Phoenix, Arizona, Celebrity Theater
Headlining, opening bands: Action Action, Evolocity
Jen, Ed, JR and I got the parking lot around 7. I didn’t care about seeing the openers
that much. I won’t go into this too much, but I promptly almost got arrested twice while
trying to contradict the second part of Jagermeister’s slogan “Dedicated to music, not
underage drinking.” Luckily I didn’t and after being on serious tilt/drunkenness for
awhile finally got excited again. Smile Empty Soul wasn’t very good. Don’t know what
to say. They could make noise, but not much else. Little rock, zero roll.
Action Action was about the same with a little more emo/electronica. Just not that
talented/diverse/or catchy. After a six dollar donation to Mr. Cuervo I was
rejuvenated again and finally, and I mean finally, the Cult came out right down the
boardwalk where I was standing (Celebrity band enters through crowd-splitting
boardwalk; best spot in the house). They got right into BIT which, as soon as I heard
it I felt was going to be a good opener, and it was. I think it’ll stay in the set.
Wildflower was next and an obvious crowd favorite. Electric is so rockin’. Electric
Ocean was next and maintained the energy. Relative to their other songs, I’m not a
huge fan of either Spiritwalker or Revolution, but Revolution is a fun live anthem.
The Witch is a perfect live song. Funky, heavy and unique. Loved it. I Assassin is
the most straightforward rock song since Electric and was pretty good. I still think
that song could use a better chorus, but I’m not in the band. Edie was great. Maybe
the most underrated song of the ‘80s from an ‘80s power ballad standpoint. Savages
was next. Personally, I don’t see it staying in the set past this tour. There just
isn’t anything that engaging about it.
Fire Woman was my favorite performance of the night. JR and Ed and everyone for that
matter was singing along and I think Ian really appreciated it. I suppose they have
to play Phoenix in Phoenix. I think it’s a subpar live song, especially right after
Fire Woman. Rise was good, but not as big of a fan favorite as I would have suspected.
Love Removal Machine. Everyone who’s seen this song, heard this song, knows that this
is what live rock and roll is all about. Just unstoppable energy. Great rendition.
After multiple CULT-CULT-CULT chants, the boys came back and raged through Dirty
Little Rockstar which will, after several tours, and maybe more airtime/publicity
become one of their most adored songs ever. Very funky. So much focus from Ian. And
finally She Sells Sanctuary. Nothing to say about this that somebody hasn’t said a
lot before. But crowds just cherish this song…as do I.
In conclusion…Ian was more reserved, professional than I’ve seen him. But appreciative
and happy too. I think this type of show is going to go a long way with the fans and
popularity. One of my friends who only knew the Cult because I made him listen to them
so he’d know about them so he’d go with me on my birthday to the show, honestly thought
it was one of the best rock performances he’d seen. I love Jager.
Eric
Setlist
Born Into This
Wild Flower
Electric Ocean
Spiritwalker
Revolution
The Witch
I Assassin
Lil' Devil
Edie (Ciao Baby)
Savages
Fire Woman
Rain
The Phoenix
Rise
Love Removal Machine
Encore
Dirty Little Rockstar
She Sells Sanctuary