The Cult, Death Cult and Patriarchy at the Warfield in San Francisco

The Cult/Death Cult “Paradise Now 8525 Tour” is nearing its end, but not before hitting San Francisco’s historic Warfield on a Monday night. The Cult has a long relationship with this city so it was no surprise that the fans turned out en masse for what was likely their last chance to see the band any time soon.

Patriarchy kicked off the show promptly at 8 pm, the Los Angeles-based duo tearing through a 30 minutes set awash in a haze that clouded the stage. A recorded track backed up the guitars and drums while leaving plenty of space for the band’s on-stage theatrics which climaxed with vocalist Actually Huizenga yanking on the mic chord wrapped around her drummer’s neck during “Boy On A Leash.”

By the time their set ended, the floor of the Warfield was absolutely packed with anticipation for Death Cult’s set which arrived quickly, the band taking the stage at 7:50 pm and launching straight into “Ghost Dance” from the band’s eponymous EP. Vocalist and goth rock shaman Ian Astbury was in fine form … looking svelte and light on his toes as his performance surprisingly lightened the mood as he put is soccer skills to play on his tambourines during the 30-minute mini set that included a few covers of The Cult classics.

What was clear from the get-go was that the band has a certain affection for San Francisco, both Astbury and guitarist Billy Duffy using the opportunity between songs to profess their love for the city. And when the crowd’s reaction wasn’t quite up to Ian’s standards, he was more than willing to successfully prod for the reaction that he had come to expect from the city by the bay.

A quick break and a slight wardrobe change found the boys back on stage by 9:30 and ready to amp up the room with some rock and roll. Kicking off with “Wild Flower” off of Electric was the perfect mood setter for the next hour of classics from the The Cult’s storied career with “Edie (Ciao Baby)” a mid set jaw-dropper that showcased Astbury’s vocal range.

Stage left, Duffy was effortless as he blasted through the set, more focused on the room as the show unfolded around him. In a strange twist of gate, a setlist mishap resulted in the swapping “Lil’ Devil” and “Fire Woman,” leaving Billy with a mic and some time to further extoll the band’s love for San Francisco.

“Love Remove Machine” wrapped the main set (how could it not?) and the band briefly left the stage before closing the night out with and truly epic performance of “She Sells Sanctuary” that had the entire venue on its feet.

The current tour wraps up October 30 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles after which the band will take its recently announced indefinite hiatus from touring. The remaining dates of this tour are definitely not to be missed … this is The Cult in top form!

The Cult

Death Cult

Patriarchy