First thing was to find a place to stay. I had a couple ideas, close to the Moore Theatre and we were able to find something pretty quick. We got rid of our stuff and the vehicle and proceeded to check out the city. We went by the Moore Theatre so we could take some photos of the marquee. Also saw the tour busses lined up on the street. There were a few people around by the back door, staff, as things were still being set up I presume. We had a chance to check out Pike Place Market and a few other things. Got a bite to eat and something to drink before going back to the hotel to get changed for the concert. We arrived at the venue about 5:45 and immediately met Kevin. As we were chatting with Kevin we saw John Tempesta walking back and forth, between the back door and the tour busses. Most of the time he was on the phone so we didn't bother interrupting him. At this time there was a handful of people outside the venue. We got in line, chatted a little on the phone with another Kevin (from Maryland) and waited to go in the venue. It didn't take long and we were inside.
When I spoke with Kevin earlier he mentioned that the Moore Theatre usually removes the seats on the floor. We did have general admission tickets so it is what I was expecting. To my surprise the seats were all in place. It was movie theatre seating, first come - first served. So we got in and sat down as close as we could find 3 seats. About 5th row on the right hand side (Billy Duffy side). shortly after sitting down, some enterprising person asked security if we could stand at the barricade. They said no problem and the three of us immediately jumped up and got right against the barricade - closer to the centre but still between Ian & Billy. We were at the place to be!
The Moore Theatre is a beautiful theatre. It is 100 years old filled with tons of storied history. The roof above us was high with 2 layers of balcony above. I took this opportunity before the bands began to check it out. It was very similar to the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver where I last saw the Cult.
After not too long of a wait the Living Things came on. They had a short glitch before they began but once underway everything seemed to go smoothly. I previewed their web site before going to the concert so I had heard a few of their songs and was prepared for what to expect. They were good with a couple really catchy tunes. Their guitarist reminded me a little of a very young Duffy. Don't know if it was just the haircut or what, but I got that impression a little. Anyways, they were worth getting there early for. It was an enjoyable opening set.
Once they cleaned up their equipment we had the main event. It was good to see the carpet placed down on stage, I believe that has been a mainstay since 1994 now. I had previewed the setlist from the site so I was sure what to expect. What I didn't know much of was what we would be treated to with the video screen. Every song had a video track assigned to it and they all added to the experience. One that was particularly amazing was the Black Angel video - it has to be seen to be fully appreciated.
The sound was very good. I did have a little bit of a tough time with all of Ian's vocals between songs. He had a little bit of banter but some of it got lost on my ears anyways. When the songs were playing everything was great. I did get the impression from Billy's mannerisms that there might have been some issues with his setup but from an audience perspective I couldn't tell anything was wrong.
One thing I really liked about the show was the slight change in how the songs were sung. It was very subtle, but the vocals seemed more refined than they had been when the CD was recorded. I guess 24 years will do that.
I felt the crowd was very responsive to the songs, even the ones that had been rarely played in the past. Ian did comment that he felt some of the audience might be sleeping a bit, but from where I was I didn't see it. I think you can always get more out of the crowd, so I appreciate the encouragement. One other thing I noticed about the crowd was just how civilized it was. When I saw the Cult in 2006 in Vancouver the crowd was packed like sardines and there was nowhere to move. In Seattle, I had all sorts of personal space and the bouncers all stood off to the side in front of the stage. Only moving to the front when Ian dropped a tambourine he was trying to pass to a girl beside us. Ian did try to get a tambourine up to the first balcony but was unsuccessful - it was a long way up!
At the end of the show I had to get in line to pick up the USB flash drive of the show. I didn't have a chance to ask the person about which shows were going to be recorded, unfortunately, I was just looking to get going. I also did not have an opportunity to chat with anybody in the band this time around. Have to do that next time.
All in all I had a great time. The song list was incredible. I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to hear some of these songs in a live setting - songs that I figured they'd never play again. The highlights for me of the night were Black Angel (mesmerizing, spellbinding), Illuminated (I really like Born Into This and this is a great song from this CD), and the Phoenix (This is one of my favourite songs to hear live). Ian seems to have good movement again he was jumping around and having a good time. Billy plays a great set. He rarely misses a note. John, Chris & Mike are a great compliment to the band and I'm so glad they've been able to stay with the band this long. This encarnation of the Cult is as good as it's ever been - I sincerely hope the 5 of them stay with it for some time to come.
Don't miss the Love Live tour!
Living Things:
At first they had some technicall difficulties, so the crowd began to boo them. Then they got their act together, and I really enjoyed them. The lead singer had a good presence, but I didn't like the constant spitting on the stage.
The Cult:
The place looked like it was filled to capacity from what I could see (1500 people?) They put on a great show. At first when they came out, Ian looked like he was drunk or something, but I don't think he was. He looks like he's gained some weight. He was wearing really baggy clothing, and had a few more layers on, even though the place was really hot. Billy Duffy was in is usual fine form, but I noticed him constantly getting mad to his equipment people. At one point he began a semi-heated conversation with one of the tech guys, then Billy walks over to John Tempesta and says something like "Can you believe those guys?" This was the 3rd time I've seen John Tempesta on drums, he's fits in very well. I like Mike Dimkitch, even though he seems like he's in his own world on stage. He likes to walk to the back speakers and turn his back on the crowd here and there. Overall great show, same song list as the previous Love Live shows. Nice to hear all the Love songs. Looking forward to the Abbotsford show.
I went to the Love Live tour at the Moore theater in Seattle on 8/26. As always they didn't disappoint. I was in the very front the whole time (right by Duffy). I saw them in 89 and 92 but I definitely liked this venue best because you really feel close to the band. Plus I was only 11 when they toured with the Love album so it was extra-great. I noticed that someone on stage was taking pictures? Will they be published? All in all they definitely still have it....Longtime fan,