The CULT-8424 Tour, Manchester Apollo, in Manchester, UK on 25th October 2024.

 

 

 

WORDS AND IMAGES PAUL EVANS

 

 

Known for their raw energy, mystique and iconic stage presence, The Cult have become one of the most influential bands to emerge from the UKs 1980s alternative music scene. Their journey over the last four decades has been marked by several musical transformations creating a sound that is both timeless and unmistakably theirs. With a unique blend of mystique, intensity and rock ‘n’ roll spirit on anthems like “She Sells Sanctuary”, “Love Removal Machine” and “Fire Woman” The Cult remain an enduring symbol of rock’s power to transcend genres, inspire fans, and defy expectations.  As fans line the streets outside Manchester’s Apollo, I reminisce about seeing them play this very venue in 1985. Over the ensuing years the bands legacy has grown in potency  and tonight sees them play Manchester as part of their 8424 Tour, commemorating 40 years as a band. it’s also a hometown gig for guitarist Billy Duffy, so this should be good, very good.

Under the dimmed lights of this iconic venue, the atmosphere is electric (pun intended) and I hear lots of fans sharing stories about previous shows and expectations for the night. The show’s a sell out and as is the norm with The Cult, tonight’s support is not what you’d expect as an atmospheric set by Jonathan Hultén opens the night. Known for his haunting, acoustic style and distinctive, theatrical presence, Hultén brings an ethereal and introspective energy to the stage that creates a fitting contrast to the main act’s high-energy rock’n’roll. Standing on stage in his signature, almost otherworldly attire, Hultén looks like he’s emerged from a Nordic folklore tale, part shaman, part troubadour. He captivates the crowd with soft, gothic melancholy and acoustic folk guitar work which evokes a deep sense of solitude and reflection. Voice and guitar fill the space, each note resonating in the silence between songs, each lyric seeming to linger in the air long after it has been sung.  

 

 

Subtle lighting casts dramatic shadows enhancing the intimacy and mystery of the performance with mesmerising, gentle fingerpicking and ghostly vocals drawing the audience into a world of introspective storytelling. The quiet intensity of Hultén’s performance isn’t for everyone, but creates an atmosphere where everyone seems intrigued, hanging on each delicate note and haunting phrase. For those who arrive early enough to witness Hultén’s evocative, soulful performance it’s an unexpected and memorable part of the evening. His ability to create an immersive experience with just his voice and guitar leaves a lasting impression and sets a contemplative tone before the high-energy of the headliners.

“Christine”, “A Forest”, “Love will Tear us Apart” and “Song to the Siren” play over the PA before incense is swung back and forth on stage and Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries” announces the impending headliners. There’s a short delay, but when the lights finally dim again, a collective cheer rises, before the opening notes of “In the Clouds” drift through the Apollo. It’s a tantalising lead-in that is met with another ecstatic cheer.  Ian Astbury is as charismatic and intense as ever, his presence commanding the entire room while Billy Duffy’s riffs thunder with precision, evoking the gritty edge that has defined The Cult’s sound for the last few decades.

Seamlessly shifting into the darkly anthemic “Rise”, the song casts a hypnotic spell. Duffy’s powerful guitar riffs entwined with Astbury’s haunting vocals send waves of nostalgia through the crowd before the energy in the room lifts to new heights as “Wild Flower” has the crowd cheering and throwing their fists in the air as they sing along. Astbury’s vocals soar carrying an unspoken message of defiance and passion as the wild intensity of Duffy’s guitar solo elevates the track to new heights showing a freshness in this classic song from ‘Electric’. It’s an auspicious start and there’s barely a moment to catch your breath before “Star”, “The Witch”, “Mirror” and “War (The Process)” continue the sonic onslaught. “Star” is seductive and brooding, Astbury’s vocals delivered as if it is part of a grand incantation. “The Witch” is deep and mystic transforming the atmosphere into something ceremonial, where every beat resonates like a cast spell. Astbury prowls the stage with an almost shamanic intensity, while Duffy’s guitar gives the song it’s primal power.

The familiar beats and infectiousness of “Resurrection Joe” bring back memories of The Cult’s early days and send a jolt through the audience. Astbury leads them with his magnetic stage presence as the crowd moves as one before “Edie (Ciao Baby)” brings the tempo down. With only Ian and Billy on the blue lit stage the song’s haunting beauty fills the Apollo. Astbury’s voice conveying heartbreaking depth while Duffy’s acoustic guitar carries the emotional weight of the song. The crowd sway in unison, many visibly moved and for a few minutes, it feels as though the entire venue is holding its breath sharing a moment of melancholy and nostalgia.

 

 

With the unmistakable opening of “Fire Woman”, the Apollo is shaken from its temporary slumber and the song is met with a roar of recognition. Astbury’s vocals are as powerful as ever as Duffy’s guitar riffs carry the songs undeniable ferocity. Voices echo throughout the hall in a moment of shared excitement as the band deliver it with all the passion and intensity it deserves. With its lingering beauty “Rain” follows, its atmospheric soundscapes washing over the crowd creating a feeling of intimacy in the vastness of the Apollo. Astbury’s voice is evocatively striking and the entire band are in perfect sync creating a performance that is both powerful and ethereal. “Spiritwalker” is as intense and primal as ever showcasing its post-punk energy, the crowd in time with every beat. One of the night’s high points is the first chords of “Love Removal Machine”. The sheer power of the performance has the Apollo crowd on their feet as Astbury prowls the stage, the song’s raw power is exhilarating, a celebration of The Cult’s rock ‘n’ roll spirit.

“Brother Wolf, Sister Moon,” begins the encore and is soulful and evocative, but it’s “She Sells Sanctuary” that brings the night to a rapturous close. The iconic opening riff drawing the loudest cheer of the night with fans utterly absorbed in the song’s timeless rhythm. As Duffy’s guitar wails and Astbury’s vocals soar, the Apollo pulses with a collective joy, marking the perfect end to an unforgettable night, a final reminder of The Cult’s enduring power as a live act.

It’s been an immersive journey through the band’s vast 40-year musical landscape tonight. From the high-energy anthems to introspective ballads, each song has felt fresh yet familiar, a testament to The Cult’s ability to evolve while honouring their roots.  Astbury and Duffy proving once again why they are one of rock’s most enduring duos, their chemistry and skill as performers shining and creating a sound that is both timeless and unmistakably theirs.

 

THE CULT SETLIST:

1/ In the Clouds

2/ Rise

3/ Wild Flower

4/ Star

5/ The Witch

6/ Mirror

7/ War (The Process)

8/ Resurrection Joe

9/ Edie (Ciao Baby)

10/ Sweet Soul Sister

11/ Lucifer

12/ Fire Woman

13/ Rain

14/ Spiritwalker

15/ Love Removal Machine

Encore:

16/ Brother Wolf, Sister Moon

17/ She Sells Sanctuary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOLLOW THE CULT

FOLLOW JONATHAN HULTEN

 

 

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA