I remember frantically calling all my local record shops back in 1984 to locate The Cult's debut album 'Dreamtime' on 500 limited edition picture disc. I had to widen the search and at HMV Oxford Street I finally secured it. It was well worth it, an emancipation album that freed my mind.
Knowing I'd be here at the Roundhouse celebrating their 40th year, I pulled it out once more along with the following two classic albums 'Love' and 'Electric'. By the time Rick Rubin had worked his magic on 'Electric' The Cult had transformed from post-punk goths to fully fledged stadium rockers. Guns n Roses even nicked their drummer Matt Sorum.
On reacquainting myself with those albums I was struck with the same passion and awe of old. The songs stand the test of time as does Billy Duffy’s guitar work. Fresh from the Royal Albert Hall where they played the previous night, we awaited the last date on the tour to see if the live event would match expectations.
‘Wild Flower’ sees Astbury - all in black, t-shirt and trouser skirt, topped off with a black bandana and red eye make-up - working the stage. Stage right and left raising his arms to get a crowd reaction “it’s great to be back in Camden, he says.”
After what looked like a cleansing ritual, in which a road crew member was burning papers and wafting them across speakers, drum kit and microphones prior to the band’s entry, it’s clear this is now Astbury’s safe space. More than can be said for the bassist who has to dodge tambourines which are routinely kicked and thrown by Astbury, one connecting his shoulder, later recognising this with an apologetic embrace.
The years are starting to show on Astbury’s voice, but that powerful vocal is still there at the important moments. ‘Resurrection Joe’ from the aforementioned debut album a clear crowd favourite followed by an acoustic version of Eddie (Ciao Baby) from Sonic Temple which saw the founding duo alone on a flood lit stage and ended with Astbury recognising a Camden legend “Amy Winehouse rest in power”.
‘Sweet Soul Sister’ included the line “cold turkey has got me on the run” in a nod to John Lennon. Classic tunes ‘Fire Woman’, ‘Rain’, ‘Spiritwalker’ and ‘Love Removal Machine’ came thick and fast as the crowd which had been largely motionless started to move before the band exited the stage.
Returning in a white Cult t-shirt Astbury and cohorts launched into ‘Brother Wolf, Sister Moon’ and ‘She Sells Sanctuary’ which were the final couplet of the night, the mosh pit finally cracking into action.
After thanking the full band Astbury added “Some of us live unconsciously and some of us live consciously and that’s totally cool. We have to start living more consciously. We chose this, we didn’t choose Wembley f**king Stadium, we chose this, as the money means shit. Thanks, namaste.”
Buddhist Astbury then dropped to his knees and bowed where he remained for a few seconds, see video below. A slightly bizarre end to a great night. The following day as the world awoke to a new Trump presidency, unconscious or not it’s certainly something to think about.
Setlist In the Clouds Rise Wild Flower Star The Witch Mirror War (The Process) Resurrection Joe Edie (Ciao Baby) Acoustic Sweet Soul Sister Lucifer Fire Woman Rain Spiritwalker Love Removal Machine
Encore: Brother Wolf, Sister Moon She Sells Sanctuary
