Buffalo, New York, Town Ballroom
I have seen The Cult everytime they have been through the Southern Ontario region since
their first tour. There have been ups and downs but I can honestly say this was the best
I have ever seen the band. The venue was sold out, steamy and electric. The band took
the stage shortly after 9:00 p.m. The set was fast and furious and Billy and Ian seemed
to be having the time of their lives. Ian stated "We're back, it's good...there'll be
more new music". That shows hope for the future of the band. I was surprised at the number
of younger and frist time Cult fans at the show. The show had the feel of a young band on
the rise with something to offer a very tired rock scene. Ian referred to his time growing
up in Hamilton, ON and his experience visiting the Six Nations. Ian was jovial and didn't
give the audience his usual blast for not making enough noise. At one point he commented
"I'm enjoying it...(to Billy) even I'm enjoying it...Billy Duffy I'm enjoying it". Billy
answered joking "Oh no". I have to say Ian seemed much more animated and happy than he
was touring with The Doors when they came through Toronto last year. The rest of the band
were tight and seemed like they have been together for years. The Instant Live CD is a must
for every fan. I can't believe the quality. The CD illustrates the talent the guys possess.
I can only hope that this mini-tour carries on to something much bigger. If you get the
chance check this tour out you won't be disappointed.
Kevin
In the words of Eric Cartman, "KICK ASS!" I have seen The Cult 7 times and this show had to
be one of their best! The band sounded great, especially Ian. If you get a chance go see them,
you will not be let down! Get the Instant live cd it's amazing! Drove down from Toronto to
see the show and by the looks of it they might do a mini Canadian tour. Can't wait!
Considering all the crap that is out there, it is nice to see a band that can still get up
there and Rock! Hopefully more people will wake up and see that there is still a great band
out there and they are called THE CULT!
Mario
Last night was the first time I saw The Cult and I am still just as blown away 24 hours later.
I have been watching Cult videos and cranking tunes all day long to keep the buzz going. This
is definitely one of the best shows I have ever seen! Super loud and super tight! As a 42
year old, I have grown up listening to all these tunes and yesterday was as good as it gets.
The quality of the jam was like having headphones on listening to a CD. Perfection displayed
right in front of my face. I am speechless. I want to do it again!
I hear that they will be playing in Toronto in May. Even a natural disaster has no chance of
keeping me from being there!
P.Kski
Left Niagara Falls Tues around 3:00pm. Got to the border, U.S. customs gave us a bit of a
hassel. Told them we are goin to see THE CULT in Buffalo and they wanted to see the tix.
Produced the tix, they went thru our bags, decided we weren't terrorists, and sent us on our
way. As we got into the city, we went on a tour to find the venue (and a hotel) and did a bit
of driving around before we decided that we should just get a room and roam after. We got
settled, had some snax and beverages and on to find the venue.
It was getting on (around 7:30) and we decided to make our way to the BALLROOM. Got there and
there was quite the crowd already. I got searched in the line. Of course I had a camera in my
pocket. Security said that they only allow disposables in, not digital : "bring it back to the
car buddy". My and my bro went back outside, while the gang we were with went ahead in. Outside,
I gave my camera to my brother and stashed it in his boots. Security guy didn't know we were
together, so we got in no problem, camera and all.
Few drinks, few purchases (including the Instant Live discs, which are unreal) and we are ready
to rock. Let me say that the Town Ballroom is a nice, intimate venue. But HOLY FUCK, is it too
small for a CULT SHOW. This place was packed. Wall to wall people. No room to move, can't see
the stairs to the floor secton. "HOT STICKY SCENES, YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN" Met up with Jimbo as
soon as we got settled (good to meet you man!) and we were ready to rawk.......
SPIRITWALKER - gave me shivers up the back of my neck. Wanted war paint and dyed hair. Settled
for the bandanna and a half beard. Seen alot of shocked "rockers" wondering what the fuck are
they playing?
THE PHOENIX - almost blew a gasket. Hearing the opening licks from the Grestch was surreal.
Tempesta made me wonder if he was wanting to part his hair like Mark Brezecki. Pound the shit
outta the drums man. He was so low, could barely see him. Didn't matter on this, could HEAR HIM.
