We’ve finally parked the car after circling the Usher Hall three times in search of a parking spot. Each time we passed by, I noticed more people joining the growing line outside the venue, eagerly waiting for the doors to open. Those arriving early are clearly hoping to secure the best spots inside the hall for a perfect view of the event.
The first performer of the evening was Jonathan Holten from the Swedish metal band Tribulation. Tonight, his performance took on a more ambient, gothic tone. He was very expressive with his arms and hands, adding a dynamic presence to the music and inviting the audience into his world. By the end of the second song, he had won over the crowd in Edinburgh.
The stage was designed to resemble an Egyptian tent positioned behind him. His imposing presence dominated the space. The atmosphere was enhanced with strategic lighting and dry ice, setting the ideal scene for his music to thrive. Jonathan captivated the Edinburgh audience, receiving a warm and enthusiastic reception as his performance concluded.
The moment was drawing near to greet Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy. As the stage lights faded, the band’s equipment became visible. They gradually appeared on stage, following the dramatic intro of their music, “Apocalypse Now.”
When Billy first appeared on stage, the audience erupted in a thunderous cheer, and the excitement only intensified as Ian made his entrance, greeted by palpable energy from the crowd. Billy launched into the opening bars of “In The Clouds,” setting the tone for the evening. The party truly began with “Rise,” the second track from the “Beyond Good and Evil” album, as the crowd danced and sang along with Ian. The night was a tribute to some of the band’s greatest hits, reviving the spirit of the ’84 generation for the audience in 2024.
Returning to the Electric album, the band delivered an incredible performance of “Wild Flower,” which vividly reminded listeners of the band’s heyday, when they played outdoor stadium concerts. This includes their memorable performance at Glasgow’s Ibrox Stadium, where they opened for Simple Minds. Highlights from this section of the set included standout tracks like “The Witch” and “Mirror,” which beautifully blended the old with the new.
The band delivered an electrifying performance tonight. You could really tell Ian was having a blast on stage as he energetically played his tambourines for the Edinburgh crowd. His vocals were outstanding, truly revitalizing the music.
Edinburgh experienced a remarkable acoustic rendition of “Edie (Ciao Baby)” that completely captivated the audience. Ian’s vocal prowess was truly showcased, leaving everyone in awe, while Billy sat at the edge of the riser, strumming his acoustic guitar which perfectly complemented Ian’s singing. This performance seamlessly transitioned into a fantastic version of “Sweet Soul Sister,” which got the whole audience singing and dancing to this Cult classic.
The performance escalated to its peak as fan favourites like “Lucifer,” “Fire Woman,” and the exceptional “Rain” from the Love album were performed in succession. Ian expressed his fondness for Scotland, reminiscing about past times in the city. The journey then turned back to the Dreamtime album with “Spiritwalker,” featuring impressive guitar sequences that showcased Billy with his remarkable White Falcon guitar. The chords of “Love Removal Machine” resonated throughout the venue, energizing the crowd into jumping, dancing, and singing along to the timeless track. The passion of the Edinburgh audience was electric, their voices soaring in unison. As the final note lingered in the air, the band exited the stage, leaving a lasting impression.
After a short break, the band came back to captivate the audience with a breath-taking rendition of the classic from the “Love” album, “Brother Wolf, Sister Moon.” It was a truly magical moment, highlighted by outstanding guitar performances and Ian’s impressive vocals, which captured the song’s deep emotion. This seamlessly transitioned into The Cult’s iconic track “She Sells Sanctuary,” prompting the audience to dance and sing along enthusiastically. The band chose this as their final performance of the evening, and it was spectacular. As they bid farewell to Edinburgh, it was a moment to look back on a remarkable show during the 8424 tour.
If you have the opportunity to secure tickets for a nearby show, I highly recommend attending. You’ll experience a fantastic evening of music from a significant period in the band’s history, presented with the same fervour and vitality as always. Tonight was a memorable occasion that will be cherished for years to come.
Review by Karen Edmond