blue Oyster Cult, as well as metal icons Black Sabbath.

Pearlman, who was the recipient of 17 gold and platinum records, was also a professor of music and philosophy (teaching at Harvard, Stanford, UC Berkeley and others), a rock critic, songwriter, recording studio owner and record company president.

You can watch a video of Pearlman speaking at the 2013 Future of Music Summit above. Below is an interview with Pearlman about the famous Saturday Night Live "More Cowbell" sketch that featured "Don't Fear the Reaper." Our condolences to Pearlman's family and friends.

Sandy Pearlman Says "Don't Fear the Reaper" Actually Needed Less Cowbell

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