Since forming the Cult in 1983 in West Yorkshire, England, vocalist Ian Astbury and guitarist Billy Duffy have had a love/hate relationship, repeatedly splitting apart the Cult and then reuniting with a new rhythm section. Astbury and Duffy seem to be committed to working together these days, while working with a series of ancillary musicians. Drummer John Tempesta has played in the Cult since its 2006 reunion, keyboardist Damon Fox joined in 2015, and bassist Charlie Jones is the newest member, recruited earlier this year. That is to say that Astbury’s hyper-masculine vocals and Duffy’s stinging guitar leads and riffs are the crux of everything Cult.
The "We Own the Night" tour came to the outdoor Rooftop at Pier 17 in the midst of a week-long New York City heatwave. Although every few years the Cult embarks on an international concert tour, the band has depended largely on its catalog for live content. Six years have passed since the band released any new material. Under the Midnight Sun, the band’s 11th studio album, will be released on October 7.
The Cult’s current tour seemingly is not about promoting the forthcoming album, however, since the band performed only one song from this collection on this night. The band performed “Give Me Mercy,” the lead single from the forthcoming eight-song album. Live, the song proved the promise of the Cult continuing its hard rocking melodic sound.
Otherwise, the Cult’s set drew primarily from three vintage albums, 1985’s Love, 1987’s Electric, and 1989’s Sonic Temple, plus the evening’s opening song, “Rise,” from 2001’s Beyond Good and Evil. Ironically, perhaps, the Cult did not acknowledge the three albums recorded since the 2006 reunion; these albums were not as commercially successful as the earlier albums anyway. Hence, the 2022 concert set list was similar to what the band performed live in 1989.
Astbury’s deep, relaxed vocals often seemed to channel Jim Morrison, but with a scarf wrapped around his head at this concert, the Cult invoked closer comparisons to Guns N’ Roses than the Doors. Astbury was ever the band’s showboat, egging the audience to demonstrate more enthusiasm and participation. Frequently, he held his hand in the air as a signal for a roadie to toss him a tambourine, which he hit inaudible to anyone but himself, until he dropped it on the ground behind him or handed to a fan along the front barricade.
Astbury’s vocals were outstandingly strong. As his vocals trailed off at the end of a verse or chorus, Duffy then captured the spotlight with impressively clean and clear leads. Throughout the performance, Duffy’s extended leads reminded the audience that the Cult was an innovative hard rock band, not a classic formula radio band. The other musicians supplemented well, but the exchange between Astbury and Duffy was uber-dynamic and gripping.
The Cult’s current tour takes the band throughout the United States right up to the October release of Under the Midnight Sun, followed by a date in Mexico. Perhaps by then the show will include more new songs. If not, it is possible that the Cult may return next year to really promote the album.
Setlist
Rise
Sun King
Automatic Blues
Sweet Soul Sister
Soul Asylum
Edie (Ciao Baby)
Give Me Mercy
Wild Flower
Fire Woman
Rain
She Sells Sanctuary
New York City
Love Removal Machine
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The Manhattan Beat covers New York City's live music circuit. All articles are written by Everynight Charley Crespo. All photographs are taken by Everynight Charley Crespo, except when noted otherwise. For a list of Manhattan venues that are presenting live music regularly, swing the desktop cursor to the right of the home page and click on the pop-up tab "Where to Find Live Music." For a listing of upcoming concerts for live audiences, visit The Manhattan Beat's August calendar.
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