A couple nights ago I headed out with a friend to Chicago’s old Vic Theatre to catch a concert. We strolled across Sheffield Ave. to the front of one of the older and smaller places in the city – The Victoria Theatre, or better known as “The Vic”. We were there to see The Cult, who rose to fame in the 80’s with some exceptional rock which includes, but is not limited to choice cuts such as She Sells Sanctuary and Fire Woman.

When we arrived, the place was fairly empty, and the opening act had started. The Black Ryder is a duo from Australia whose sound is a strange blend of acid, experimental and alternative rock. The bizarre musical base almost contradicted vocalist Aimee Nash’s ethereal and haunting voice, but it just seemed to work.  It was weird and whacky, but in a very cool way. This is definitely an act I plan to investigate further.

During the break, I and other fans couldn’t help but notice that there still weren’t that many people there. I started chatting with a couple of guys and one said that he had heard that only around 400 tickets were sold prior to the show. At the time, it was plain that there were more than that number of people there, but The Vic holds 1,400 people, and there definitely weren’t that many there. As it got closer to show time, more people showed, but not nearly what I thought the turnout would be for this band. The people I talked to agreed and we were all mystified.

When The Cult hit the stage, it was evident why we all felt this way. The band was tight from song one, and the unique tone and rhythm that is The Cult filled the room for the next hour plus. Throughout the show, it was clear that The Cult is just an outstanding rock band whose hard rock to gothesque riffs and often spiritual lyrics have stood the test of time. From Love Removal Machine to the new Embers, the band offered a variety of sound that never sounds dated.

Vocalist Ian Astbury, dressed in head to toe black with a leather biker jacket and gloves, appeared to still be channeling the later version of Jim Morrison – complete with messy loose locks of hair covering his fully bearded face and a bit of extra weight. He spent 95% of the show behind dark sunglasses. It may have been a mysterious rock star thing, but I couldn’t help but laugh when my friend stated that the more he looked at Astbury, the more he resembled the goofy, wannabe rapper alter ego of Joaquin Phoenix.

Astbury was in great form however. Vocally, he still had “it”. The distinct punch was still there. And his ability as a front man was still in top shape. He gave it his all while stomping his feet, dancing and slamming a tambourine like it was still 1989. He is, in fact, the only person I have ever seen who can make playing a tambourine look fucking cool. He removed his glasses for the last couple of songs and I could see the old wild eyed fire in Astbury’s eyes. More than that, I could see the sincere appreciation for the fans as he thanked everyone for being there.

Guitarist Billy Duffy, the Yin to Astbury’s Yang in the songwriting department and only other original band member, was electric. He performed masterfully with perfect rock star swagger. He has managed to retain the same air of cool cat cockiness that left me thinking Damn, he’s still good…and he so knows it. I couldn’t help but love the fact that the rock star stance captured on the cover of the band’s Sonic Temple album was still damn cool 20 years later. He did manage to crack a smile a few times, making him a bit more human and letting the crowd know that he still loved what he was doing.

From Every Man & Woman is a Star, Embers and Rise to Sweet Soul Sister, White, Rain and Love Removal Machine the set was satisfying, as it spanned the career of The Cult. They played the hits the average fan wanted to hear, as well as a few deeper cuts for the diehard fan. At the end of it all, it was a night filled with great music, and that is what this band is full of. If you’ve never listened to The Cult, you should, and if it’s been a while – well, dust off those CDs or gasp records and revisit the band. You will wonder why you stayed away so long.

Tags: Billy Duffy, Chicago, concert, Fire Woman, Ian Astbury, live, Love Removal Machine, She Sells Sanctuary, The Cult, The Vic Theatre

Categories: Live Shows

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5 Responses

1. 

   Sergio Pereira:

   Di, this must’ve been a killer gig! Wish I could’ve attended it.

   02.11.2010 14:20

2. 

   Steve:

   I’m jealous! Couldn’t get a camera in, eh? See you at http://blip.fm/trainwreckradio

   btw…….great looking blog!

   03.11.2010 17:21

3. 

   Dyelirious:

   Thanks for diggin’ the blog Steve! I did have my iPhone and snapped like 3 pics, then I got so into it, I for got to take more!!

   03.11.2010 17:47

4. 

   charita:

   So jealous!! LOVE the Cult. Reminds me of our youth. Awesome blog and really enjoyed reading your review!

   04.11.2010 16:39

5. 

   Dyelirious:

   Thanks Charita! One of the few things I was never able to grow out of was my love for all that 80′s ROCK!!! I’m so glad you enjoy the blog

   05.11.2010 02:41