London, England, Carling Academy Brixton
Saw the boys perform at the Brixton Academy last night. It's my 3rd Cult gig, the
last time I saw them was 1994!
All I can say is they rock! Billy is one of the best live guitarists around and his
solos where amazing.
My ears are still ringing now, but its worth it!!
They done an acoustic version of Edie, which was good but it would of been better in
Electric so Billy could come in and do the proper guitar solos.
Rain was the best song of the night, that got the whole 5000 crowd going.
Ian was energetic throughout and is still a great front man.
They said they will be back in 6 months, will I hope so, and if they are I'll be seeing
them again.
Matt
Went to see Ian and Billy and co last night at Brixton.
On a muggy humid September there was expectation in the air, as there was a
feeling that this was a farewell lap from the band.
On entering the downstairs arena, the heat and energy grabbed us as we made
our way to the front. I already knew the playlist, so was ready for all the
singles and a couple of classics.
Lil Devil was a bit strained to start and I thought at first that Ian's
voice had gone, but by the time The Witch was on he was back to his raucous
best.
The songs came and went, everyone of them greeted with cheers from the
faithful.
The Cult were always my favourite band, and 20 years after first seeing them
I reflected that this would probably be there swansong in these parts.
I managed to get right up in front of Billy for the last couple of songs,
then for the encore. She sells sanctuary was greeted with the hysteria that
every band enjoys for their biggest song, and for me it was the feeling of
both joy and sadness, that this would be the final curtain for a band that I
have grown up with!
As the band said there farewells and threw their tools into the crowd, I was
lucky enough to get one of Billy's plectrums; a final gift that will be
passed on to the grandkids!
Almost 25 years on since Ian and Billy teamed up, they showed tonight that
they can still deliver the goods and on tonight's performance there is still
a hungry audience for their brand of goth/rock. If they make it back for a
25th anniversary show in 2008 count me in.
Martin, London
Just a mail to let you know, as a fan from the Southern Death Cult days I saw
the boys at Brixton Acadmy London last night and they have lost none of they
spirit for live shows,the place was heaving and packed out, it was like going
back to my youger days. Its been awhile since i last saw them in the U.K, About
1989 on their Sonic Temple world tour ,1991 Ceremonial Stomp tour and in 1993
supporting Guns N Roses at Milton Keynes U.K . I missed the 94 and 2001 tours,
but I agree with you they are back to their best and the charisma betwen Ian and
Billy is back, hopefully they have sorted out their diffrences and we will see
more material and more live shows as they said they will be back next year.
Keep up the good work, from a fellow Wild Hearted Son
Matt
I hope you appreciate this review its my first ever! I've been a long
standing Cult fan since the late 80's and have seen them at least 6
times over the last few years. Last nights gig, was inspirational
(I'm trying not to use awesome!). The Cult rocked Brixton Academy and
brought their new image, and lineup back to their proverbial home.
Duffy on guitar was inspirational, Astburys vocals, were excellant..
It sounded like all the classic tracks had been sped up a little and
the result was amazing. The energy of the crowd, the look of pleasure
on the bands face, told you instantly, they too were enjoying the show.
The last time I saw The Cult at Brixton was the infamous night were
Duffy, fell into his stack of speakers and the atmosphere was tense
on stage. Richard Archer (of HardFi fame) who is a massive Cult fan
and I were stunned when duffy fell backwards, after too much excesses.
Last night all the angst, quarrels and excesses of the past were
gone. They were back with a vengance, and they were out to rock.
From opening up with Lil Devil, and playing a classic set of all
their classics to finishing on She Sells Scantuary The Cult pored
pure energy back into a classic, if not seminal performance.
In the last 6 times I've seen The Cult, I've never heard them play
so well, as a band, and to me, and my friends that went along this
was the best ever EVER Cult Gig we had been to.
It's amazing how a Rock band of the Cults standing, with oh so many
classic guitar rifs, and anthems does not have a record contract.
If you were to compare them to another band today, they were similar
to AudioSlave (including Astburys new looks) but more rockier.
Duffy's musical performance was full of pure energy and simply amazing.
This was the best ever Cult gig I have been to, and I salute Astbury
and Duffy for what they have achieved.
The Cult are back with a vengance. Long live the Cult.
I still have the huge grin on my face, man, I just can't emphase how
good they were.
Andy
It is fitting that I write this almost 21 years since the first time that
I saw The Cult play live at the Preston Guildhall in November 1985 on the
Love tour. That day the band that I had already taken right to my heart blew
me away for the very first time with a live experience that I have been
fortunate enough to relive and expand upon at about 30 gigs over the following
years, each one of which has been a very special and emotional part of my life.
