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The Cult

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About

The Cult on Tour

The Cult, a shape-shifting rock band, has hardly sat still since their mid-'80s conception. They were born out of England's post-punk scene, first emerging as a heavy metal revivalist band with their debut album Dreamtime in 1984. The collection of shimmering guitars, howling vocals, and neo-psychedelic sounds introduced the dawn of a new musical era as the band transitioned away from the gothic rock genre leaning in the direction of a hard rock act. Dreamtime reached the top of the charts in the UK and served as a prologue for the trilogy The Cult would produce as the '80s went on. By the time Love dropped in the summer of 1985, the fresh ensemble had built a dedicated native following through the release of the teaser single "She Sells Sanctuary." Love became the No. 4 album in the UK, but The Cult achieved international, mainstream success after recording Electric in New York in 1987. Resonant of strident U.S. arena rock, the album picked up on the popular three-chord crunch, hard-hitting kick drum, heroic guitar solos with endless rifts, and passionate vocals backed by sing-along choruses. It was a huge success and sold over one million copies worldwide -- only to be topped by their 1988 magnum opus, Sonic Temple, which featured their top-charting song "Fire Woman." The British band would go on to release two more studio albums by the turn of the century (Ceremony, 1991; The Cult, 1994) and another four over the next two decades (Beyond Good and Evil, 2001; Born into This, 2007; Choice of Weapon, 2012; Hidden City, 2016), plus a total of 41 singles throughout their career. In 2022, fans have the chance to see The Cult on tour across three different countries as they perform the great alt-rock ballads that turned them into an iconic household name.

The Cult in Concert

An ever-evolving ensemble, The Cult has witnessed several changes to its name, lineup, and musical direction since forming in the 1980s -- but two of the band's founding members, singer/songwriter Ian Astbury and lead guitarist Brian Duffy, have remained throughout it all. The current drummer, John Tempesta, joined in 2006, playing with The Cult on tour and in concert ever since. In 2015, Grant Fitzpatrick (bass) and Damon Fox (keyboards/rhythm guitar) joined to help the band record their 10th album, permanently staying on after that. Although Astbury's heavenly vocals and Duffy's thrilling guitar may remain the lifeblood of The Cult on tour in 2022, the entire outfit fulfills the band's original promise and feels like they've stepped straight out of the '90s.

Reviews

Rating: 4.4 out of 5 based on 1230 reviews
  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    They kept us waiting, but worth it :)

    by kittypaws on 9/21/10The Warfield - San Francisco

    Based on their more recent YouTube videos I've seen, they were actually better than I expected. I've heard that Ian isn't quite the vocalist he used to be, but he was pretty damn good for this show (this was the first time I've seen them). Billy Duffy was awesome too, a real treat to see him play live (he had a HUGE guitar). I don't know who that drummer was, but it was a good choice for them. They still had amazing energy--in fact Ian liked to throw his tambourine around during parts of songs when he wasn't singing. He also had some random commentary between and sometimes during the songs. He mentioned the infamous SF punk scene in the 80's, and also mentioned gay marriage briefly (unfortunately, it was during Rain--which is one of my favorites). He said "thank you, kindly" many times, and talked about his admiration for the SF culture and California. My one and only complaint was the late start--the tickets said 7pm, and Black Ryder came on at about 8:15; then we waited a while for the Cult, even long after the stage crew was done setting up. We never found out the reason for the tardiness. And we had to wait in line to get in too; something I never remember doing at the Warfield. Aside from that, it was a great show; they actually did an encore too, and also a song that will be released in November. I would see them again.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    great show

    by monkey5 on 9/21/10The Warfield - San Francisco

    They played all the old favorites as well as some new stuff. Great show!

