The Cult proved a revelation on Sunday night (6th Mar 2016), as their ‘Alive In The Hidden City’ tour arrived in Belfast. Playing their first gig in the city in a decade, the former icons stormed the Mandela Hall, with an incendiary performance.
By Eamon O'Neill on 7 March 2016.
The Cult proved a revelation on Sunday night (6th Mar 2016), as their ‘Alive In The Hidden City’ tour arrived in Belfast. Playing their first gig in the city in a decade, the former goth rock icons stormed the Mandela Hall, with an incendiary performance that lifted fans into a euphoric state.
Mixing classic tracks with a heathy smattering of those from latest album ‘Hidden City’, the wild hearted sons kicked off with the primitive stomp of ‘Dark Energy’, setting the tone for what was to follow.
Ably abetted by guitarist Billy Duffy, charismatic frontman Ian Astbury proved a hypnotic watch. Dressed head to toe in black and adorned with stacked heels and dark glasses, the singer oozed cool as he pranced, strutted and shimmied on his “wee carpet”.
As classic tracks like the disco thud of ‘Rain’ and the rock ‘n’ roll swagger of ‘Wildflower’ gave way to newies like the boisterous ‘Hinterland’, the atmosphere in the sold-out venue lifted the Sunday night gloom.
Greeting the crowd, Astbury said; “Good evening Belfast. Thank you kindly for coming out tonight”, adding; “it’s Sunday, so it’s time to kick off your shoes”.
As the hits continued and the sexy groove of ‘Lil Devil’ gave way to an anthemic ‘Sweet Soul Sister’, the Belfast crowd lapped up every minute, loudly showing their support and proving that The Cult were sorely missed in their absence.
Closing their main set with a roof-lifting ‘She Sells Sanctuary’ meanwhile, the Belfast voices threatened to drown out the band, as a mass singalong ensued. Taking their bows, Astbury comically apologised that they had to rush off to catch a boat back to the U.K., saying that they were due to go to “Harry Potter Land”.
The ‘Hidden Cities’ tour continues on Tuesday night (8th Mar), when the band returns to the U.K. for three more shows. The tour then heads to the U.S.A., kicking off in Austin, Texas on 18th March.
The Cult 2016 U.K. Tour Dates:
8th Mar – Leeds, University.
9th Mar – Mewcastle, City Hall.
10th Mar – Norwich, UEA.
The Cult proved a revelation on Sunday night (6th Mar 2016), as their ‘Alive In The Hidden City’ tour arrived in Belfast. Playing their first gig in the city in a decade, the former goth rock icons stormed the Mandela Hall, with an incendiary performance that lifted fans into a euphoric state.
Mixing classic tracks with a heathy smattering of those from latest album ‘Hidden City’, the wild hearted sons kicked off with the primitive stomp of ‘Dark Energy’, setting the tone for what was to follow.
Ably abetted by guitarist Billy Duffy, charismatic frontman Ian Astbury proved a hypnotic watch. Dressed head to toe in black and adorned with stacked heels and dark glasses, the singer oozed cool as he pranced, strutted and shimmied on his “wee carpet”.
As classic tracks like the disco thud of ‘Rain’ and the rock ‘n’ roll swagger of ‘Wildflower’ gave way to newies like the boisterous ‘Hinterland’, the atmosphere in the sold-out venue lifted the Sunday night gloom.
Greeting the crowd, Astbury said; “Good evening Belfast. Thank you kindly for coming out tonight”, adding; “it’s Sunday, so it’s time to kick off your shoes”.
As the hits continued and the sexy groove of ‘Lil Devil’ gave way to an anthemic ‘Sweet Soul Sister’, the Belfast crowd lapped up every minute, loudly showing their support and proving that The Cult were sorely missed in their absence.
Closing their main set with a roof-lifting ‘She Sells Sanctuary’ meanwhile, the Belfast voices threatened to drown out the band, as a mass singalong ensued. Taking their bows, Astbury comically apologised that they had to rush off to catch a boat back to the U.K., saying that they were due to go to “Harry Potter Land”.
The ‘Hidden Cities’ tour continues on Tuesday night (8th Mar), when the band returns to the U.K. for three more shows. The tour then heads to the U.S.A., kicking off in Austin, Texas on 18th March.
The Cult 2016 U.K. Tour Dates:
8th Mar – Leeds, University.
9th Mar – Mewcastle, City Hall.
10th Mar – Norwich, UEA.
