I just got back from the show, and all I can say is that THEY ARE BACK! Let me just say that I was eating dinner before the show, and got to speak with Ian real quick after he did an Austin Music Network promo ad (which took a few takes and was pretty funny). I told him how much of a huge fan I was, and then he graciously signed my Best of Rare Cult CD and my Stoned Immaculate Doors Tribute CD. On to the show. An impressive opening with In The Clouds. All the regular favorites were included in the show, including Nirvana, Lil' Devil, Sweet Soul Sister, The Witch, Fire Woman, Edie (Ciao Baby) and Rain (it was a rather stormy night indeed). There were also three new songs which totally kicked. The included War, Breathe, and The Saint. Breathe was especially intense, with Ian even saying how "Intense" the new album will be. The show closed with Love Removal Machine, and Ian stated that they would be back through Austin this summer touring with Monster Magnet. That doesn't include the May show in Dallas, and should be interesting.

That was a kick ass show that I went to, I have to say truly that was the best concert ever that I have been to. and I have been to alot in my life and the Cult topps them all, such a kick ass performance, they even played Edie (Ciao Baby) live rarety. It sounded like Ian enjoyed being in Austin and in texas, they played three new songs, the played those lastnight. Ian also said that they were going on tour sometime in may, with monster magnet so be on the look out. I will write some to you later I am pretty tired, that show drained me.

I just got back from the first show The Cult has played in the US in quite a while. I have not missed a tour since Love and I have to say that this is the best they have ever played. It is good to see Ian and Billy cleaned up and he has never sounded better. They played two new songs that were fantastic called War and The Saint. In all I think they played four new songs and the new sound sounded like a cross between Electric and something else I can't put my finger on. The new songs are funky and have the driving bass, drums and guitar I love about The Cult so much. As for the Austin show, I feel bad that this was their first show in the US testing out the new material. I have lived here for 10 years and have always thought the Austin crowd sucks no matter who the band is. As much fun as I had listening to the band, the rest of the crowd was so lame. Ian had to ask for crowd participation numerous times. Next time I will definately head to San Antonio to catch the band. They went through Lil' Devil, Rain, She Sells Sanctuary, The Witch, Love Removal Machine, Fire Woman, Sweet Soul Sister, Edie (Ciao Baby), Nirvana (kicked ass), Wild Flower and the new songs. Like I said, this is the best I have ever heard them sound. Very clear vocals and everything the band sounded very tight, not like the last time I saw them in the Austin Music Hall in 95. Ian talked to the crowd a lot and I felt like he wanted more from Austin, but Ian, it isn't you, its just Austin. By the way, Austin is not the "Live Music Capitol of the World". Although the show was packed, it could have been amazing with a more lively crowd. Bottomline, The Cult is back and better than ever.

I drove in from San Antonio that evening. Stubbs is a small outdoor venue. If I had to guess, I'd say there were 1,000 people there, but I really don't know. It had rained earlier in the day, so we were standing in mud for the show. The opener, Wem Mar(I think) was some early 90's alterna-grunge band that played too long a set for my tastes. But thankfully, it ended, and the main event started! The same symphonic piece that was used on the Cult Rising tour began to play. The band came out and took their spots, and then Ian came out in a long black skirt and a parka! It was chilly for Texas this night. The band launched into In The Clouds, which was good, as always. Next up was Lil' Devil, and the crowd really responded for that one. After the third song, Edie (Ciao Baby), Ian lost the parka and strutted around the rest of the night in a long sleeved black shirt. He was skinnier than I remembered him looking in the past, and even remarked that "I've been on my exercise bike, as you can see...no longer am I the beer guzzling wolf child of olden days". Billy looked fine as well, wearing some green fly shades that he tossed about halfway through the show. The first new song played was called War. It's a high energy numbe that I'm looking forward to hearing again. Rain, The Witch, and Fire Woman followed. I guess Billy got his way ensuring that was in the set. The crowd liked it, but I wish they would retire that song. I've seen the Cult 3 times now, and Ian doesn't look to have any fun at all with the song every time. Two more new songs were introduced, Breathe and The Saint. The first was decent, but The Saint really sounds good. It's got a catchy chorus, and the guitar solo on it sounds right out of the Love era Duffy reperatoire. Sweet Soul Sister was up next, and this one seemed to get the biggest response of the night. Wild Flower and then She Sells Sanctuary closed the main set. The band left for about 8 minutes, and then returned to the stage to play a great version of Nirvana and then wrapped up with Love Removal Machine. Ian said they would be back on tour in May with Monster Magnet. The crowd was warm, appreciative, and in good spirits. I didn't see anyone so drunk or stoned that they were making an ass of themselves, and everyone had a good time.

