Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Thursday 28 November 2024, Hindley St Music Hall, Adelaide, South Australia
SOLD-OUT. Kinda set the tone right there. It was packed, prob the BIGGEST and LOUDEST show I’ve been to there, and, I’ve been around 😉 Hindley Street Music Hall became a shrine to rock ‘n’ roll as The Cult roared into Adelaide, turning the venue into a pulsating cauldron of energy. Celebrating 40 years of rebellious anthems, this was more than just another gig – it was a full-blown rock revival on a freakin’ monumental level. They KILLED it.
A Support
The evening was elevated by the dynamic performance of their national support act, Mayatrix & The Psychics.
Hailing from Boorloo/Perth, Mayatrix & The Psychics, fronted by the captivating Moana Mayatrix, have been making waves with their hypnotic fusion of industrial rock, trip-hop, and psychedelia. Their inclusion in The Cult’s Australian tour was a significant milestone, offering them a platform to showcase their unique sound to a broader audience. Moana expressed the band’s excitement, stating, “To tour Australia playing venues like these with a band as iconic as The Cult is literally a dream come true for us!”
As the opening act, Mayatrix & The Psychics set the tone for the evening with their spellbinding performance. Their latest single, ‘Black Moon Medicine,’ exemplifies their bold and sensual style, captivating the audience and leaving a lasting impression. LOVED them,.
A Legendary Setlist That Hit Hard
From the moment the first chord ripped through the air, it was clear we were in for a ride. Kicking things off with ‘In The Clouds’ & ‘Rise’, then following with classics like ‘Rain’ & ‘The Witch’, the band wasted no time cranking the energy to 11. By the time they finally hit ‘She Sells Sanctuary’, the crowd was a sea of fists in the air and voices screaming along.
But, my friends, it wasn’t just a nostalgia trip. Tracks from their latest album, Under the Midnight Sun, held their own against the old-school hits, proving The Cult hasn’t lost their edge. Ian Astbury’s growling vocals still pack a punch, and Billy Duffy? Let’s just say his guitar could have set the place on fire.
Hindley Street Music Hall, The Perfect Match
Let’s talk about the venue for a second – it’s got grit, style, and just the right amount of chaos to host a night like this. I get there quite a bit these days and see varied shows in all genres. It never fails to deliver the nuances and character of every artist or band performing. The acoustics? Crisp enough to catch every riff, raw enough to make it feel alive. No matter where you stood, you were in the thick of it. The intimacy of the hall only amped up the connection between the band and the crowd.
And can we give props to the lighting crew? The visuals pulsed with the music, turning every song into a full-body experience. Credit is due.
The Crowd Were Pure Adelaide Rockers
Adelaide brought their A-game and we were part of THEIR cult. Us crowd wasn’t just there to watch – we were there to live it. From leather jackets to denim vests (and that was just me, haha), the energy was electric, and the singalongs were deafening and the head banging was headache inducing. Astbury fed off it, engaging with the audience like a frontman born for the stage. When the band smashed into their encore, the roar of the crowd felt like it could’ve shaken the foundations of Hindley Street.
A Night That Burned Bright
The Cult didn’t just play a show – they unleashed a masterclass in what rock music is supposed to feel like and executed brilliance. With Hindley Street Music Hall proving it’s one of the best places to catch a live act, this was a night Adelaide’s rock fans won’t forget anytime soon.
If you missed it, don’t worry, the breakdown… we all left with ears ringing, hearts pounding, and a little more swagger in our step. The Cult reminded us why they’ve ruled for four decades: they don’t just play rock – they are rock. AND, I don’t think it’s over yet kids!
Check out our Official Photo Galleries:
Mayatrix and The Psychics
The Cult
