Metropolis, Montréal, Quebec
Opening Band: Lennon
This is C-U-L-T where the hits just keep on coming! I'm paraphrasing what Ian
said last night. What a show! From start to end, the most high-energy show I've
attended. The set list was predictable but contrary to those who say Fire
Woman should be dropped, it was one of the best songs played. I think the
guys just want to ensure that everyone knows the songs and has a great time.
There are many people who are not die-hard fans: while I was getting a beer,
I heard someone say "oh, yeah, my favourite albums are Rain and Wild
Flower. And I was talking to a guy with a Sonic Temple shirt and I asked
him if he had seen the Ceremony tour, and he said "there was an album after
Sonic Temple?" And I really think the band knows this, they are back and really
want to gather as many fans as possible and basically just rock the hell out of
everyone. From what I saw and heard last night, mission accomplished! Ian came
out with a hat that seems retrieved from the Wolfchild era and he was in a great
mood. Not much to say about Duffy, he's "just" the guitar god... And Matt Sorum
acts like a fan playing with the Cult. He's having a great time! And that adds
energy to the show. (If only Jamie completed the quartet...oh well, let's not get
nostalgic.) They started the encore with Take The Power but the best new
songs live are Breathe and Rise. When Ian sings "I shot the sun",
it was so powerful. The song is totally classic Cult. The opening band, Lennon,
was quite good. The lead singer is very attractive and she has a really powerful
voice. I think the songs lack some melody (comparing unfairly to the Cult perhaps)
but it was a good opening act. Hopefully, the rumours about a Fall return are true.
Hollow MTL Man
The show was awesome! One of the best show I ever seen. I'm a big fan and I wasn't
disapointed, they played many of their big success, including Fire Woman,
Love Removal Machine, The Witch, Sweet Soul Sister, Rain
and also some songs from their incoming album, June 5th. The songs and guitar solos
were perfect, exactly like on the records. This was the first time I saw them live
and will never forget this! Seeing them live was a dream come true. There was a lot
of people in the Metropolis and everybody was singing. The Cult's aren't dead
for sure.
Benoit Laperriere - blaperri@netzero.net
The Cult show in Montreal was very good. Ian was on fire I don't think he stood still
for more than 3 seconds; I have never seen him that wound up before. The usual set
was played. I was a bit disappointed hoping they would play something different and
special... but I guess they just don't do that (which I find frustrating!!) They played
(no order): Rise, The Saint, Take The Power, In The Clouds,
Love Removal Machine, Lil' Devil, Peace Dog, Wild Flower,
Edie (Ciao Baby), Fire Woman, Sweet Soul Sister, Nirvana,
Rain, She Sells Sanctuary, The Witch... They took a hell of a
long time to come on stage. But once they were up there the crowd ate it up like
candy... Ian was mad at security because the guy told a woman to get down from
someone's shoulders... Ian took the mic stand and tapped the guard on the back
wagging the no-no finger at him... Before Nirvana, Ian said: "When I was in
Tibet, I came across an old man in the Mountains; his name was Jim Morisson and he
told me to give you this message... be ready for nirvana (or something like that!!!).
Matt Was really pissed off at one point but I don't know why... the roadie came out
to see him and Matt was fuming, he started banging on those drums like a mad man!!!
You should have seen his face... Billy Duffy wasn't particularly intense and Mike
Dumbnuts was totally out of it (he looked like an idiot up there!!!). Billy Morisson
seemed to fit right in background singing and all... pretty cool... Ian left the
stage saying Much respect Montreal, much much respect... All in all, a good show but I
still wish they played longer and went deeper into their catalog...
Patrick L.
