What can I say? I came home with a tambourine!!! I now have seven stories to tell my kids when my wife and I decide to stop practicing and actually have one. I took advantage of the fact that I live equal distance from both Allentown PA and Philadephia: saw the show at Crocodile Rock Monday night and last night's (Thursday) show at the 'Troc in Philly. The Cult were to originally open for Aerosmith at the larger and less acoustically-friendly First Union Center but due to Aerosmith being cancelled the Cult were offered the opportunity to play for their fans at the Trocodero.

While any Cult concert is a great concert, two in one week is an even better thing. In comparison, though, between the two shows the one in Philadelphia rocked. Acoustics at the 'Troc are great and Ian and Billy took advantage of the larger stage to show the audience that yes, they really were enjoying the fact that they were there.

I arrived in Philadelphia via train around 600pm and walked the two blocks to the 'Troc. While waiting outside I was thrilled to find that many people, like myself, actually had no intention of seeing the Cult open for Aerosmith. But once they found out that the venue had changed and that it was now a Cult-only concert, the course was set. (I only found out around 400pm Thursday afternoon - two hours later, there I was…)

After the requisite 4 beers upstairs, which were purely for 'medicinal' purposes, I was ready to stake out a spot on the balcony directly overlooking the stage. The Trocodero did a great job with their DJ music - not so loud that you couldn't carry on a conversation but loud enough to get everyone pumped (take lesson here Crocodile Rock!!!). This being my second Cult concert in a week, I knew that when "Stop the Rock" began to play that it was nearing time…

Around 900pm the Cult came out to a fanfare of applause from anxious fans. After acknowledging the fans with a gesture of thanks Billy led the band into a crescendo of riffs that rattled the balcony. It was during American Gothic that I decided to forego my mezzanine view and move down to the front of the stage - like I said I was going to back in 1983 when I had my mom drive me to the mall to buy my first Cult album. I squeezed through and within seconds I was 5'ft away from Ian as he introduced the beginning of Sweet Soul Sister. It was at this point that I realized why we, or at least 'I', enjoy concerts at venue such as this: The band was there for the fans. The music was played to us and for us and not in spite of us.

Having now fulfilled my front row fantasy, I passed the torch and moved further back to allow some other fan the opportunity to be one with the stage. I don't know what made me turn around as I walked away from the stage but the moment I did, I saw the tambourine leave Ian's hand coming my way. It really wasn't a spectacular catch or anything but Ian threw it as if he was aiming right for me. There was a brief exchange of glances upon seeing it in my hands and he smiled as if to say thank-you to one who has been a Cult fan since ninth grade (1983).

Thank you to the Cult for a great week, a great show (two actually) and great music with which to grow up. Thank you Ian for the tambourine that I will cherish forever and for the memories of being with you at two of your shows. Thanks to the Trododero for making everything, the little "details", absolutely perfect and for getting the Cult there at such late notice. Lastly thanks to all the fans for being there and for showing the band that the following is still present. Take care,

Ten minutes before The Cult came on, the balcony was packed, but the floor, as Matt would later comment, looked 'thin' when they were scheduled to go on...so they delayed a few minutes. Finally people poured in. The turn out was decent given the circumstances.

The show went off well. Wore my glasses tonight, but really didn't need them, as I was second row center throughout. From this vantage point the vocals were somewhat muffled at times, but the band was near perfect all night. Highlights for me were Ashes And Ghosts, True Believers, War, Lil' Devil, Peace Dog, Fire Woman.

After the show about eight of us talked to Matt outside his bus for what seemed to be better than an hour. We talked about interesting stuff -- his days with Guns, his influences, what music he's into of late, the future of the Cult. He mentioned the Cult possibly getting back into the studio next summer to put together what he called a 'more stripped-down Cult album.' A very personable guy. Genuine. It was interesting to hear his perspectives on other bands. Talked to Billy M. earlier for a brief moment. Cool guy. Both men signed things for people and took time for the fans. Thanks.

I was wondering if the curfew (11pm) lead to less banter from Ian on this evening....perhaps they were on a tight schedule after delaying a little at the onset. All in all, a good experience, a good concert.

Rise
Lil' Devil
Peace Dog
Rain
American Gothic
Take The Power
Edie (Ciao Baby)
The Witch
Ashes and Ghosts
Sweet Soul Sister
True Believers
Wild Flower
Fire Woman
She Sells Sanctuary
War
Sun King
Love Removal Machine