The Cult Rocks the O.C.'s MusInk Festival

I didn't really mention it, but The Cult also played this weekend at the O.C.'s MusInk' Festival. I saw The Cult in 1985. The band was a Gothic mystery for me, and had they toured L.A. more I might have really immersed myself in their sounds. I was hip to "She Sells Sanctuary" (from the band's "Love" album). The video here is from 1987. But check the review at the Orange County Register for Friday's performance, "Musink Day 1: The Cult Roars Once More"

Singer Ian Astbury and guitarist Billy Duffy are the lone holdovers from the original mid-’80s lineup. In the past decade they’ve put out two studio albums (including the criminally ignored Born into This, a 2007 return-to-form) while Astbury also toured with surviving members of the Doors, and Duffy (looking quite like David Beckham these days) spent time with Coloursound and Circus Diablo.

The pair are now augmented by powerhouse drummer John Tempesta (White Zombie, Testament), bassist Chris Wyse and longtime rhythm guitarist Mike Dimkich. They’re currently working on new material with producer Chris Goss (Queens of the Stone Age, Masters of Reality).

Playing to a medium-sized crowd in an exhibition hall at the OC Fair & Event Center, the Cult opened with the rousing AC/DC-esque crunch of “Lil’ Devil” as Astbury vigorously shook a tambourine. An extended “Rain,” awash in shimmering Goth-rock sounds, was simply amazing, Duffy reminding that he’s one of the post-punk era’s best guitarists. He frequently held his Gretsch White Falcon aloft throughout the show, giving old fans and younger Guitar Hero enthusiasts a closeup instructional view ...

Astbury tossed in an interesting ad-lib during the “Fire Woman” breakdown (“I’ve been thinking / Why must MTV air the Jersey Shore / While we’re at war”), then later prefaced the mesmerizing “ Phoenix ” by singing “this is not a love song” — and asking who in the crowd planned on attending the coming Coachella festival to see PiL.

“We’ve never been invited by Goldenvoice and we started this whole thing,” he said, referring to the Astbury-organized Gathering of the Tribes festival of 1990. The pre-song rant continued: “People come and go, but we’re still here. Don’t talk to me about punk rock. This is acid rock. Prepare for liftoff.” Led by Duffy’s eerie effects, it definitely soared.

I'll update tomorrow with some reporting on day two as well. Reminds me the olden days!