Peterson died on October 12, 2009, in Germany from prostate cancer

Peterson died on October 12, 2009, in Germany from prostate cancer . Peterson was actually 63 at the time of his death despite some initial confusion, as exemplified here, immediately following the announcement of his death. After Peterson’s death, long-time Blue Cheer guitarist Andrew MacDonald wrote on the group’s website that “Blue Cheer is done. Out of respect for Dickie, Blue Cheer [will] never become a viable touring band again.” Drummer Paul Whaley died of heart failure in January 2019.