Saw the Cult rocking the Estacada Timber Bowl as part of the Big Stink VI, a radio-sponsored event. The band completely dominated -- at least to those fans that came to see them. it was a strange bill to say the least. Waiting in line, I heard Spiritwalker blaring from some car speakers and heard some kid say "what's that?" and a friend answered, "those guys are playing here. I think they are called 'the Church" or something."p> BAH!

While most of the teenyboppers came to see Everclear, The Offspring, Lit or Nickleback -- there was a much-larger than anticipated segment who came -- like myself -- simply to see the Cult!

Nuff said! Luckily, the little turks provided little resistance and I was able to push my way to front and center in front of Ian. He was wearing a streak of red make-up across the eyes, but otherwise was pretty shaggy in sweat pants and a sleeveless shirt. Duffy wore big yellow glasses -- similar to what marksmen wear. Unfortunately I was too close, Ian kept throwing his tambourines and Billy threw his picks over my head.

They played Wild Flower, Lil' Devil, Rise, Peace Dog, Fire Woman, She Sells Sanctuary and Love Removal Machine. They completely embarrassed all the flavor-of-the-month bands, although most of them did speak of being honoured to share the stage with true rock heroes.

The high point? Ian berating the crowd for "violating" a topless female fan and then ranting about psychedelia.p> The low point? Ian asking about how many Eugene anarchists were present and how many people listen to Seattle radio stations. His "people" should have told him that those cities are are about 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 hours away respectively and I doubt most of the crowd had a clue what he was talking about.

The set was too short -- they were below Everclear, Offspring and Crystal Method on the bill -- but they destroyed. I ran into a friend a week later and his eyes were still glazed from the performance.