Atlantic City, New Jersey, House Of Blues
Wow!
An Amazing show and probably the best rock concert I have been to in many
years.
Ian Astbury is in league with the greatest of vocalist in his genre [Plant,
Coverdale, Paul Rogers].
I was worried early on. The first few songs were a bit dry, and Ian was
super conservative with his vocal range. He tossed a mic stand, and later
the mic, at security, who pulled a guy out for flailing. Told them to let
him do his thing. "This is not my first barbecue," Ian yelled, "Twenty
fuckin' years I been doing this." Continuing, he declared: "If you want
this House of Blues thing to work you gotta let the people do their thing!"
It was entertaining. Another song was served up, but with little conviction.
Astbury's passion and "howl" had yet to appear.
However, at about the 4th or 5th song, the one just before Revolution
(Wild Flower maybe) something changed. I am not sure if insulting the
crowd and ranting a bit inspired them, but they can tell me to "wake the fuck
up" or "get off my fat ass" as much as they want if they are gonna play like
that!
It was a different show. Everybody left the showroom last night knowing they
had their asses rocked off!
Duffy was solild through the night, excellent at all times and is a great
compliment to Astbury.
Ian was scintillating. His range is still amazing. His phrasing, attack and
delivery punch you straight in the chest. His notes gave me chills. Very
VERY few bands can do what these guy can. Inspire feeling in you without
your permission. The audience average age was probably 35, so there wasn't
as much youthful angst as you would like at such a show. If the place were
filled with 18-22 year olds, they might have tore the HOB down.
They played most of the songs I wanted to hear. Would have loved it if they
had played Painted On My heart and Born To Be wild.
Did 2 encores; saved She sells Sanctuary and Love Removal Machine
for last. It was more than worth the wait.
Nothing but praise for these guys, an incredible show, I saw the true
"Spirit" of Rock and Roll last night.
If Zeppelin sold their souls to sound like they did, then perhaps The Cult
is going to hell too. And if they are... I am gonna start sinning without
guilt, 'cause I'd like to see them a few more times!
WOW!
Jason Fenderson
Excellent show, great song selection. My only complaint was with the crowd, it
took someone getting Ian pissed off and throwing a mike stand to get things going.
Ian and Billy took turns telling the audience that if you don't get it by now
you're never going to, that Jersey was an island that people retired to in England
and he hopes he wasn't in the wrong place etc... they were a bit pissed by the
sleepy crowd, maybe everyone had too much dinner at the complimentary buffet at
the casino because there were a lot of people who looked like they never heard a
Cult song in their lives and got comp tix to the show from the casino. But after
Revolution things turned around and the energy picked up and built to a
frenzy until the final encore of Love Removal Machine. The band seemed
happy to win over the audience and as they were leaving Ian said "See you did it".
Awesome show, I hope they come back again this year I LOVE THIS BAND.
Mark Burg, Brick, NJ
Setlist
Lil' Devil
Sweet Soul Sister
The Witch
Electric Ocean
In The Clouds
Spiritwalker
Rain
Revolution
Brother Wolf; Sister Moon
Wonderland
Peace Dog
Libertine
Rise
Wild Flower
Fire Woman
Encore 1:
She Sells Sanctuary
Encore 2:
Love Removal Machine