  • Rating: 3 out of 5

    The Cult was cool

    by LBrennan on 9/21/10The Warfield - San Francisco

    The energy and vibe was there. They have a new album so you had to wait until the end to hear 3 songs from the 80s. I had a good time. It was worth the $35.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    The Cult at the Warfield SF

    by Dreamer1971 on 9/21/10The Warfield - San Francisco

    As usual, awesome band alive, I loved it and I'd go again if they were scheduled to play tomorrow. Thanks for rocking our world.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    The Cult still rock

    by tuckerbag on 9/21/10Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort - Las Vegas

    Oh yes! cannot think of a better way to spend an evening than to watch a bit of Brit Rock in Las Vegas. The venue was excellent and the band really rocked. Ian Astbury's vocals are still strong and classic and Billy Duffy's lead was just superb. I saw them years back in lowly old Bradford and not much has changed apart from a few extra pounds on the boys and a few extra wrinkles on me

  • Rating: 3 out of 5

    The Cult

    by Herm2ch on 9/21/10The Warfield - San Francisco

    As someone who never reviews anything including restaurants this should underscore my frustration. This is not a slam against the cult members in anyway but the overall mix left alot to be desired. i have seen many bands at the Warfield and while i understand that the venues acoustics can either enhance or distract from the experiance I would say that this auditorium is above average. So what happened? Why was my inner ear numb sitting at the balcony? Im not foolish enough to go to any rock show without plugs if I am standing by the stage but i spent an hour trying to find a spot that had a natural tonal balance. Behind the mixing consol was equally offensive. As someone who has been in the HiFi industry I can tell you that sound pressure level will only impress the kids with an Mp3 player. That ringing in the ears for 24 hours must mean that it was a good show i guess. Too bad the guy at the controls wasnt awake that night because I think this band still rocks.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    The Cult still rocks

    by BBA61 on 9/21/10Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort - Las Vegas

    Pretty Sweet, a band better heard live. Would go see it again a hundred times.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Another outstanding show buy a The Cult

    by bbbalson on 9/21/10The Warfield - San Francisco

    This is the seventh time I have seen The Cult and the fourth time at the Warfield. The Cult put an energy into their concerts that I have not seen rivaled by many. They make you feel like a part of the show and for all of us long time fans, they play the songs that matter. My 16 year old son said to me after the concert, "I feel sorry for people my age who don't know who The Cult is. I know I haven't been to a lot of concerts, but that was the best one I have ever seen." I have taken him to see a few concerts that include the likes of Kings of Leon and Audio Adrenaline. The Warfield is an amazing venue to see any band. It is a small intimate theatre with amazing acoustics. In summation, if you can see The Cult don't miss the opportunity and if someone you like is at the Warfield, see them there.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    THE CULT was F*cken Awesome!

    by Vanessaa418 on 9/21/10The Warfield - San Francisco

    Just wanted to express myself. this is my first time seeing the cult...(yeh i know i suck) but it was BADA**!! Ian can still hit his notes. He still sounds like he did 20 somthing years ago. I LOVE THE CULT!

  • Rating: 1 out of 5

    The Cult was Appalling

    by SAS702 on 9/20/10Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort - Las Vegas

    I purchased tickets for my boyfriend and I to see the Cult and their concert turned into a political event. Just as the show started... The singer Ian Astbury decided he wanted to spout his political views saying F**K the Tea Party. I didn't spend $80.00 for two tickets to promote his political views. We were appalled. We were very disturbed by Ian performing on what looked like the American flag. My boyfriend and I left the concert along with many others. Many people were disappointed yelling for him to shut up and just sing while giving him the finger. As we were leaving we noticed that a fight broke out by the stage probably do to Ian's rhetoric. We were disgusted and will never see the Cult again.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    The Cult Rocked

    by Netjetdriver on 9/20/10Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort - Las Vegas

    The Pearl @ The Palms is a great venue and the band sounded great. Excellent excellent guitar and though Ian's vocals sounded fantastic I felt he cut short the finish of most lyrics. In other words it sounded like he wasn't into singing the full extent of the material as we know it but it was still quite good nonetheless.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    by BruGuru on 9/19/10Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort - Las Vegas

    They totally rocked! Billy Duffy hasn't lost a step!

