Has it really been 40 years since The Cult first graced the stage at Tiffany’s in Newcastle, a nightclub that changed its name many times over the years before being converted into student accommodation?
A lot has changed since then with The Cult not only having a fair few lineup changes but also going through a kaleidoscope of musical progression too which has seen them go from full on gothic to psychedelic, stripped down hard rock and supercharged arena rock and back again and pretty much everything in between where no two albums sound the same. This music evolution is one of the reasons why they have succeeded in staying relevant for four decades and why their 40th anniversary show was a sell out in Newcastle.
Covering a lot of ground over their one and a half hour set, The Cult dug deep to deliver a show that would leave few disappointed.
Never one to play it safe, they opened with, “In The Clouds”, which originally appeared on the Are You Ready For This compilation soundtrack before cranking up the riffs for “Rise” with the first of the hits “Wildflower” following with a swift sucker punch.
Vocalist Ian Astbury was in fine form with his voice strong, clear and melodic performing the songs in their original keys unlike some of his peers while Billy Duffy delivered some sterling riffs and inspired solos while pulling off a slew of guitar hero poses while retaining a sense of cool and fun.
“Star” from their self-titled album and “Mirror” from their most recent release Under The Midnight Sun had a classy edge to them and showed The Cult are not a band to rest on their laurels.
A mid-set highlight in “Resurrection Joe”, from the EP that linked their debut album to their breakthrough Love album kept the older fans more than happy.
An acoustic “Edie (Ciao Baby)” showed just what a great voice Astbury has and gave the very hot and exuberant crowd a moment to catch their breath before the avalanche of hits that followed from “Rain”, and “Love Removal Machine” to the arena shaking “Fire Woman” and “Sweet Soul Sister”, The Cult were untouchable.
The vintage “Spiritwalker” invoked a mini riot on the floor as many relieved those halcyon days of the first tour 40 years ago.
The dark moody Gothic infused “Brother Wolf Sister Moon” was the calm before the storm before “She Sells Sanctuary” finished off an already exhausted crowd.
The rapturous reaction at the end clearly stunned both Astbury and Duffy who stood and soaked it all in. Astbury has the reputation for reprimanding audiences who he thinks aren’t receptive enough but tonight his beaming smile and long speech of appreciation showed that this was one special night and a performance befitting a 40th anniversary celebration.
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