Bristol, England, Carling Academy Bristol

Awesome. I've been a cult fan for years but never had the chance to see them. Thought I'd never get the chance. Carling Academy Bristol is a small cramped venue, wherever you stand you're next to the band, the stage was tiny. We got in and had a few pints at the bar. Should have gone through to the main area though as when we went in at 8 40 it was mobbed. Place was like a steam room. Band we're late on, no support so the crowd became very restless. In fact the band were booed when they finally came on I think at 9.20. It took the first 3 numbers to get the crowd back on side. Playlist was same as Portugal.

Ian's vocals were fantastic and Billy's playing was faultless. Ian mentioned the heat in there and showed the crowd the tiny HomeBase fans that were on stage to try and cool them. Must have cost £10 each. Real rock and roll. The gig was one of the loudest I've been to. Ears were buzzing all next day. The guys looked great and fresh and sounded absolutely awesome. I'm totally made up I've seen one of my all time favourite bands.

Steve - Cardiff (Wales)


PURE ROCK N ROLL AS EVER

I was really looking forward relighting my 20ish year old rock fire with the gods Ian and Billy again. It's always far too long in-between the re-incarnations, the last concert Brixton Academy 2001 is a far distant memory.

You go to see other bands but nothing can live up to The Cult experience. Feeder surprised me at the Paleo festival this year and need to be seen but still only a pale reflection.

Now residing in Geneva, Switzerland this was a great opportunity for a long weekend to see the family and catch the concert.

I got into Bristol around 5:30pm and met up with a good friend who was giving me a roof for the night, we started to knock the head off a few beers and grabbed something to eat.

Before I knew it is was 9 and I was feel really good eg a bit pissed, so jumped in a taxi and got to the venue just on cue as the band came on stage.

The Academy is a very small place, a nightclub really that doubles as a small music venue.

It was packed to the rafters (1600 sold out) and ready to go right off, which it did as the cords of Lil Devil pierced the air.

I got a beer and took in awe of The Cult playing and again thinking this could be the last time, so make the most of it.

Sweet Soul Sister and The Witch followed, then it was time for me to get into the moshpit and go for it!!!!!!!!

I followed another guy who had the same idea as me and it wasn't too difficult to get myself to the edge of main mosh.

Spiritwalker, Edie, Revolution, Wildflower, Rain and my now personal favourite Rise, which I think I totally lot the plot to ;-}

I can't give you the play list I was too busy rocking but you get the jist that nothing has been change for the UK gigs to what the guys and gals in the US/Canada and at the festivals have seen.

Ian had a bit to say nothing really important other than drapping himself in a St Georges flag and asking certain members of the community not to get upset over his patriotism and waving of a flag.

The encore of The Phoenix and Sanctuary finished the gig.

Pure class and will never be bettered in my life time.

I'm moving to Montreal, Feb 2007 so hope to be rocking with you Canadians at a Cult concert with new material in the near future.

Mark (Spiker)

Setlist

Lil' Devil
Sweet Soul Sister
Electric Ocean
The Witch
Spiritwalker
Revolution
Rain
Wonderland
Edie (Ciao Baby)
Fire Woman
Peace Dog
Rise
Wild Flower
Love Removal Machine

Encore

The Phoenix
She Sells Sanctuary