Manchester Apollo, Manchester, England

Opening Band: Claytown Troupe

My first Cult gig, and a most entertaining one. Any live set that starts with a taped sample from 'Taxi Driver' will do for me. The band were on a full-on rock'n'roll mythology trip back in 89, consequently Astbury was fat and American sounding (which I always thought was peculiar for a scouser), and the stage had lots of ramps and risers for Billy and Jamie to run around on. The set was largely culled from Sonic Temple (reasonably enough) and Electric, with the Love singles thrown in for good measure. It was all a very long time ago, but I definitely remember being blown away by American Horse and Soul Asylum. All in all I was very impressed by the gig, but looking back, I saw them perform much better shows.

Dave Whelan - judgesolksjaer@netscapeonline.co.uk

As The Cults stage set was still set up from the night before, the Claytown Troupe had plenty of time for their first proper sound check which meant an even better sound, it enabled the band to play a good rocking set much to the crowds delight, which warmed them up nicely for the main attraction.

Obviously delighted with the nights proceedings, the Troupe eventually got back to the hotel in good spirits and in the mood for 'a bit of a party' which, as you Troupe fans probably know already, means various posteriors and dangly bits emerging.

As usual, the main instigator being their manager 'Abbo', leading by example as usual. The Cult arrive, to find the Troupe trying to erect a 'Pyramid Mooner' which collapses completely before reaching the second tier.

Tut, tut lads! The next mooner of the evening nearly leads to everyone being chucked out of the hotel by a very un-amused member of the security staff after being slipped a tenner by The Cults tour manager, things quietened down.

N.B. by Christian - I also remember being stuck in the lift with Ian Astbury, Keith Allen, James Brown (loaded) & Daniel Peacock, all off our heads which was kinda fun at the time!