I attended both shows at Stubbs, and I'm very happy to report that The Cult is bigger, and badder than ever. The 3 new songs I heard (War, Breathe, The Saint) were just incredible, and from what I understand The Saint is supposed to be the first single due in May. But this is all subject to verification. I will say Ian was the best I've seen in a long time, he was cutting up, cracking jokes and going through some tambourines. That's all! Very satisfied Cult Freak

Here, I thought I'd drop you a line on the 2nd of two shows The Cult just played in Austin, TX. The first was a private industry party for Revolver magazine, but the second was a regular public show. Both were at Stubbs Barbecue, an outdoor venue, (cap. 2000?) just off the main party drag in Austin, 6th Street. The shows took place Saturday and Sunday, 3/17-18, which is in the middle of SXSW, our big rock'n'roll convention/band showcase/party, although the Cult shows were not part of SXSW. As Ian pointed out on several occasions, "It's fucking cold" - probably around 40 degrees.

The opening band was lame, but The Cult were in excellent form - really looking like it was fun again, and rocking unbelievably hard. The boys looked very fit - Ian even made reference to "yes we've been riding our exercise bikes - no longer the beer-guzzling wolf child of old" - Billy also looked healthy. If Martyn LeNoble is a fairly slim guy with a missing tooth, then he was playing bass, Matt Sorum was on drums, and there was a second guitarist - some guy I've never seen before in a cowboy hat. Ian has short hair now, showing a certain resemblance to Freddie Mercury(!)

They ran through most of the old favorites, Lil' Devil, Rain, Edie (Ciao Baby), She Sells Sanctuary, Fire Woman, Wild Flower, etc, and several new tracks, including The Saint and War. The new songs are very heavy - maximum rock'n'roll, not a ballad in sight. Ian chatted amiably between songs, made it clear that he wasn't happy with the previous nights crowd - "some SXSW people and a bunch of writers scribbling in notepads - quite honestly, they haven't got a fucking clue".

In short, it was a great show, they looked good, sounded great, seemed happy and energized, and the new songs rocked. They finished up with a two song encore, last one was Love Removal Machine. Total duration was right at 90mins, but Stubbs is in the center of town, and the noise ordinance requires that the outdoor shows shut down at 11pm, which they did. Ian confirmed that they should be back around in the summer, and that they will start touring in May - "probably forever".

Cheers,

It had been a year and a half since I caught my last show and I was definately in need of a fix. I have to agree with the earlier post that the crowd was a bit lame. The weather may have been a factor but they definately could have gotten into it more. There was some dude with a camaro style mullet haircut who kept yelling and screaming before the show. He was probably the livliest person there. Nonetheless, I had a great time. I was able to chat with Ian briefly before the show. It seems the whole band is having a lot of fun with this which is great! I'm really impressed with The Saint and Breathe. I had heard Breathe from a bootleg of the show they did in South America earlier this year, and it was great to finally hear it live. The opening band was Gwen Mars, and they were fair at best. The drummer was a trip to watch. He kept bobbing his head around like an animated muppett, while his facial expressions resembled that of a bad porn actor. The lead singer seemed reminiscent of a Robert Smith wannabe. I can't wait for the Dallas show because I'm convinced it will be much more energetic than Austin. For anyone who's interested, I do have 2 extra tickets I won on my way to the show for sale. The trivia question was to name all 4 band members. Talk about a no-brainer! Email me if your interested. Peace!

I was first in line when the gates opened and stood with my girlfriend in front of Ian and Martyn the whole show. My girlfriend has a nice camera and I will try to send you some good shots. The opening band was Gwenmars. I know this for sure because it was printed on the bass drum. Also Ian had red war paint eye shadow (aka Mimi). Ian made fun of the Guns N' Roses rumor by reading a poem he said was by Axl Rose. It was the old bathroom standard of "Here I sit all broken hearted...." you know the rest. He added "we always give you more for your entertainment dollar." As far as attendance there had to be at least 2000 people. The place holds 2200 and it was packed all the way up the hill. And finally, I got to see Mike Peters (The Alarm) on Saturday night and spoke with him after the show. The funny thing was he was playing one block from Stubb's we could here The Cult playing from the doorway. They gave out small bumper stickers before the show which says "The Cult - 06-05-01".

