The Viper Room, Hollywood, California
Opening Band: American Pearl
While visiting friends in L.A. I was able to catch The Cult show at the Viper
Room in L.A. on 6/11/99 The Viper Room was very small and very few people were
let into the show, 95% of those let in were on a guest list. The show was
anounced late afternoon. Seeing the sign out front I stopped and found out
the show was happening that night. I heard sound check as I walked up. Outside
the side door I recognized Matt Sorum's drum tech. from a Matt Sorum instuctional
video I have and rapped with him. He appreciated me recognizing him and next
thing I know he dragged me inside to meet Matt Sorum. Matt was happy I got some
good tips from his video and signed two skins for me and gave me two pair of
sticks ....one used one new. Then Matt asked me If I wanted to meet Billy
Duffy......."Hell Yeah" (trying to keep my cool). I rapped with Billy mainly
about his new project Colorsound. He was happy to hear I was into it and looking
forward to the release. He said he would be going back to do finish-up work on it
and that it should be out in the fall. Then Billy called over Martyn LeNoble, the
man taking over bass. He was a real trip .......he was constantly smiling. They
all were very down to earth and interestingly enough asked me as many questions
as I had asked them. Ian (with long hair again) had walked by and was able to
get a hello and a hand shake out of him (no autograph like the others) he seemed
very stressed. I saw Mike (rhythm guitar) but by that time sound check was
complete and he had gone down stairs. Now it was time for me to say thanks to all
and go get back in line outside. We waited a lifetime (3 1/2hrs) to get into the
show.....never saw the warmup band (American Pearl) but got in about 11:30 and the
Cult went on 20 or so minutes later. The show consisted of 95% older tunes starting
with Wild Flower. I was having such a great time that I didn't pay specific
attention to the set list......they just ROCKED from one song to another. The couple
new songs they played really rocked........ I wish I could remember the names (maybe
someone out there has the set list). Well to anyone out there...."THIS IS THE CONCERT
OF THE SUMMER".......DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW!!!!!!!! THIS IS THE CULT AT THEIR BEST.
After having talked with them it seems very likely that they will record a record
with this line up. Matt, Billy and Martyn all kept refering to the revamped line
up as "...The NEW Cult" and giving the impression that they were VERY happy with
what was happening within the band.
Howard - howard@smtp.zacks.com
RELIGIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After standing in a line of 300 people, i managed
to get in as they were finishing Sun King. I was by myself so it made it
easier to work thru the line, straight to the stage and watched a "new" ian (very
toned, slim and HEALTHY----------looked fab from my vantage point. Two deep in
front of the mike stand) rock our sox off, I thank my higher power that almost
4 yrs after they canceled the tour I got to see the boys better than ever in such
a close setting. Doubt it could ever happen again. She Sells Sanctuary
sounded great but Love Removal Machine was the encore and TORE THAT PLACE
DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ed - dad4bubba@aol.com
OK, so I didn't get in on Thursday. All day at work I was telling myself I had too
much pride to attempt a second night of torment. I really didn't want to spend all
night waiting outside the Viper room, all night just standing all night outside, on
a slope, all night, tired and anxious only to get teased by the rumbling of The
Cult only a few feet away wailing songs like American Horse and The Witch,
but by the time I left work I just had to try so I hopped back in my CRX and made
my attempt. So I get down there and the line was much longer than the night before.
Total discouragement, but voices in my head told me to just hang out, after all these
are my people waiting outside, I knew 90% of the folks outside would not get in, I
didn't have the heart to tell them They were wasting their time. So there I was
waiting, not really knowing why, I was actually farther back than on Thursday night. I
looked around and saw all the ambitious, innocent faces of a bunch of Cult children
waiting for a major let down. I asked some people around me if they showed up last
night and nobody had. I told them I waited and didn't get in, but that didn't
seem to phase them some were thinking about leaving. So about 8:45 or so I was just
about to leave, I figured I would be seeing them in San Diego plus the 4 nights at
the House Of Blues (of course I didn't know they would be at the House Of Blues at
the time). But I figured I'd be getting a healthy dose of Cult this summer. So just
as I'm ready to give up I noticed this guy walking into the liquor store right next
door. He comes out and is just hanging out smoking a Death Stick. I noticed him
from the night before, He is actually one of the owner's of the Night Club. I was
dying to find out how long the guest list was so I approached him. I asked how long
was the guest list compared to last nights, He said it was almost as long. I told
him that it would be impossible for me to get in since I was furthur back than last
night, and I told him I wasted all of last night outside. He said "you were here last
night" I said "Yes, all night outside, listening through the door" Then he pauses
and says "Since you waited last night, I'll let you in" WOW! I couldn't believe it.
His name is Sal, so thanks a billion Sal. I had a blast. The show was great. I
would have liked to have heard some tunes off of The Cult but I understand what they
are doing I just hope they at least bring out Black Sun or maybe Gone
this summer. The opening band was pretty cool, Great version of We Will Rock You,
I didn't realize this at the time but Pamala Anderson was right in front of me
during the opening band (American Pearle). I met this really cool couple from San
Francisco too that bought me drinks all night (lost your e-mail) so thanks a lot.
American Horse and The Witch were my fav picks but Love Removal
Machine really hit the spot, they were on fire. What a great night and disregard
anything negative I said about the Viper Room, if you are lucky enough to get in
then it truly is one of the best places to see a band. The acoustics and sound
system are the best I've ever heard in my life. I guess when I finally become
famous I'll be able to get in easier, until then I'll keep camping out fighting my
conscience. "Take it easy on yourself my friends" P.S anyone who want to take a
road trip to see them in Phoenix or Las Vegas get in touch with me and we'll do a
mini CULTFEST.
Mike MacLelland - wilco1971@hotmail.com
I arrived at the Viper Room at 2:00 PM to be sure I got in to see my fave band. Had a
nice chat with Billy D outside, and soon Nancy from Dallas waved me over to meet Ian.
All I could utter was a 'thanx' for all that great music. He signed my CD Dreamtime,
put his hands together, & said, "Peace". Several Guinness & 7 hours later, the LA Beautiful
People on guest list were arriving. Not 10 List people were in when the cool doorman let
me, Nancy's friend, and maybe 3 more folks inside.I went front & center stage in this fab
little club! The show was being filmed for mp3, and I not only made friends with a
cameraman, I stole his laminate! The Cult played the hits with unbridled passion. Ian
swung from the low rafters & when he did his 2nd stage dive, he kicked me right in the
eye! Blues Power, baby! Matt Sorum gave me his stix at show end. After gig outside,
Matt, Mike and Martyn came out to hang with fans & sign drumheads, bodies and napkins. I
tried my luck with my laminate, and was rewarded with a 3 minute audience with Billy
Duffy! Totally stoked, I went home and kicked out Rain at 3 AM, iced my blackening
swollen eye, and banged on my Love Removal Machine! A great Rock-n-Roll experience!!
Thanx Cult!!
MadMadMikeFromLA - madmadmike@knac.com
Setlist:
WildFlower
Rain
Sun King
Lil' Devil
The Witch
Sweet Soul Sister
American Horse
Edie (Ciao Baby)
Peace Dog
Fire Woman
Love Removal Machine
Encore:
She Sells Sanctuary