Having been a longtime fan of The Cult, I remember watching the video for the tune “Lil’ Devil” from their 1987 album ‘Electric.’ I was blown away by the Angus Young inspired riff, their look and image which at the time was so unique. They looked like a tribe of gypsies. I would see The Cult live for the first time when they brought a then ‘unknown’ band called Guns N’ Roses out with them. GN’R went on to become one of the biggest bands in the world. While The Cult continued to steadily build their reputation in North America as an ‘electrifying’ live act. Things peaked for The Cult with their 1989 release ‘Sonic Temple.’ That album had all the ingredients of a classic album, well crafted songs, catchy hooks, stellar performances, and a charismatic energy that surpassed previous efforts. Let’s not forget that it was their most dynamic album to that point. You can thank Bob Rock for that. “Fire Woman” catapulted the band to the next level, they supported Aerosmith in Europe and landed a sweet spot opening for Metallica on the ‘…And Justice For All’ Tour. Metallica and The Cult on the same bill? Very different bands, but it worked so well. If you were there you witnessed The Cult win over the rabid Metallica crowd night after night, until it was time for them to branch out on their own and headline themselves.
The Cult have had their fair share of ups, downs, starts and stops in their 39-year career, they continue to press forward, they don’t shy away from recording new music and inserting into the set. Sometimes it’s better received by fans than others, but it’s a great excuse to do what The Cult do best, perform live. The Cult shows are some of the loudest shows that I’ve ever attended. Wear protection or your ears will ring for days.
The Cult have a new album released ‘Under The Midnight Sun’ a little over a year ago and here they are in Portland, Oregon still at it. This would be the second time they’ve been in the area touring behind the new album. It has been a handful of years since I caught The Cult on Rev 3 in 2018 with Stone Temple Pilots and Bush, there’s no way I could miss this.
Guitarist Billy Duffy and frontman Ian Astbury seem to have the upper hand on Father Time, looking to be 20 years younger than their stated age. They both move across the stage with ease and still give their all. Their stage presence is still incredible. As the set progressed there was a little less interaction between Astbury and the audience. Maybe some fatigue, maybe a little boredom with some of the selections in the set. Seemed like things went a little flat for a bit before ending things on a high note.
The Cult aren’t known as a band that changes their set once the tour gets underway, this night in Portland was no different. They kicked things off with the fantastic “Rise” from their ‘comeback’ album ‘Beyond Good And Evil,’ followed by the spectacular ‘Sun King” from the breakthrough album ‘Sonic Temple.’ The Cult inserted two new tunes from ‘Under The Midnight Sun’ into the set; on this run they included “Mirror” and “Vendetta X.” Classic bands often fall victim to the momentum busting that transpires when they unleash a new song on an audience. The Cult is not immune from this as there were people that liked it, others that were indifferent. Others took the opportunity to get another adult beverage before the band kicked into something that they were familiar with. The highlights for me were “Sweet Soul Sister,” “The Witch,” “Lil’ Devil,” “Wild Flower,” “Spirit Walker,” “Rain,” She Sells Sanctuary,” with the encore consisting of “Peace Dog” and crowd favorite with one of the most catchy riffs ever “Love Removal Machine.” No “Fire Woman” in the set which was incredibly surprising and it’s probably the first time I haven’t heard it in the set since they released ‘Sonic Temple.’ That’s wild, it’s like The Rolling Stones not performing “Start Me Up” or “Satisfaction” in their set. Sure it’s over exposed, but it’s a signature song. “Fire Woman” never gets old, in my opinion.