Later.

OK, I have got to say this was one of the greatest experiences in my long illustrious concert history. I was the long hair freak head banging right in front of Ian and Martyn front row the entire show, if you were there you know who I'm talking about. Oh yeah, the chick and guy behind me owe me a couple of pics from the show too! :-) You know who you are. I won't go into the set list as it is posted many time, suffice it to say the classics were great (Lil' Devil has always beeen my fav) and the new songs will make the upcoming CD a collectors item extrordinaire. I got to meet Ian before the show and talk to him a bit and he signed my denim jacket on the back "To: Tom - Respect Ian" That was totally cool, got a drumstick practically handed to me at the end of the show... I don't really know about the rest of the crowd as I felt I was the only one there but it was a rockin' fuckin' rollin' show... In the Clouds...!!!!!

I went last weekend to the Sunday night Cult show. I drove three hours each way just to see my boys. Un-fucking-believable!!!!! Ian looked twenty-five again. He did not miss a note. The band was tighter than I've ever seen them and they busted that place up. I was a little surprised that they played nothing from "The Cult" or "Ceremony". Not even Heart Of Soul. However, they were absolutely perfect. The crowd, a bunch of Austin hippies, unfortunately weren't into it as much as I was. BUT, they are coming to Dallas to play EDGEFEST on May 12 and since I work for the radio station, maybe I'll get to meet them. (HOPE)...Anyway, the new songs are unreal so check them out.....GO CULT

I can't believe I forgot to post a comment about seeing my first "real" CULT concert. What a dip! Anyway, IT WAS THE BEST EXPERIENCE OF MY ENTIRE LIFE! From meeting the fans like Chuck, Dacotah, Catherine, Nancy, Lance and EvilFlameOn...and briefly meeting Ian, the trip was well worth flying all of the way from Baltimore. I have loved the CULT every since the first time I heard them, and my fondenss grows each day. Yeah, the guy with the "mullet" haircut was a damn trip...he was funny. And there was some woman standing behind us cussing and yelling about the band not coming on...I think she had a little too much to drink that night. Meeting Ian was one of the hightlights of my life. I was so excited I ran into the bathroom to call my husband, and by the time I came back out he was just finishing taking pix and signing autographs. I did get to take a picture of Lance and Ian and got to watch the interview they did with the local TV station. The concert itself was awesome. Ian seemed to be having a great time. He was bouncing around, laughing and sticking his tongue out (he seemed to be doing a lot that night...remember Evil's pix?). He interacted with the audience a lot, talking about "writing new material for the first time in 6 years," touring with Monster Magnet in May, possibly coming back to Stubb's, making jokes about GnR and stating, "we have been riding our excercies bicycles, I am no longer the beer guzzling Wolf Child of years ago." That seemed to amuse the audience for a second or so. Overall, it was a stellar performance. The rest of the band seemed tight and happy to be there as well. I have to agree the audience really didn't seem to be into the concert although it was PACKED! I sure hope this concert is a foreshadowing of what is yet to come. I really believe the best is yet to come, and I am going to be there every step of the way! Hope to see you there!

This was my first Cult concert, and let me start by saying that it was fucking kick ass, especially during Fire Woman and Sweet Soul Sister. I can't wait to see them again - since they said they would tour their up-coming album.

This was my first Cult show and it rocked as anticipated. The Cult are such great live and I'm gonna have a chance to see them on July 26th at the concrete amphitheatre in Corpus Christi, Texas and possibly meet the band. This is all gonna be possible cause the band I work for, The Dayzy Chain, a San Antonio rock band is the opening act. I am hope this will be a great experience. Hope to see you guys and gals there!!!!!

In The Clouds
Lil' Devil
Rain
War
Edie (Ciao Baby)
The Witch
Fire Woman
Breathe
The Saint
Sweet Soul Sister
Wild Flower
She Sells Sanctuary
Nirvana
Love Removal Machine