Los Angeles, California, The Wiltern
Headlining, opening bands: Action Action, The Clicks, Death By Stereo
Really solid show. Pretty much the standard setlist for this leg of the tour with the addition of the
(so far) rarely played "Holy Mountain" by Ian alone on acoustic guitar with some subtle help by Billy
off stage (Ian acknowledged Billy's contribution after the song). Unfortunately, it's not well placed as
the opening song of the encore and drew a tepid response. I saw them just a couple months ago in Anaheim
only 30 miles away from LA and I have to say while I preferred the setlist they played at that show,
tonight was an overall better performance from the band and The Wiltern is a far better venue to see them
(or any band) than The Grove in Anaheim. The audience was really well behaved yet into most of the show.
The '02 "farewell" show I saw at The Wiltern remains one of my favorite Cult shows ever. Glad to see
"Wonderland" finally dropped from the set but a bit bummed nothing from the 1st album or "Rain" was
included in tonight's set.
The first 5 songs of tonight's set really cooked although the band seemed to kind of loose the audience
after "The Phoenix." The crowd was really not into any of the opening bands and it didn't seem like the
show was anywhere near sold out but the floor really filled up after the last opening band ("Action
Action") was done. I have to say they played a really exceptional version of "Fire Woman" which isn't my
favorite song that regularly shows up in the set. The electric full band version of "Edie" was a highlight
as well. Surprisingly (for me anyway), "Born Into This" and "Savages" This has to be one of the first
shows I've seen in a long time where Billy never had problems with his rig or got pissed at his roadie.
In fact, aside from the funny, sarcastic jab at "meeting everyone at Starbucks," he seemed to be genuinely
happy with the audience's response to the show.
A couple less than positive observations..........
Ian said a few words late in the set about the declining state of rock n' roll music in general, mentioning
people should "steal" the new album via downloading, etc and also ragged on a bit about corporations like
Coca Cola, etc becoming so important in US culture, ironic considering this tour is prominently (to the
point of being obnoxious) sponsored by Jagermeister. In fact, there was a large number of well-dressed
but bored people who looked like they didn't have a clue who The Cult was hanging out mostly by the
soundboard wearing "VIP" passes for Jagermeister. I understand that in today's sad state of live music,
tour sponsorship is almost a necessity, but it comes off as hypocritical when Ian whines about pretty much
the same shit his band is a part of.
Also, tonight was really the first time I really noticed Ian's singing really doesn't have the power he used
to. His voice as it is was fine, no cracking or flubs, but it's becoming apparent he's adapted his voice to
likely the new constraints age is bringing upon his voice. He rarely carries and sustains notes now like he
even up until a decade ago, he pretty much sings each phrase in short bursts. In contrast, Dimkich and Wyse
play a much more prominent role singing backing vox, usually together on one mic and it works really well in
tying the band together as more of a unit than in previous lineups.
I'm going to pass on the upcoming House of Blues show in Anaheim this weekend as I really think I've burned
out on what the band is playing this tour. They really need to throw a couple wild card songs that haven't
been played in years into the set like "Heart of Soul," "Coming Down" or "Zap City." Hell, at this point,
even something else off "Beyond Good and Evil" besides "Rise" would bring me back for another show.
T.B.
Setlist
Nirvana
Electric Ocean
Lil' Devil
I Assassin
The Witch
Revolution
Edie (Ciao Baby)
Rise
Savages
Fire Woman
The Phoenix
Dirty Little Rockstar
Wild Flower
She Sells Sanctuary
Encore
Holy Mountain
Born Into This
Love Removal Machine