New York, New York, Hammerstein Ballroom

Headlining, opening bands: Action Action, Brand New Sin


This was my 4th time seeing The Cult and it was another great show from a truly great band. My friend and I got there a little early to get out of the pouring RAIN and plunked ourselves in front of Billy's side of the stage just about 2 rows back. I was taking pictures all night and got some classics of Billy. I wished that Ian had strolled over to that side more often so I could have gotten some clear shots of him too.

I loved that they opened w/ Nirvana since it's such an energetic song. Rise also sounded freakin' unbelievable as did Wild Flower, which seems to be a favorite of Billy's. I wouldn't mind if they dropped Revolution from the set-list already though. Fire Woman sounded a whole lot better than it did at the Nokia show (sigh of relief). I was also really hoping for Sun King since they've played it at a few gigs this time around. That song just really rocks and I'm dying to hear it live.

Ian came out to do Holy Mountain as an acoustic solo complete with guitar. Pretty cool! Billy looked like he was having a blast and kept interacting with the crowd a lot. I haven't been a huge fan of the new stuff but was pleasantly surprised at the way the songs sounded live. Way heavier than the album which is just how I like it. Savages just out and out rocked! BIT was alright but I Assassin was much better. DLR is kind of anthemic so it seems to make more sense to me played live.

In any case, they always leave me wanting more, so here's to new music and more gigs in 2008! Thanks again to the boys! Oh, yeah, welcome to NYC's newest resident, Ian. "NYC, the place to be...". Hope to see you around sometime!

Mary


The Cult sounded great, despite a generic setlist and only a few new songs from the new record. I wish they would trade the somewhat cheesy 'Savages' for the far catchier 'War Pony Destroyer' or 'Stand Alone'. Electric Ocean was a bit of a surprise, since they didn't play it in Fl a couple of weeks ago. After 'Holy Mountain' some guy standing next to me started yelling 'I believe in love not violence!', Ian took his microphone stand and pointed it down to the guy so he could reach it and told him to say it again for the entire audience to hear. Ian splashed water on one of the security guards who kept telling some girl to get down off her boyfriend's shoulders, and then proceeded to put a small hand towel on the security guard's shoulders to help dry the guy off. How very odd, and Ian and the guard both started laughing about that. I'd bought a better recorder for the show, but noticed about two thirds of the way into the show that it wasn't recording- pissed, I quickly swtiched it on again.

Rick

Setlist

Nirvana
Electric Ocean
Lil' Devil
I Assassin
The Witch
Rain
Revolution
Edie (Ciao Baby)
Rise
Savages
Fire Woman
The Phoenix
Dirty Little Rockstar
Wild Flower
She Sells Sanctuary

Encore

Holy Mountain
Born Into This
Love Removal Machine