Phoenix, AZ – The Cult closed out the Arizona State Fair’s concert series on October 25, 2025. With the very recent announcement that they would be taking a hiatus from touring for an undetermined amount of time, fans were especially excited to see this rock and roll cult classic…pardon the pun.
Many moons ago, when I first encountered the Cult through the mainstream hit “Edie (Ciao Baby),” Ian Astbury’s voice just blew me away, and last night’s show did not let me down. While many a voice in the music industry shows the wear and tear of years (or decades) on the road performing live, Astbury’s voice was as fresh and strong as I’ve ever heard it. That signature vibrato, especially at the higher octaves, was clean and pure and just blew me away.
Another thing that makes their show fantastic to see is Astbury’s engagement with the audience. He wants to know the audience is present and with him, and checks in throughout the show to make sure everyone is having a good time. There was no doubt last night that everyone attending was with him for all 15 songs of the set.
At one point, Astbury chatted with the audience and said, “Many bands play heavy with the guitar. It’s all just amps and bass. We play heavy from the heart!”
The audience definitely agreed with that declaration.
Speaking of “Edie (Ciao Baby),” it was the fifth song of the set, and the slight modification from the studio version really amplified the heartfelt homage to socialite and Andy Warhol muse, Edie Sedgwick. Starting a bit slower, with only Billy Duff playing lead guitar, Astbury really let loose with the vocals in the intro. By the time bassist Charlie Jones and drummer John Tempesta joined in, the emotion was in full force.
Astbury was not shy about reminding the crowd the Cult has released 11 albums in their career. The band played songs from their extensive catalog, including when they were first using the name Death Cult, taking the crowd on a journey.
“Fire Woman” was another highlight of the show, with full hard energy. Astbury finished out the song, stating, “Every time you hear that song, remember tonight!”
The show closed out with the encore “She Sells Sanctuary,” arguably the Cult’s anthem song and the perfect closeout. As the audience started to leave (but hoping for just one more song), Astbury knelt on the stage, giving gratitude for a successful show.
Setlist:
-Rise
-The Witch
-Rain
-Resurrection Joe
-Edie (Ciao Baby)
-Hollow Man
-Lucifer
-Horse Nation (Death Cult cover)
-Spiritwalker
-War (The Process)
-Wild Flower
-Lil’ Devil
-Fire Woman
-Love Removal Machine
-Encore: She Sells Sanctuary
