The Cult To Tour ‘Electric’ Album In Its Entirety

“It’s going to be one of longest U.S. tours for a while,” frontman Ian Astbury tells THR. Only two dates have been announced so far.

Shortly after midnight on Friday morning The Cult changed the background photo on its official Facebook page to a picture with white and red letters on a black background that reads “The Cult Electric 13.” The band also shared a single post, “++ DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED MONDAY, MAY 13TH ++” (sic) which immediately gave rise to internet speculation that the band is going to celebrate its classic 1987 album, “Electric” by playing in its entirety on tour.

On Saturday at 5:40 p.m. EST, Cult singer Ian Astbury confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that the band would be touring the album in its entirety and feature two sets each night. A full list of tour dates will be announced Monday and, Astbury said, “It’s going to be one of longest U.S. tours for a while. We are working on an album for 2014 so this is a way to break that up and keep the momentum from Choice Of Weapon.”

The Rick Rubin-produced album was significant for the band as it marked a dramatic change in sound, from lush psychedelic pop, to hard rock reminiscent of AC/DC, Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones. It was the first Cult album to go platinum in the U.S. due to the breakout hit, “Love Removal Machine.” Videos from Electric were popular on MTV and helped cement the group’s musical image as long-haired rockers in denim and leather. Singles “Wildflower” and “Lil’ Devil” became staples of Cult concerts and the album remains extremely popular with Cult fans.

Only two years prior the band released the landmark “Love.” Awash in shimmering guitars and haunting melodies, it was a staple of college radio that put the Cult on the map. Videos for “Revolution,” “She Sells Sanctuary” and “Rain” showcased the band in ‘60s psychedelic styles. When they shifted gears with Electric it was a surprise to many and a move the band never retreated from. In 2009 The Cult marked the 25th anniversary of Love with the successful Love Live Tour, playing the album in its entirety and re-releasing it in expanded formats.

So far, two U.S. concert dates have been booked; but fans must wait until Monday for a full itinerary.

The Cult US tour dates:

Aug 3, 2013 – Sturgis, North Dakota, Buffalo Chip Festival
Aug 16, 2013 – Biloxi, Mississippi, Hard Rock Live

Source: The Hollywood Reporter