As the stage was set for The Cult, the energy in the Burton Cummings Theatre shifted from excited anticipation to a fever pitch. The Cult, led by iconic frontman Ian Astbury and legendary guitarist Billy Duffy, have a reputation for delivering powerful live performances, and this night in Winnipeg was no exception.

The Cult exploded onto the stage with “In The Clouds,” one of their standout track. Right from the start, it was clear that the band was in top form. Astbury’s commanding stage presence and unmistakable voice filled the theater, while Duffy’s signature guitar sound – a blend of shimmering, atmospheric chords and searing leads – cut through the mix with surgical precision.

Following “In The Clouds,” The Cult launched into “Wild Flower,” a hard-hitting track from their 1987 album Electric. The song’s infectious riff and driving rhythm had the audience on their feet, singing along with every word. Duffy’s guitar work on this track was especially mesmerizing, as he effortlessly shifted between crunching power chords and intricate solos.

Throughout the night, the setlist spanned The Cult’s storied career, giving fans a taste of both their early post-punk roots and their later hard rock anthems. Tracks like “Fire Woman” and “Sweet Soul Sister” showcased their incredible raw rock energy.

What sets The Cult apart from many other rock bands is their ability to create an atmosphere that feels both intimate and epic. Ian Astbury’s stage presence is a key part of this dynamic. With his flowing black hair, signature sunglasses, and larger-than-life charisma, Astbury commands the audience’s attention with every movement. His vocals, which have remained remarkably powerful over the years, carried the weight of each song, whether he was delivering a guttural growl or a soaring melody.

Billy Duffy, meanwhile, was the perfect counterpart to Astbury’s theatrical presence. Duffy’s guitar playing was nothing short of masterful. Whether he was delivering the driving riff of “Love Removal Machine” or the ethereal textures of “She Sells Sanctuary,” Duffy’s playing was precise, powerful, and full of emotion. His signature white Gretsch guitar gleamed under the stage lights as he delivered solo after solo, each one met with rapturous applause from the audience.

A highlight of the night was the performance of “Edie (Ciao Baby),” a ballad from Sonic Temple that showcases a more tender and emotional side of the band. Astbury’s vocals on this track were particularly moving, and Duffy’s melodic guitar lines added a layer of beauty and sadness to the song that resonated deeply with the audience.

Of course, no Cult concert would be complete without their iconic hit “She Sells Sanctuary.” When the first notes of the song rang out, the crowd erupted into cheers, and for good reason. The song’s swirling guitars, infectious melody, and driving beat have made it a timeless anthem, and the live performance did not disappoint. The energy in the room was electric as the entire crowd sang along to every word, creating a moment of pure rock ‘n’ roll magic.

The Cult’s performance at the Burton Cummings Theatre was a masterclass in rock ‘n’ roll. From the moment they took the stage to the final note of the encore, they held the audience in the palm of their hand, delivering a performance that was both powerful and deeply emotional. Ian Astbury’s commanding vocals and stage presence, combined with Billy Duffy’s unparalleled guitar work, created a night that was as musically impressive as it was emotionally resonant.