Astbury took us back in time by welcoming us all to Hammersmith Apollo and “smashed” us for a great 100 minute set. Everything was played from Death Cult (Horse Nation and Ghost Dance) to the modern stuff of Embers and Every Man And Woman Is A Star.
I saw The Cult perform their Love album in its entirety during their last tour but this was a very different gig. It was in the Apollo – or the Odeon as the singer kept referring to it. (They recorded a live album in the Odeon.) There was also a rhythm guitarist which freed Duffy up a fair bit.
I felt that with the extra guitarist Duffy had more room to do his own thing. It felt pretty obvious he was enjoying playing his Gretch White Falcon more than he was maybe 10 years ago. He even played Wild Flower – which was awesome – on the White Falcon. He played it on the Les Paul during the Love tour.
Duffy also played a Telecaster. Never seen him do that before.
Astbury was on fine form despite ripping the arse in his special rock trousers before the gig. Must be down to the few extra pies he’s been scoffing. Despite this he still had the energy. He had good banter with the audience. There was a few nice moments including taking a copy of the Love album and signing it during Sanctuary.
The drummer and the bassist were solid as pure rock.
The highlights for me were Horse Nation, Dirty Little Rockstar (which Astbury sang Isolation over the intro!), Wild Flower (just a wall of guitars), Love Removal Machine (the reason why they can still get away with what they do), She Sells Sanctuary and Break On Through (yes by The Doors).
Great to see them again. Where you there? What did you think? I recorded some videos which I’ll put onto YouTube later. Meanwhile here’s a version I recorded of Sanctuary after being inspired by the Love tour last year.
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