RAIN - is there a any song that they have perfected live better than this one?
GONE - ya know what, not a real big fan of the album cut. Too industrial/electronic for me.
The live version, nice and bluesy. Love it. But agree with other reviews, not for the "non-fan".
But is the biggest argument not "they don't play the obscure tunes, too many hits!" ? Can't please
everyone I guess.
LIL' DEVIL - Ian's first slam at the crowd. Which was called for, crowd was lame. Sounded
tight, Billy's guitar mix was a bit "tinny". Kind of like the Turd Ferguson show.
SWEET SOUL SISTER - Billy rips the shit out of this song now. Sounds better than Sonic
Temple era. Opening riffs are bar none. No more quoting Ludicris, which is a good thing.
ELECTRIC OCEAN - Billy & Tempesta. Thats what this song is all about. Loud fuckin guitars,
boomin fuckin drums. Backin vox would have made it perfect. "Ocean of love" was missing. Thats it,
other than that.....perfect.
REVOLUTION - an "ELECTRIC" version, in my mind. Heavy & deep.
BROTHER WOLF; SISTER MOON - referenced Canada, namely Hamilton (Six Nations Reserve). Said
the song was influenced by his time there, which was fitting. Excellent rendition (better than i've
heard on this tour). Electric chello sounded and looked unreal. Chris Wyse is the REAL DEAL.
Thanks for passing him up METALLICA!
WONDERLAND - started off kinda wonky, but once the rythym section kicked in, picked the
fuck up. Rocked, even though the crowd thought they were trying out a new song. I loved it.
THE WITCH - time to wake up the crowd. Ian said time to "stick it in you". I think it worked.
Crowd did actually wake up.....sorta. After, Ian ripped Linkin Park : "A quick historical note, we
wrote that song before Linkin Park knew what a break beat was......and we're from England! Well, at
least two of us are."
RISE - whaddya say about Rise? Rockin, rythym, Billy rippin. Thats it. TIGHT, HOT.
PEACE DOG - "we are bringin it, are we not bringin it? C'mon bitches. We are here to
entertain you." Not much different from the last few tours.
FIRE WOMAN - i'm pretty much sick of the studio version now, but they have it down pat
live. Best version i've heard yet, bar none. Ian to Billy: "CULT 2006, i'm enjoying it..... Billy
Duffy, even I'M enjoying it! What are we gonna do now? We are gonna have to work now, work like
bitches!"
WILD FLOWER - not too much to say here, crowd went silly. Everyone was lubed up at this
point. Getting on in the nite, same old same old. "Thank you, goodnite"
EDIE (CIAO BABY) - Acoustic - "Is there enough bass?" Billy jammin a bit. Same old Edie.
SHE SELLS SANCTUARY - not much to say here, its Sanctuary. You know what happens. Mosh
actually happened, fights almost broke out. Ian shows his "guns" to the tough guys. Thats it.
LOVE REMOVAL MACHINE - pretty much the same as Sanctuary. Crowd finally was awake, too
little to late. Sex was over, time to go home. Billy ripped the shit outta it again. He was soaked.
Balls to the walls.
Sum up: Billy was having a blast. He was drenched, spent. Ian's voice was mint, best i've ever
heard him live, and i've heard him a few times. Tempesta really impressed, even though he was so
low in the kit you couldn't see him.........but you could feel him in your chest. Chris Wyse was
a pleasant surprise. Glad to meet you Chris! Mike D., well other than Ian, you are the longest
running Cult member. You deserve it man!
Special thanks to Pat, the band's tour manager. You are the unknown soldier. I had a Amstel Light
on you, my friend.
edcult
Setlist
Spiritwalker
The Phoenix
Rain
Gone
Lil' Devil
Sweet Soul Sister
Electric Ocean
Revolution
Brother Wolf; Sister Moon
Wonderland
The Witch
Rise
Peace Dog
Fire Woman
Wild Flower
Encore 1:
Edie (Ciao Baby)
She Sells Sanctuary
Encore 2:
Love Removal Machine