I've genuinely lost count of the number of times I've seen the Sisters of Mercy play. Well, the fact is I've 'seen' them only a few times, on account of the impenetrable wall of smoke they usually perform behind, but I've attended a lot of their shows through the years. The same is likely true of many of the people at tonight’s show, which celebrates the 30th anniversary of the first Sisters gig. They may not have a record contract, or have released a new album in 20 years, but they’ve been slipping new material into the set – more than an album’s worth – and packing out venues across Europe regardless.
It's difficult coming to terms with the fact that I first saw The Sisters play at Wembley Arena back in 1990, and that I was 16 when I attended their 10th anniversary gig. It's equally difficult at times to fathom how they've maintained such a loyal following, and picked up new fans given their lower-than-low profile, especially when they've turned in some seriously lacklustre tours in the new millennium. But the bottom line is that they have some great songs and, on a good night, are an exceptional live act.
On arrival tonight, there's a (rather bored-looking) fire-eater performing on the steps up to the entrance, and once in, girls in fishnets are serving iced birthday cupcakes and handing out commemorative postcard sets. As if that wasn't special enough, The Sisters have enlisted bands who influenced and inspired them at the start to support them over their two nights at the Met. Tonight, we're treated to Space Ritual, who contain more (former) members of Hawkwind than the current touring lineup of Hawkwind. These guys are true veterans, and yet they've still got something. There's a twinkle in Nik Turner's eye as he spins cosmic images (some penned by Robert Calvert, others by Michael Moorcock alongside their won originals) and wigged-out sax breaks against a space-rock backdrop.
The stage has disappeared beneath a dense fog long before the lights go down and The Sisters of Mercy make their entry, launching straight into 'Lucretia My Reflection' and really kicking it, too. If recent shows have been rather too quiet, and Mr Eldritch's vocals too low in the mix and delivered without any real fire, it's immediately apparent that they're going to more than compensate on all fronts tonight. 'Ribbons' is cranked up, taught and sleazy, before 'Dr Jeep' gets a rare airing and hits like a juggernaut. Yes, the Sisters are a consummate rock 'n' roll band, a fact that's all too often overlooked. Delving into the further reaches of the back catalogue, they treat us to 'No Time to Cry' before blasting off with 'Crash & Burn', a timely reminder that while it may be their 30th anniversary gig, it's not purely a nostalgia trip.
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Typical of the band's tongue in cheek humour and stubborn obtuseness, having upped the tempo on almost all of the older songs 'Marianne' is played at ridiculous pace), they play 'Body Electric' at around two-thirds speed. Eldritch meant it when he said they were going to test our patience alright. A brace of new (and predictably unpredictable) covers are aired, too: 'Gift That Shines' originally by Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, and the Dick Dale / Stevie Ray Vaughan surf classic 'Pipeline'.
The addition of ultra-dense live bass action for 'Neverland' brought another dimension to the sound, shortly before a pulverising rendition of 'More' really whipped the crowd up. Naturally, with this rare inclusion, there was no room in the set for 'This Corrosion', and again, it's telling that the band can bypass their second biggest hit on a night like this… but they do end with 'Temple of Love', delivered with clinical precision and real force, not to mention at breakneck speed. It's a glorious finale, and evidence that the Sisters are still a phenomenal live act.
Now, about that new album...
The Sisters of Mercy Online
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