Lights going down, people screaming like crazy, intro playing, band hitting the stage
under purple lightning and...the roaring guitar sounds of Billy awakes! Here comes Ian
saluting the crowd whilst Rise is blowing through the speakers! As Ian's getting
crazy on stage, the 3500 + crowd is responding by making lots of noise. Ian was in
splendid form as were the rest of the band. But man, Ian has never sounded better! His
voice was so strong! The set included some of the classic tunes and of course the newer
ones! Breathe is AMAZING! You thought The Cult were heavy! The Saint was
also quite surprising! All through the night the sound was great, the musicians played
their heart out! There was cohesiveness between the musicians, you just felt it and
heard it too! It's a band and not an Astbury/Duffy thing. This was the best CULT I've
seen yet! Don't miss them this time around cause these guys are truly one the greatest
rock 'n roll band around if not the best! LONG LIVE THE CULT! As they said it: from its
ashes it will rise again...but only stronger!
Dean - deano@supernet.ca
The comeback Cult: Post-punk rockers take fans back to rebellious youth
The cult of nostalgia got three nods this week. The first two went to Irish supergroup
U2. The third went to the rightful bearer of the name, British comeback band The Cult.
Back with its first album in seven years (Beyond Good and Evil, in stores Tuesday), the
1980s post-punk group took 2,200 fans at a sold-out Metropolis on a trip back to their
rebellious youth.
See, while U2 has managed the not insignificant feat of remaining in a rather huge
spotlight for the past 20 years, The Cult's time to shine ended about a decade back.
Which makes for a kind of interesting twist. Milling about the ridiculously packed room
during the overly-long pre-show pause (The Cult let everyone cool their heels for a solid
hour after opening band Lennon took the stage.), one was struck by the distinct lack of
baby-boomers (unlike at the other pair of concerts earlier this week) and the positive
presence of a slowly but respectably aging rock crowd.
Enter The Cult. Well, aside from the somewhat ceremonious intro of classical, gothic-style
hymn music, the first couple of songs went bust. The opener, Rise, off the new album,
received polite applause, while the followup, the 1996 single In The Clouds didn't
get much more.
It took the power-chord fuelled Lil' Devil, off the 1987 album Electric, to get the
party started. This was, after all, why the people had come. A couple more 1980s-era
sure-shots, Peace Dog and Rain, made everything all right.
"Merci. Thank you," lead singer Ian Astbury said. It was his mantra for the night.
"Let's not fuck around. You know who we are. I'll give you a chance to think about it.
This is Edie (Ciao Baby)."
He wasn't resting on his laurels. Astbury was working. Running about the stage, pumping up
the crowd, picking up tambourines and maracas to keep things going - you could think he had
never left.
And yet there was something missing. It's that intangible something that evaporates with an
era. When the energy of a time is expressed through music, it is a beautiful thing. But such
vitality inherently fades.
Dressed in a black skirt, cut-off T-shirt and fur-lined hat (later a head-wrap), Astbury evoked
some of the spirituality and attitude of his heyday.
And when he screamed "Jump! Jump!" during the 1992 song The Witch, the crowd was all
too happy to oblige.
Whether the new album breaks through to the kids is a question that remains to be answered.
The band did its part, playing a total of four songs from the record, which Astbury
introduced as such and which received warm applause.
But the followers of The Cult (of...) wanted only one thing. And to their credit, Astbury,
guitarist Billy Duffy and their bandmates delivered. They understand one thing. Before
leading people into new musical lands, you've got to remind them why you're here.
(The Montreal Gazette)
Saw the Cult twice in one week, what a treat. The Montreal show was incredible. Small
venue 2200 people. I was less than 10 yards from the stage. The crowd went insane. Everyone
there was a huge Cult fan. Where I was standing the entire crowd was moshing, jumping and
singing. The pace never let up. The crowd went out of control during the songs Sweet
Soul Sister, Fire Woman, Rain, Love Removal Machine (encore),
Peace Dog, Lil' Devil, Wild Flower and She Sells Santuary.
