Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix, Arizona
Opening band: New American Shame
The last time I saw the Cult they were opening for Billy Idol in the eighties. To
be honest, I haven't dusted off my Cult CD's and gave them a spin in quite a while,
but when I heard the Cult were coming to play the Celebrity Theatre (a really small
venue here in Phoenix) I jumped. Friday was about 105 degrees and just before the
show it chilled down to a weenie shrinking 95 so I was a little concerned about all
2600 of us jammed into a big round theater with an incredibly low ceiling. Props to
the cooling system and all those who helped with it's construction. It felt fabulous
inside and as the Cult hit the stage you could tell they felt the same way. Everyone
was on their feet screaming the entire show. Ian stated how he felt a special feeling
for Phoenix (at least he dresses like a local). As I walked around grabbing beers and
watching people. I noticed that unlike most rock crowds of today there was not a lot
of posturing and bullshit in the atmosphere. It seemed every face I saw was singing
along with Ian and the boys every line of every song. One question does enter my mind
after seeing the band 11 years later. Were Billy Duffy and Richard Dean Anderson
separated at birth?
Lance - lance@netviewtech.com
My boyfriend and I flew to Phoenix to see them after seeing them the weekend prior
in Atlanta, GA where we live. We had missed part of the show in Atlanta, but what we
did see/hear was incredible. We were so disappointed that we missed so much, we decided
to fly to Phoenix the next weekend (August 13, 1999) to see them at the Celebrity Theater.
Fortunately, we got there in time to catch them at the beginning! The show was amazing...
We were very close to the front...and although the sound was not that great, the band
played through and as expected, it was one of the best concerts ever! My boyfriend
was jubilant that he caught a drumstick thrown by Matt! The Cult puts on the most
energetic shows...just like when I saw them 10 years ago in Nashville, TN! I hope they
continue to tour the USA well into the future!
Kim Best - beretta686s@yahoo.com
First, I must take back my comments from the Roseland show on 08/03. This is a real
band; Matt played his heart out last night and the bass player is fantastic! I was
nervous for them at first because Ian's throat sounded beat. However, the band sounded
better than ever and the crowd was whipped into a frenzy like I have never seen. After
about four songs, Ian sounded fine and halfway through the set he sounded better than I
have ever heard him. One girl lost her self-control and ran up on stage and began taking
off her clothes. It was funny-but not surprising-this is the type of show you usually
only hear about. This venue was cool and the crowd...Phoenix might as well be the
Cult's hometown. Billy was even moved by the response! He grew about 3 inches taller
with each song and by the end of the night, his solo's threatened to tear down the
walls. The crowd was stamping along, clapping, and providing backup vocals. The
surprise highlight was Sweet Soul Sister, last week the audience seemed to
sit this one out, tonight it had to be extended because of the unexpected crowd
participation. What else happened....? Oh, someone threw a Gap t-shirt up onstage
and Ian said that he couldn't except the gift because the "Gap is run by SATAN!" I
laughed. What a show, man. I took some pictures-but only from a distance. If they
come out I'll send them. Ian promised a new record and asked "Please by our record"
sounding like a british beggar. Again, everyone laughed. The Cult could do no wrong
on this night, When their new record does come out, I know a thousand or so people who
are gonna buy it!
Bill - captive2001@yahoo.com
This is the best group of musicians ever-the energy level of the show was intense
and people who previously were NOT Cult fans who attended with me now are. Ian
Astbury sounds better than ever and Billy Duffy's riffs are loud and clear. This
group has a loyal following and I can't wait to hear them live again as well as
their next album. The CULT rules and those who disagree have never heard nor felt
high energy music.
Pete - ptekame@mmreibc.com
THESE GUYS ROCK!!! My neck is still sore from all of the headbanging I contributed.
The entire band really got into the show behind Billy's bone chilling riffs and Ian's
usual killer vocals. The crowd was loving it and sang along with every song. I am glad
that the band took the time to give the fans a show to let us know they're back and
haven't forgotten how to jam. I hope to see another show in Phoenix soon.
MARRBRO - R20552@email.sps.mot.com
Setlist
Lil' Devil
Sun King
Rain
In The Clouds
Edie (Ciao Baby)
Fire Woman
The Witch
Peace Dog
New York City
Revolution
Sweet Soul Sister
Wild Flower
She Sells Sanctuary
Encore
Phoenix
Love Removal Machine