  • Rating: 2 out of 5

    Better in '92

    by hales73 on 9/19/10Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort - Las Vegas

    Sound system was not good- or the acoustics were really bad in the Pearl theatre. Ian Astbury just mainly yelled, didn't sing the songs- and the whole band seemed as if they were just trying to hurry up and get through the show. I am a HUGE Cult fan and I was really disappointed. I know they are 20 years older than when I saw them last (and so am I) but it just really wasn't very good. At least the tickets were cheap!

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Still got it.

    by Fenja on 9/19/10Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort - Las Vegas

    The Cult still have it after all these years. You can tell they are struggling with their demographics age though. Most of us are 40-something and not prone to mosh pits. It makes the energy level for a band with such a hard edge. Astbury and Duffy are still amazing at their crafts and worth every penny. I didn't really like Ian's political commentary, but what can you do? He clearly isn't up on American politics. :-) The opening band, Black Rider, had a couple good moments, but overall were bad. Two chord droning songs, muffled vocals and minimal musicianship. Not the warm up band I would choose for The Cult. They were more of an energy drain. Again, the crowd wasn't overly appreciative, so the band gave us 75% in my opinion. I feel comfortable saying that because when I saw them a few years ago they absolutely blew me away. It was amazing. A good show at the palms, but a few notches short of great. I enjoyed it.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Great show but......

    by Orlando69 on 9/19/10Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort - Las Vegas

    The Cult played to a decent size crowd and sounded great!!! Played a variety of stuff from all of their albums. Waited quite a while in the set to play songs from Electric. Personally I was a little disappointed that they didn't play for a little longer. Not sure why so short.....hope they weren't discouraged since they played a smaller venue/crowd. They left out such great Cult songs : Peace Dog, Electric Ocean, American Horse, Edie(not a huge fan of the song, just surprised) and kinda thought maybe we would hear a cover (THE Doors or maybe Born to be wild)....The encore was cranking and really got the crowd's momentum going and they just pulled the plug too early. Maybe they were tired...just didn't make sense.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    by Shashley on 9/18/10Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort - Las Vegas

    The Cult kicks ass!!!! I would see them in every major US city if I could!!!! The guys rocked. :D

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    cult rockin SD

    by derocker on 9/18/104th and B - San Diego

    opening band was black ryder hailing from australia. i thought they were a decent alternative rock band. nice guitars, loud, superb drummer. When the Cult hit the stage, i wasnt sure what to expect... they completely shook the place. Ian did well on vocals, but seemed to lack some sustained notes, otherwise he totally rocked. as for billy...unbelievable. that guy may be blastin his guitar better than he did 15 years ago. excellent show, well worth the $40 per ticket to see them at a small venue....the CULT ROCKS ON!!!

  • Rating: 3 out of 5

    Good concert, not great

    by Monkey2010 on 9/16/104th and B - San Diego

    The Cult show was good, not great. Set songs include Fire Woman, She Sells Sanctuary, Sweet Soul Sister. Songs they did not sing were Painted On My Heart, The Witch, Edie, etc.. Ian Asbury's voice was not at it's best, but what do you expect. He's past his prime. The band was great behind him. Also, they only played for an hour and a half. I recomend the show, but don't expect too much.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    by neck on 9/16/104th and B - San Diego

    The show was amazing, as usual. The sound was super clean. They played everything that you wanted and just enough of the new music. I brought a couple of friends that don't even know their music and they loved it. I know everyone says that this band or that band is really good live, but The Cult always blows me away. I have seen The Cult approximately fifteen times. They are just as entertaining now as they were when Guns and Roses opened up for them at San Diego State in 1987. I hope that they keep going. My twelve year old daughter loaded some of their classic songs to her ipod from my computer. I hope that she will be able to attend at least one Cult show with her aging father! I know touring must be difficult, but I hope that they continue. When music is timeless, it can transport back in time and make you reflect on your past. It is almost like therapy. This show definitely had that effect on all who attended.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Cult and 4th and B

    by INCuss on 9/16/104th and B - San Diego

    Band: as good as ever. Ian has still got it. Venue: forgettable. Run down facilities - crappy box seating.