The Cult at CineSpace

The Cult played a short set at a benefit show last night in Hollywood. The owners of Acme Game Co. are trying to raise money for a legal defense. They are facing charges of 17 years in prison for selling modified X-Boxes at their store. They were raided in December; the police showed up armed & in full riot gear. Yikes. Not saying they were right about what they did, but somehow the punishment doesn't seem to fit the crime. Here's the review of the show that I posted on The Cult's site:

I was there! There were no advance tickets, first come first served at the door with limited capacity. So, we braved the nasty weather & got to the club early. What's a little cold rain when you're going to see The Cult?!?!

They let us into the club around 10:30pm. We had to wait a little longer to get into the room where the band would play. Became a little concerned when we realized the mens' room was back in that area, and all the guys who were let back to use it didn't seem to return?! Hoped to be able to get close to the stage. Finally we were let in, walked through a crowded bar area & crowded aisle toward the stage, figuring the entire area would be packed by that point. Amazingly enough, at the end of the aisle was a break in the crowd & there was NO ONE standing near the stage. Woo hoo!!!

Small standing room, with a low stage. We set our coats down at the edge of the stage against the monitors & realized we were possibly too close to even take photos - talk about an intimate venue! Pressed up against a stage or barricade in a small room has ALWAYS been my favorite way to see a band, and when it's my favorite one it's even better! I liked the opening band, Chelsea Smiles. Their set was cut short, though, to get to the good stuff! ;)

By the time The Cult came on, the room had filled & the crowd seemed pretty damned excited. Set list: Lil Devil, Peace Dog, Wild Flower, Love Removal Machine (with Jerry Cantrell) and Rain. Short set but oh so good!!! The energy coming from the stage was intense & I hope they could feel the crowd throwing some back as well. I don't have the words to express how happy I am to see them back together & playing live. They sounded AMAZING!!! They did blow a few amps in the process, but it was all good, and all LOUD. My ears are still ringing! Can't wait to do it again.

Here are some photos from the gig - the guys and Jerry Cantrell. Mike Dimkitch was there also, but I didn't have a clear view of him...

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The Rebirth of "Severe Society"

Whips, canes, and floggers, oh my! Severe Society is coming! Led by Sir Nik, the crew (including me!) will perform in the VIP room of Malediction Society every Sunday night, beginning March 5th (okay this is the one night I won't be there - Cult show!!). With loads of talent, combined years of experience in BDSM, and a flair for the dramatic, Severe Society will amaze you!!!

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The Cult on the Late Late Show

Wheeee!!!! Just got back from a taping of the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, with musical guests The Cult. I cannot put into words how excited I am to see Ian Astbury & Billy Duffy together again on the same stage. We got to the studio around 2:30pm (we were told to arrive no later than 4pm), and were happily surprised to find out we were the first ones there. Waited outside at the gate for a while & then we were brought into the building & proceeded single file toward the studio. As we reached the end of the hall, I heard a voice saying "NOT ALLOWED", "NOT ALLOWED." It was Ian. He was referring to us. LOL. I told him "just try & stop us." Hugs & kisses all around (damn he smelled good!) and off he went into the studio, ignoring the older gentleman next to us in line who asked if his wife could have a kiss too. LOL.

We were seated in the front row & given chocolate by the warm-up comedian. That was nice. Bribe us with candy & we'll clap harder. Oh yes! The set was TINY and the band's equipment was all set up, leaving the desk & chairs shoved off to the side for later. We chatted with the couple next to us, the husband asking if the guys in the band were our husbands or boyfriends, or just friends. Heh.

The boys came out to much screaming & clapping, and went straight into Wild Flower. It's Ian and Billy, with Chris Wyse on bass, Mike Dimkitch on rhythm guitar, and John Tempesta on drums. For a band that's only had three rehearsals they sounded tight, confident, and ready to kick some ass. Pure muscle and energy. From the moment they came on, my adrenaline started pumping. My legs were shaking. I wanted to MOVE, but a tv studio isn't really conducive to the whole dancing around, singing along at the top of your lungs vibe. They frown on that. I behaved. After more cheering & clapping, the band launched into Love Removal Machine. Chills. Goosebumps. They're fucking back & oh my god does it feel good! More cheering, more clapping, and they were gone.

The crew broke down the gear & then Craig Ferguson did his monologue & interviewed Kevin Smith (Clerks II is coming out - yay!) and Dolly Parton (no way in hell does she look 60 years old!!). The show was entertaining. Ferguson is actually FUNNY, and it's not all due to the Scottish accent. After the taping ended we chatted again with the couple next to us, who said they really liked the band & might go see them play in Detroit. They also said their son will be very jealous when he finds out they'd just seen The Cult & he didn't.

The show airs tonight at 12:30 & they'll broadcast one of the two songs (Wild Flower). Love Removal Machine will appear on a future show. All in all it was a fun day and an enticing taste of what's to come at the upcoming live shows. I can't wait!!!!!! We've got extreme cases of perma-grin going on here.

www.ladyalchemy.com

Two Lips Art Show at Boardner's

Participated in another group art show at Boardner's tonight. A few friends came out to show their support & we had a great time hanging out. Lots of fun and, as always, I was impressed with the quality of the art on display. I consider myself fortunate to be able to show my work with so many talented L.A. artists. My challenge now is to create some new art. The pieces I've been displaying are older paintings, and although I love them & think they still hold up as valid works, I've lost some enthusiasm for them over time. Working on a new painting right now - very excited about it & looking forward to hanging it at the next show!

Thought my friend Michael was going, then thought I saw him there, but it turned out to be his doppelganger - named Michael as well!!! That was weird.

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After Party

*insert witty caption here*

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LA Guns at the Whisky

Yeah, bitches! LA Guns played at the Whisky last night. What can I say? It's been a LONG time since I had seen them play - 1989!! Steve Riley (drums) & Phil Lewis ( do I need to say 'vocals'?) still kick as much ass as they did in the 80's. Along with guitarist Tracey Blades & bass player Adam Hamilton, they delivered a LOUD set full of delicious, sleazy rock energy. I'm writing this two days later & my ears are still ringing. Phil set me up with a photo pass & I ran around taking a bunch of shots. Too much fun!!! I'm ready to see them play again already. More! More! MORE!
Pictures here:

http://www.ladyalchemy.com/LAGuns.htm

Not only are they touring, but they've got a new cd out (Tales from the Strip), a website (www.laguns.net), and a myspace page (www.myspace.com/lagunsnet).

www.ladyalchemy.com