The Cult made its first WNY/Southern Ontario appearance since June of 2012 when they played Canalside in Buffalo, NY. Opening The Cult show was Death Cult. This was the band that both Ian Ashbury (vocals) and Billy Duffy (guitar) had before they changed the name from Death Cult to The Cult back in January of 1984. So, two separate sets would be performed under each moniker. Joining Ashbury and Duffy were Charlie Jones on bass and John Tempsta on drums.
First up was Death Cult. A sheer curtain was dropped as the band performed the first song “Ghost Dance” behind it. As the band ran through the first few numbers, I was slightly confused as I thought the entire set would be just Death Cult tracks. There was mix of both Death Cult and The Cult songs. I’m not sure if the fans knew what Death Cult was, as there was lukewarm response at best. Ashbury caught on early. There was a minimal response when he talked about this would be the 1st time, he was in Niagara Falls since he was 14. Knowing that this was rare set perform under the old band’s moniker, Ashbury also said this would be the first and only time Death Cult would be performing in Canada.
Headlining the show was The Cult. After a 20-minute intermission and a wardrobe change by the band members, The Cult took to the stage for “Wild Flower.” Ashbury didn’t say too much and let the music do the talking. The 11-song set included fan favorites like; “Love Removal Machine and “She Sells Sanctuary.” For the die hards, they included a lesser-known song in “Hollow Man.” Ashbury, true to form, still plays most of the set with a tambourine. He tossed out about 5 throughout the performance. Duffy was solid all night leading the band musically through his 6th string Gretsch guitar. I thought Ashbury’s voice has held up well even as he dealt with some in ear monitor issues towards the end of the set.
This was the 1st show of a 10-city tour for the band. I thought The Cult sounds like they are still on top of their game. I would have liked to see “Lil” Devil” and “Sweet Soul Sister” added to the set but with what they played, I thought it was a solid set all around.
The Cult setlist:
Wild Flower
The Witch
Rise
Eddie (Ciao Baby)
Hollow Man
War (The Process)
Lucifer
Fire Woman
Rain
Love Removal Machine
She Sells Sanctuary
Death Cult setlist:
Ghost Dance
Christians
Gods Zoo
83rd Dream (The Cult song)
A Flower in the Desert (The Cult song)
Butterflies (The Cult song)
Horse Nation
Resurrection Joe (The Cult song)
Spiritwalker (The Cult song)
We would like to thank Monica Seide-Evenson from Speakeasy PR for the credentials to review the show.