Like everyone else who had been waiting for this time to come I cannot express
how much it meant to me when the tour dates were announced, the tickets arrived
and then the coutdown to the dates themselves began.
I was lucky enough to see them at the Manchester Apollo on Wednesday but good as
that gig was, one of the best I have ever seen, it was at the Brixton Academy that
my favourite band made good on all of the unwritten promises that I had carried in
my mind for so long.
A six hour drive, through some of the worst weather I have ever seen, could not
get in the way of a cult gig and little were we to know that we were about to be
treated to the very best performance, from the best band on the planet, and
something that will be a talking point for the next few months, hopfully until the
Cult grace the UK with their presence again in the not too distant future with a new
record deal and album under their belts, Ian's words, not mine!
No support, again, but why would you want to, stood at the barrier stage right, our
chosen spot to get the very best of Billy's superb performance, sharing pictures from
previous gigs with the reat of the faithful, waiting just over two hours for the band
to come on. My god, was it worth the wait! The lump in my throat was as big as ever
as the lights went down and we all waited for the first glimpse of our heroes, Li'l
Devil to Start with Billy throwing the shapes and the sound was 'awesome' Ian later
said that he wasn't too keen on the word 'awesome' and preferred to use the term
amazing, either would do for me! Electric Ocean was a particular high point as Billy
thrashed seven bells out of his Gold Les Paul and sent the crowd into absolute spasm!
The Electric Album was very well represented with Peace Dog, Love Removal Machine and
Wildflower all added for good measure and 'for the pagans on the date of the equinox'
an excellent rendition of Spiritwalker all into the bargain. It was good to hear Rise
palyed live again, the only cut from Beyond Good and Evil and in Ian's words 'The track
from the album that stood up and demanded to be given a life of it's own'.
The banter from both Ian and Billy was amazing and I have NEVER seen this supposedly
'tempestuous' relationship shown for what it really is, a truly great song writing
partnership with understanding and genuine respect. Billy said that their fall outs
in the past were all blown out of proportion and they really did in fact get on really
well, cue a Kiss from Ian for Billy which was returned immediately to great applause!!
Love Removal Machine closed the set to the most manic scenes I have ever witnessed at a gig!
The crowd left the band in no doubt whatsoever that they wanted more and we were then treated
to the Phoenix and an 'awesome' Sanctuary which must have caused worries for the venue's
management as I was sure the roof was going to come off at any moment.
House lights up and a crown soaked in the sweat of adulation and awe, a job truly well done.
The Cult tonight were a band at the absolute pinnacle of their ability, so far, they could not
have put on a better show if they had tried and I know that each and every person who was
priviledged enough to be there felt exactly the same way as me!
My thanks go out to Ian, Billy, Mike, Chris and John, you were amazing, see you next time, I
hope that it will be soon!
CCFC. For Paul, 'Brothers for ever!'
for the 5th time (2nd this year) went to see the cult.
it was my personal 20years cult live anniversary.
the cult is more than my favourite band, is the band who took me by the hand and drive me
to discover and to accept new music styles.
the gig was brilliant and billy and ian get on with very well and they were proud to show it.
spiritwalker, phoenix, rain and of course she sells sanctuary were big moments,
joe tempesta is perfect for the band and I hope he will stay with it for a long time.
On the end was even lucky to get a plectrum from Billy, the second this year.
As a hardcore fan, I would have seen the band longer and hear some other songs, as
king contrary man, memphis hip shake, american horse, brother wolf sister moon, moya,
indian, white, resurrection joe, etc.
Have to say that I worn the oldest t-shirt of the whole 4000 people, the resurrection joe
t-shirt, more than 20 years old, but it resisted the pogon in the front, even as I came out
completely wet, but happy.
Would like to mail with real hardcore fans as me.
see you soon
john - logan521@hotmail.com
Saw the Cult last night - they were awesome!!!
I had so much fun, and have a very sore throat from singing along. Personal favorites,
well there were so many - Spiritwalker, Rain, Wildflower, Fire Woman, oh god it was so
good to hear them all again, and in such a great venue. Thought Ian's vocal still
sounded great and Billys guitar paying is superb as ever!
Louise (Wildflower) P
Setlist
Lil' Devil
Sweet Soul Sister
Electric Ocean
The Witch
Revolution
Spiritwalker
Rain
Wonderland
Edie (Ciao Baby)
Fire Woman
Peace Dog
Rise
Wild Flower
Love Removal Machine
Encore
The Phoenix
She Sells Sanctuary