Finally, the Cult come back to Richmond for the first time since opening for Metallica in 1989. The newly restored National Theatre was the site. This is a really cool place to see a show, and the sound system is simply awesome. Capacity is 1500, and from what I could see, there was no room left.

On to the show. This was the 30th time seeing our boys live, starting with Baltimore back in 86/87 opening for Billy Idol. Same set list as the other shows on this short east coast swing. Nirvana was awesome live, as I have not heard them do that one live in quite a while. All of the new stuff was very impressive, particularly I Asassin and Savages. Ian stayed mostly silent, not addressing the crowd except for his customary Thank you's, until they ripped into Horse Nation. That set the crowd off in a big way, and we were all hyped up until the end. Ian did begin to talk to the crowd between songs after that, but Billy stayed silent on the mic all night, other than glaring at his tech a couple of times. Crowd was at a fever pitch for Spiritwalker and Wild Flower, and they blew the roof of the place with LRM, Fire Woman and Sancturary. The band sounded as tight as I have ever seem them. John Tempesta impresses me every single time I see him and Chris is no slouch either. All in all, probably the best live performance I have been to and to top it all off, I managed to snag one of Ian's tambourines out of the air. (Being 6 foot 8 inches tall does have its advantages sometimes)

On to the aftershow. Turns out, my fiance is good friends with the wife of one of the owners of the theatre. We met him on the way out and they arranged for me to get backstage. Unbelievable. I have been waiting for 24 years for this moment. When we all lined up, we were told they would all sign one item, no handshakes, and you could get back in line again for a picture. The entire band signed the tambourine for me, and when talking with Billy, he found out that I am originally from Newcastle, England, the conversation quickly turned to Football (soccer). Ian jumped into the conversation, and when they both found out this was my 30th gig, they were full of appreciation for me which was a total class act. Both thanked me for putting some money in their pocket over the years. Getting up some guts, I asked Ian if he would consider signing my ticket stub for my 12-year old daughter, whose middle name happens to be Astbury. He was glad to do so. Waiving the "no handshake rule", both of them made sure I went away happy with a firm handshake and a big thankyou for coming. My absolute pleasure. Anyway, as a young 13 year old, the last thing I saw on English television the night before I moved to the States was The Cult playing Spiritwalker live on The Tube in 1984, and I have been hooked ever since. Billy, Ian and the whole band were class acts and seemed genually excited and appreciative to meet me, but it was way beyond my pleasure to meet them at last. I can die a happy man now!!!

Long live THE CULT!!!!!

Nirvana
Rain
I Assassin
The Witch
Sweet Soul Sister
Edie (Ciao Baby)
Illuminated
Horse Nation
Spiritwalker
Wild Flower
Rise
Savages
The Phoenix
Dirty Little Rockstar
Love Removal Machine
Fire Woman
She Sells Sanctuary