Atlanta, Georgia, Tabernacle
Headlining, Opening Band: Bangkok Five, Strays
Nothing like an exceptional night with good energy, great friends, and a sizzling set of
Wild Cult.
First, whoever in New Orleans put the hurt on Mr. Duffy for Halloween, you did an admirable
job. He was all piss & vinegar about the acoustic guitars. He tried two different ones when
they pulled out the stools to do "Star." But, when he actually left the stage followed by
Astbury some of us thought he really wasn't coming back. Funny thing though, he gave the
soundcrew five minutes to find him a suitable acoustic set-up or he was leaving. Astbury gave
some filler commentary about the trials and tribulations of live music, agreeing with the
poor-sounding guitars, and when they finally found one Duffy liked Astbury came back to
center stage and gave the time hack at "3 minutes, 57 seconds, not too bad."
One thing about Duffy, though, you have to appreciate that he likes his sound perfect and
even when "fucking TIRED" (his own description) he still brings it strong. He sounded as
good as ever. Astbury was probably in the best spirits (he's funny as hell when he wants to
be) and best vocal form several of us have ever seen. Didn't miss a note. Didn't miss a lyric.
Threw in Nirvana to reward the raucous crowd for a night well done and nailed it.
Have to say that the crowd, while surprisingly not a sell out, was fantastic. Tempesta has
a way of kick-starting the mayhem. Wyse and Dimkich had their own ceremony going on in Camp
Stage Left, dancing and interacting with the crowd all night.
They played the best live version of "Rise" I've ever heard, probably because Dimkich's guitar
was more audible and really complemented the live version. The rearrangement of the March-era
setlist is definitely an improvement (except for the noticeable and unfortunate abandonment
of "In the Clouds"). Things start out rocking, everyone catches an acoustic breath, and then
the house comes down!
The band really is getting better, live. Let's hope they put some even better new material
down for us to savor. Another memorable evening, and one step closer to deafness.
Eric
What a freaking show they put on last night at the Tabernacle in Atlanta.
I showed up hoping for the best, and they blew away my expectations.
Ian commented on other older bands getting fat, lazy and just going through the
motions. He made it clear the Cult was still very much into the music and very
appreciative of their fans who support them.
We were sitting in the front row of the first balcony, literally on top of Billy Duffy.
He wasn’t feeling well and had an ongoing love/hate battle with the guitar technician.
At one point, before the acoustic version of Edie, he walked off the stage because both
acoustic guitars sounded like shit. They ended up plugging the guitar into another
amp and he came back on.
His anger/frustration must have given him some extra adrenaline because he was
on fire all night.
Billy is the most underrated guitarist I’ve ever heard. He NEVER
misses a note, he plays with such lucidity, and makes it look too easy.
Ian was in perfect voice, so much better than the LA show they recorded for the DVD.
The crowd was on their feet for the entire show. Ian encouraged people to come on
stage (and cussed out the security up front).
When they closed with Love Removal Machine, I thought the roof was going to come
off the building. It was incredible.
IF YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO CATCH ANY OF THE FEW REMAINING US STOPS,
GET OFF YOUR ARSE AND DO IT!!
I just read Eric’s Atlanta review (much better than my own) and MUST agree
that the show did bring me one step closer to deafness.
It was one of the loudest shows I’ve ever been to, right up there with some
of the Who shows from the mid 70’s.
My ears are still ringing badly this morning (not really a good thing!).
Mike
What a show the Cult put on at the Tabernacle in Atl. The two opening acts were good also.
The Cult didn't go on stage until 10pm and the place went absolutely crazy when the opening
riffs of Lil Devil started. The only bad spot of the evening was when Billy was having sound
prob's with his acoustic right before they played Star and Edie. Eventually it got taken
care of. It was so cool to hear their early material such as Spiritwalker, Revolution, The
Phoenix. The sound was so deafening, but I think it only got peoples adrenaline flowing much
more throughout the show. I would say the avg. age was around 35, but alot of loud
thirtysomethings..LOL..by the way thanks Terri and Josh.I would have to say the highlight
of the night was the encore when they cranked into Nirvana and then Sanctuary. The best
show I ever attended, The Cult is the most underrated band out there and they can still
rock like they did in their early yrs. I can't wait to see them next time when they stop
through... a must see show for anybody that hasn't been to see them yet.
Scott
Setlist
Lil' Devil
Sweet Soul Sister
Electric Ocean
The Witch
Spiritwalker
Revolution
Rain
The Phoenix
Star
Edie (Ciao Baby)
Fire Woman
Wonderland
Peace Dog
Rise
Wild Flower
Love Removal Machine
Encore
Nirvana
She Sells Sanctuary