The Sisters Of Mercy - Sonisphere Festival 2011 - 9th July

As the sun descended over the crowd on the 3rd day of Sonisphere and the day's line up came to an end, there was one more band left to play to the anticipating crowd. Those who thought ahead of time and headed to the front of one of the few enclosed stages were thanking themselves as the stage quickly filled up after the previous band - Paradise Lost - finished their set.

At 11:15, the lights dimmed down and and an endless amount of smoke filled not only the stage, but the majority of the large blue tent which was to be the stage for The Sisters of Mercy show that night. As the stage lights perpetrated the smoky air and lit up the tent, Simon Denbigh (Of "The March Violets" fame), Ben Christo and Chris Catalyst appeared out of the thick smoke and onto the stage. Andrew Eldritch's haunting voice in the "Afterhours" covered the crowd and drew everyone in to what was to be an exceptionally well produced and unforgettable show.

The setlist which stretched well over an hour, was an eclectic mix easily described as something from a "Best Of" album (Indeed many of the songs were from "A Slight Case Of Overbombing") and the crowd's reaction reflected the band's energy and dedication in every way; Many 'Sisters' fans, young and old, joined in the mosh pit and sang along to their favorite songs. Indeed, there were particular overriding chants for classics such as "This Corrosion" and "Alice" but as with their other performances, they included a few tracks not on any of the studio ablums. Responses to tracks such as "Arms" and "Will I Dream?" were well recieved by the crowd with many two-stepping in the mud in the little space that they had.

Overall, the show was well presented, well organised and provided a mood that would see any 'Sisters' fan returning for more. After an abscence from UK festival line-ups for 20 years, the band really did seem to enjoy themselves so hopefully we will see them at more festivals in the future.





The Sisters of Mercy are currently on a 30th anniversary world tour with several festivals and concerts lined up over the remainder of 2011 with appearances set for Fuji Rock Festival in Japan, the Soundwave Revolution festival across Australia in September/October as well as - what is building up to be an exciting appearance - at the London Roundhouse in Camden on November 13.

Review by: DJ Boxer
Sources: www.the-sisters-of-mercy.com

Setlist:
Afterhours
Ribbons
Train / Detonation Boulevard
Crash and Burn
A Rock and a Hard Place
Amphetamine Logic
Arms
Dominion / Mother Russia
Summer
More
Will I Dream?
Alice
Anaconda
Lucretia, My Reflection
Vision Thing
Pipeline
Temple of Love

Encore:
Something Fast
First & Last & Always
This Corrosion