Chicago, Illinois, Vic Theater
Just woke up with tenitus from last nights amazing
show at the Vic! St. Patricks Day with the Cult??? It
dosn't get any better than that! The band was tight
all night long. Even though the show was extra loud,
it was clean and clear, these guys can get a room
jumping! Acoustic Edie (Ciao Baby) was the best!
Dave
I haven't seen a tighter show. Ian and Billy were ontheir A game. I thought Ian was
very solid, having little difficulty with the songs or notes. Billy was inspiring. I
want more. The Instant Live CD is right on, a great soundboard recording. It sounds
as raw as the band did. The reproduction of the show is dead on. I am jamming it as
I send the e-mail. It was great to see a sold out Vic. The band deserved it, as they
gave 110% throughout the show. There are many bands that could have learned a thing or
two about performing from these guys.
Ed in Chicago
I flew in from DC and got to Chicago around 4, found my hotel, the venue and started getting
ready for the show, grabbing a six pack from the Liquor store across the street. My friend
dropped out, so I was solo, but I knew I would meet up with some new Cult friends. And, I did.
I was planning to go to L&L, at about 5:30, but I noticed two guys starting a line at the door
to the Vic. So, I thought I better join them soon. I went back to the hotel, downed a few beers
faster than you can say "Earth God Mother, He Dog Brother," and headed to the line at about
6:30, even though the doors would not open until 8 pm. By 6:30 or so, there were about fifty
people in front of me, so I was glad I got in line that early. The line quickly grew.
Just as I predicted, I met the people in line in front of me who were really cool, and welcomed
me into their group, as soon as they found out I flew in from DC. One of them had seen many, many
shows at the Vic, and he (Dan) was giving me tons of scoop on the place and the best sight lines
and sound spots. (Dan, if you're reading this, THANKS for everything.) I ultimately chose front
and center, right between Ian and Billy--the best spot for me at every Cult show. In the line,
I also met Jeff from Instant Live who was recording the show, and I told him I have a bunch of
Instant Live CDs from the Black Crowes--it turns out that he engineered a couple of those that
turned out really good. Jeff said that he would be manning the controls tonight, so I was
psyched about picking up the Instant Live CD, even more so after talking to him. Jeff you rock.
I was a little worried about security because I had a digital camera, and Dan scared me with a
couple of stories. But, I had no problem getting it in. As soon as I got in, I got my voucher for
the Instant Live CDs, grabbed a couple of beers and settled in up front, at about 8:15 pm. Nothing
but friendly Cult fans up front, with whom I later exchanged contact information. I had a great
discussion with one of the guys, Nick, about every tour since Electric, which made the fime fly
easily. Nick had been to the Oct 1999 show in Ft. Lauderdale, and so I promised to send him a DVD
of that show. I got that show on tape years ago from Chuck Seven Eagles, and have since transferred
it to DVD, so I was happy to spread the Cult joy. After I nearly missed a drumstick, and several
picks from Duffy, Nick gave me a Duffy guitar pick at the end since he ended up with two. Thanks
Nick, if you're reading this.
In any event, on to the show. I didn't look at my watch, but it was around 9:20ish when the lights
dimmed and the intro music from A Clockwork Orange kicked off. The band entered one by one in the dark,
and then launched into Lil' Devil. I know some complain about using the same opener all the
time, but I like it, and it's a classic, high-energy song to get it started. The sound was great.
Sometimes, up front, it is hard to heard things, but there was a nice balance and I could hear Ian
very well. Billy was cranked up, just the way I like it.
After Lil' Devil, they ripped through Sweet Soul Sister and The Witch without any
pause. They were good versions. Peace Dog was next, and it came off very well, with the crowd
chanting Peace-Dog, as usual.
Revolution was next. I know, again, that some here do not prefer this song. But, I love it. It's
a little slower than others, but Billy in particular jams on this song. This verion was particularly
strong. In the middle of the song, before one of Billy's solos, Ian said "William Henry Duffy . . .
lead fuckin' guitar, bitch! Stand up, a little respect right here!" At the end,of the song, Ian said
"That sounded exceptional!" and "that's a rock n' roller's guitar . . . I can't imagine one of these
new 23 year olds trying to handle that . . . [and then, in a sarcastic voice said] I feel so much pain,
the guitar's too fuckin' heavy man." Classic. They then launched in a great version of Spiritwalker.
In the Clouds was next, and Ian introduced by saying that "It's really interesting that we have
a alternative station here and a rock station [pointing up to a couple of radio station banners on the
balcony] . . . well this song is a bit of alternative and bit of 'cock rock' . . . it's a new genre
cock rock alternative." A great version followed.
