Sisters Of Mercy @ The Gov, Adelaide 27/10/2019
Adelaide was quite fortunate to have a date in our city added to The Sisters Of Mercy Australian tour. Thankfully Adelaide turned out in force going pretty close to a full house. It’s hard to believe that it has been seven years since the band were last here but they more than made up for it.
The Sisters Of Mercy are an incredible band and one of those bands that have inspired so many others and from an indie rock band perspective they are one of those bucket list bands to tick off to say you have seen them. Their albums have endured the test of time and their back catalogue is so strong that they haven’t felt the pressure to release new music with their last album released in 1990. Listening to their music on YouTube and Spotify doesn’t you the full appreciation of what to expect from the intensity and power of their live show.
For a Sunday The Gov was absolutely humming and the smoke machine was working overtime filling the venue in a smoky haze. I’ve never seen smoke that thick which by now covered most of the venue. Where’s the stage? The band took the stage just on half nine to a really warm welcome from their fans who had been waiting a long time to see them. In amongst the haze to blue and red lights front man Andrew Eldritch emerges to sing More. The songs follow in quick succession and a part from a few mumblings from Eldritch there is no pointless banter with the crowd.
The Vision Thing album featured strongly in the first part of the set featuring Ribbons, Doctor Jeep/ Detonation Boulevard and then Alice off the EP of the same name. There was a big cheer for one of their big singles Dominion/ Mother Russia which sounded great. Guitarist Ben Christo is a gun, wow, this guy can seriously play. Some of the highlights for me included First And Last And Always, I Was Wrong and Flood II.
At this point the band left the stage returning for an encore and it was hard to refuse this parochial crowd one. The encore was loaded with massive singles including the likes of Lucretia My Reflection, Temple Of Love and finishing on This Corrosion. East coasters don’t miss your chance to see this influential band, get your tickets now.
Live Review By Rob Lyon