One of the best concerts I have ever seen. They blew the roof off. Tommorrow night they
will be playing live on Musique Plus (french equivelant to Much Music) in Montreal. Be
sure to tape it. I am. Although the sound was a little better in Saratoga Springs last
Friday the small venue and die-hard cult fan energy made this a more intense show. The
band was also more into it in Montreal. The encore included Nirvana and Love
Removal Machine with an especially heavy ending. After I see the Cult this Friday
night on Musique Plus I feel I will have satisfied my Cult cravings (I will have seen
them 3 times in one week) for a little while. My wife thinks I am obsessed and insane.
Although the thought of leaving my 150k a year job and becoming a Cult roadie for free
has crossed my mind lately chow, great site.
Robert Curphey - robertcurphey@aol.com
Another Cult concert (third one, in three different tour), another incredible night.
To be honest, the best one yet...because I just can't wait for the next time. Thanks
guys. The venue helped a lot, and the fans were incredible. Ian was at his best, the
best I've seen. His voice clear and strong. He was generous, talking to the fans in
english AND french. Thank you Ian. Billy was....well, what can you say, he IS god so
can't ask for much more. His guitar sounded incredible. He was having a really really
good time, it showed. Thanks Billy. Matt was leading his drums the way does it best.
The Cult is really a trio now. This is a great thing. Thanks Matt. They came out
playing new songs (WOW!) and of course all the classics. To my eyes and ears,
Nirvana was the best one of the night... Everyone out there should experience
a night out with The Cult. They make you understand what a real rock show is all
about...and a lot more. The music, the lyrics, but the EMOTION!!! We waited beside
their bus after the show...but had to leave before seeing them since the subway was
closing down for the night...too bad. I had a great time chatting with the boys in
Toronto 2 years ago. I'm sure I'll get another chance meeting them in a near future.
Once again, thanks guys. Great night, great show...great band...the best.
David Lalonde - david@cactusracing.com
For my third Cult show (1st: Ceremonial Stomp - Ottawa, Ontario & Cult Rising Tour -
Toronto, Ontario), it was probably the one that I anticipated the most since it was
the first show in Montréal (and everyone knows that Montréal is a very special place
for ANY band to play). First of all let me say that it was my first time at the
Métropolis and what a great venue for a rock show !!! Not too big, certainly not too
small and by the looks of it, it's an old catholic building of some sort ... very
spiritual, as the Cult of course! The opening band was quite good actually, ok so
they were an "opening" band and everyone was there to see The Cult but I think that
Lennon did it's job of warming up the crowd. After a long wait, yes The Cult did came
out and ... with what ENERGY!?!?! The sound was L-O-U-D and powerful, Ian sounded
healthy, Billy was doing what he does best with pure & total confidence and Matt was
right on cue having a blast. I brought my 2 best friends to the show, one of them was
still a virgin of Live Cult, not anymore! A true Rock band giving a true rock show,
it's becoming too rare these days, thank God for the comeback of The Cult ... an
experience I will treasure for the rest of my life. They are and will always be the
best band that ever lived ... period! Thank you Ian, Billy and Matt !
Mathieu Lalande
The Cult Fires Up Montreal
Blazing into Montreal with the passion of a fire woman in heat, UK alternative gothic
rock legends The Cult stormed the stage at Metropolis NiteClub looking to bring back
their brand of fist pumping, hard driving music. The Cult, who have been doing their
thing rather loudly for the past two decades, were determined to return to their glory
days of the '80s and forget the inexplicable downturn of alternative music in the '90s.
With original members consisting of vocalist Ian Astbury and guitarist Billy Duffy
leading the way, The Cult opened their one hour twenty minute sixteen song set with
the appropriately titled Rise, an energetic tune from their new album Beyond
Good and Evil (available in stores on June 5th). From the onset, it was clear to the
audience in attendance that Astbury, Duffy and company still have what it takes to
juice up a full house.
Astbury's vocals resonated throughout the packed venue (2,500 capacity), proving his
voice still packs a mighty wallop after twenty years of hard rocking and rolling.