Wonderland was next. I had never heard it live, and it did not disappoint. Before the song, Ian
said "we have a very discerning crowd . . . I feel like I am in a Barnes and Noble. . . . Bring it.
Then, Ian introduced as "this next song is very deep, very heavy, but optimistic, it's from the Ceremony
album." Loved every part of it.
Brother Wolf; Sister Moon was next. As others reported, it is really cool for them to do this,
and Chris Wyse plays a stand-up bass, which is very cool. Before starting the song, Ian said he was
reading the paper and there was a story about sexual abuse of an 18-month old, and then questioned
what in the world is going on in the world. He said music used to be the differentiator, but no one is
saying anything now because they've got nothing to say. My favorite part came next. Ian said "The reason
we are playing is that we are playing music that we believe in. Yeah, we had to go away for awhile, but
we're back because . . . I am feeling it so strongly. And Billy, this guy is tearing it up." Billy said
a sincere "Thank you."
Gone was next, and I must admit that these WAS one of my least favorite Cult tunes. I had never
heard it live, and I still remember listening to this song as soon as the self-titled disc and thinking
this is a little harsh. Anyway, it's grown on me a little, but not much. But, I've got to say, it was
tremendous live. When Billy hits the crunchy part, and Ian yells Gone mutherfocker!, it was awesome.
That song was a highlight for me, in a series of highlights. It also seemed to kick the crowd in the
ass (particularly the upper balcony, which began to stand up.)
Rise, Rain and Fire Woman were next. All, strong versions, with the crowd getting
more into it. At the start of Rain, Billy said it might be "time for audience participation. But,
that's up to you, you're the audience, you can clap along with the beat, like John Tempesta (or something
like that.)" It was the most interactive and animated I have seen Billy ever, although he only did about
3 or 4 windmills. But, that shouldn't take anything away from him--he brought it all night.
Wild Flower and War finished out the main set. Again, nice versions. In the past, I did not
think Wild Flower was particularly effective live, but this current version of the band nails this
song, especially Tempesta, who did a great job all night. I liked Matt Sorum, but John Tempesta may be an
upgrade in my view.
Edie (Ciao Baby) was next, in an acoustic version that they have been doing this tour. I really
liked it. I was only a few feet away, and it was like having Ian and Billy in your family room, with just
a mic and acoustic guitar. I really liked it. I think they should add another acoustic song, maybe Star,
if they go to the trouble to set up the chairs and play Edie (Ciao Baby) in about 3 minutes. But,
I am not complaining.
I am a little embarrassed about what happened next. There was a pause and Ian was getting ready to say
something and I yelled Electric Ocean. Ian stopped, and said "oh, don't spoil it." I didn't mean to
provoke a negative response, but hopefully it will give them a subtle message to mix up the songs somewhat.
Again, no complaints, but if a lot of us here are going to buy a bunch of the shows, it would be nice to have
a little more diversity. The band then ripped through a terrific version of Electric Ocean; I had
never heard it live, so it was a real treat.
They wrapped it up with She Sells Sanctuary and Love Removal Machine. The crowd was finally
into it. All in all, a great show, which ended at about 11:10 pm or so.
After the set, I grabbed a couple beers, said goodbye to several new friends, and got in line for the
Instant Live discs. About 11:25 pm, I was handed my CDs, and I left the venue. A great night.
Windmill
We flew into Chicago From Birmingham early Friday morning (arrival time around 9.00am). There is
really nothing else to add, all the reviews of the show and the live CD are right on. Although
not much has been said about the venue, this place was great, very old very dim, nice woodwork,
special balcony seating scattered around (a theater you might amagine Lincoln getting assasinated
in) and great for sound (These guys always pick the great places to have your Cult experiences).
This was my 8th Cult show in 16 years-plus 1 Doors, and my wifes 7th plus one Doors in 7 years...
This was the best venue since The Tabernacle in Atlanta 1999. By far the most expensive show ever
for us-plane tickets, hotel in Chicago during St. Patricks Day, cab fares, etc. But nobody ever
said it would be easy being a "Cult Fan" .....We just appriciate the band touring a little, we
had a blast, thanks
Jason & Susan Willoughby - Cullman,Al
Setlist
Lil' Devil
Sweet Soul Sister
The Witch
Peace Dog
Revolution
Spiritwalker
In The Clouds
Wonderland
Brother Wolf; Sister Moon
Gone
Rise
Rain
Fire Woman
Wild Flower
War
Encore 1:
Edie (Ciao Baby)
Electric Ocean
She Sells Sanctuary
Encore 2:
Love Removal Machine