Toronto, Ontario, Molson Amphitheatre
Headlining, opening bands: Controller Controller, Bangkok Five
They won't see 40 again, they've broken up at least twice, their glory days were two
decades ago and they haven't released an album of new material in five years. And yet
Toronto has never stopped loving The Cult.
On their latest reunion tour -- the first in more than three years -- the British
band has been playing to North American club audiences of up to a couple of thousand
people.
Last night in Toronto, however, despite the cool, foggy weather, they nearly filled
the Molson Amphitheatre with fist-pumping, hip-shaking fans.
It's a mystery why this particular city should be so smitten by The Cult's combination
of big guitar riffage and wailing vocals, but the band was wise enough to be loudly
appreciative, sending out lavish thank-yous along with the flying tambourines and
non-stop rock.
The Cult has had a strange history filled with musical left turns, revolving rhythm
sections, awkward hiatuses, rehab stints and waxing and waning sales.
Singer Ian Astbury -- who spent the past few years playing Jim Morrison in a new
version of The Doors -- and guitarist Billy Duffy founded it in the early '80s, and
have taken its sound from goth to punk to psychedelia to quasi-metallic classic rock.
Their critical and commercial peak happened when producer Rick Rubin helped them put it
all together with monster guitar riffs and over-the-top vocals to make Electric, which
spawned hits like Love Removal Machine and Wild Flower.
And though the band has never matched that early success, they've continued to churn out
enough similarly high-powered songs to keep the fans coming -- especially in Toronto.
Like a creaky but powerful old machine, last night's show took a while to get going,
but eventually settled into an impressive, if not relentless pace.
A bearded, kerchief-topped Astbury sounded a little tentative on the opener, Lil Devil,
and its followup, Sweet Soul Sister, but by the time he got to Electric Ocean, which he
described as obscure, and Revolution, he was in fine vocal form, whooping and wailing as
he beat the tambourine and maracas and Duffy churned out the punk riffs.
Chestnuts like Spiritwalker -- the band's earliest hit -- and Rain were followed by In
The Clouds and, after a swig of Red Bull on Duffy's part, Wonderland, which was
dedicated to Doors manager Danny Sugarman.
Then the backing band of powerhouse drummer John Tempesta (White Zombie), bassist Chris
Wyse and extra guitarist Mike Dimkich took a break while Astbury and Duffy did an acoustic
take on Edie (Ciao Baby).
When they came back, it was time to take it home with Fire Woman, Peace Dog and Wild Flower.
There was no sign of new material, despite Astbury's claim that the band was "back for
good this time -- no more rehab."
But as long as they can please this many people with old material, they won't have to worry
about that. At least not in Toronto.
Mary Dickie - Toronto Sun
The Cult was fantastic in Toronto. The venue was an outdoor amphitheatre. The
weather was overcast and cool, but bearable. The turnout was very very good.
Billy was a true model for the ultimate rocker. I was very happy to see the show.
Ian mentioned how some magazine called the cult "Bloated ex-rockers". The crowd
booo-ed very loudly. They put on a classic show that rivaled their work back in
their Ceremony Days in Montreal.
There's only one thing I wish for the Ian and Billy... I wish they would be recognized
for their enormous contribution to ROCK and ROLL. I really hope that the don't feel
that they are simply fading away. They are loved up here in Canada!
Marc
The Toronto show was fanatastic! The guys came on at around 9:30 and the crowd was
pumped. I've seen them perform numerous times in all sorts of venues from stadiums
to arenas and right down to small clubs. This was probably one of the loudest and
tighest performances I have ever seen and heard. Ian did an amazing job even though
he didn't seem completely comfortable until they performed Electric Ocean. Billy on
the other hand was spot on from the get go. He sounded absolutely fantastic. I don't
think I have ever seen him sound that good while having such a good time. Ian and
Billy seemed to be sincerely enjoying themselves and each other throughout the show.
John, Mike and Chris were fantasic. John just pounded it out and kept everything
moving at a great pace. The crowd was a good size and was on their feet from start
to finish. The setlist wasn't too different than what they played in Winnipeg. My
only complaint is that they didn't play at least a few more songs! I picked up the
Instant Live CDs after the show. Not too bad for something that was recorded and
mixed on the fly! All in all the night was a blast!
Dino Z
Setlist
Lil' Devil
Sweet Soul Sister
The Witch
Electric Ocean
Revolution
Spiritwalker
Rain
In The Clouds
Wonderland
Edie (Ciao Baby)
Fire Woman
Peace Dog
Rise
Wild Flower
Love Removal Machine
Encore
The Phoenix
She Sells Sanctuary