ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, OCT. 27, 1994
By Steve Newton
For a while it looked like a minor riot might break out on the Granville Mall last Sunday night, even with our cup-fumbling Canuckleheads out of action.
But only a few disgruntled Cult fans among the estimated 2,000 to 3,000 turned away from the band’s surprise concert at the Commodore—which was announced just two days before—went so far as to throw donations brought for the Vancouver Food Bank against the venue’s front door.
Inside, a packed house heard the blues-heavy British rock act play a free Food Bank benefit in appreciation of the hospitality shown the band during its recent stay for the recording of its new, eponymously titled CD.
While such celebs as Bob Rock (the disc’s producer) and Aerosmith vocalist Steve Tyler looked on, Cult singer Ian Astbury led the band through several brand-new selections, including the debut single/video “Coming Down (Drug Tongue)”.
The biggest response from the bouncing, all-ages crowd greeted older hits such as “Fire Woman”, “Love Removal Machine”, and “She Sells Sanctuary”.
According to the Food Bank’s Therese MacNeil, 3,200 pounds of food and $700 in cash were collected for the cause. We figure that more than makes up for the big mess of ripped-down posters and garbage strewn outside by unhappy Cult campers.