Bringing the tambourine instrument back into fashion, the fit and energetic Astbury
jumped up and down and around the Metropolis stage for the entirety of the show. The
front man stated early in the show the band required some work before they officially
opened up their new tour. If this was only an initial tune up for the tour, how much
better can they and will they get?
Backing Astbury, Duffy and the three remaining band members (names unknown) kept up the
frantic pace of a power set which included classics like She Sells Sanctuary,
Rain, Fire Woman and the finale, Love Removal Machine. In addition
to Rise, the band blended into their setlist Believe, Breathe and
Take The Power from their new album Beyond Good and Evil.
As usual, the leather clad physical Montreal crowd did their best to keep the show's
octane level high by bashing around and chanting along to the words. This proves Montreal
has a genuine and loyal Cult fan following who not only know the names of the songs, but
the lyrics as well. During one spirited sing along, our own Sphinx frontman Yan became
involved in a physical altercation near the front of the stage. It's great to see that
alternative rock music is alive and well in Montreal.
The Cult has always been a favorite to the Montreal gothic rock faithful, and on this
night, this was once again proven to be true. At one point, while the crowd was
frantically cheering, Astbury literally became speechless in disbelief and had to
regroup his thoughts. Obviously, it has been quite a while since the band received such
a merited warm and positive reception.
At one point during a set intermission, Astbury yelled out to the crowd, "this is radio
C U L T, playing all the favorites, an obvious jab at the current state of commercial
radio and their lack of support for alternative music. However, with today's internet
radio options, listeners are thankfully no longer at the mercy of redundant radio
programmers. And with bands like The Cult once again on the rise, the tide continues to
turn toward alternative rock music.
The concert was priced at $30.00, a refreshing bargain from the outrageously elevated
ticket prices being charged by other major artists currently on tour. The price was more
than reasonable since every seat in the house offered great sightlines to the stage and
fantastic sound. Finally, fans now have a genuinely appreciative alternative band who
takes action to keep their ticket prices reasonable, not a band who makes excuses about
their high ticket prices and then proceeds to rip you apart financially at the gate.
The Cult also showed their deep appreciation to the city of Montreal and their media by
making an appearance on bilingual Musique Plus, a French speaking alternatively minded
tv music station in Montreal. Unlike another alternative band who recently played in
Montreal and totally ignored the Montreal media in favor of the less than challenging
pop music geared English Toronto media, The Cult's appreciative actions speak volumes
louder than empty words.
These days, it takes a lot more than a lead singer to stand in front of a stage and say
they "appreciate" their fans for supporting them for the past twenty years and then
proceed to destroy the same fans with outrageous ticket prices. By providing a powerhouse
rock show with affordable ticket prices and an appearance at bilingual Musique Plus, The
Cult provided Montreal with an extremely rare triple play.
The Cult do not have to say they appreciate their Montreal fans since their actions in
town these past fews days more than proved it! The Cult has once again found a following
and sanctuary in Montreal, a sweet soul sister of a city for them, now and forever.
Sphinx Montreal
WOW!!! What a great show they gave in Montreal. I'm a big fan and I had saw them twice
before in 89 and 92. Their in great shape and the show at the Metrpolis was the best one
I've ever seen from The Cult so far. I couldn't believe my eyes. I know Montreal is a
great city for bands to come and play. The crowd was nuts. Everybody there were fans
for sure because they were singing, dancing, jumping and having so much fun. The line-up
was great and the new songs sounded fantastic. Ian was having fun too and it was showing.
Sophie Gosselin - babsi222@hotmail.com
Setlist:
Rise
In The Clouds
Lil' Devil
Peace Dog
Rain
Edie (Ciao Baby)
The Witch
The Saint
Breathe
Fire Woman
Sweet Soul Sister
Wild Flower
She Sells Sanctuary
Encore:
Take The Power
Nirvana
Love Removal Machine