In preparation for the first tour since their break-up in '95, The Cult [ tickets ] treated Los Angeles to two intimate shows at Sunset Strip's infamous Viper Room last weekend (June 11-12). Before doors even opened for the non-ticketed event, a line wrapped around the building with fans desperately hoping to get in.

In typical Hollywood fashion, A-list attendees were the first to enter, including Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray, Randy Castillo of Motley Crue and as only possible in the City of Angels, Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains) and Twiggy Ramirez making all heads turn with their entrance in a classic convertible Corvette.

As the club filled to capacity, The Cult opened with 89's electric, Fire Woman. One of the first credible blues-rock, goth-inspired bands to emerge from the U.K. in '83, The Cult has six albums under their belt, and they appeared as energetic and refined as they did ten years ago.

Ian Astbury, the consummate front man, stayed true to form, showing the crowd that he is back and better than before. Sporting black fly sunglasses and a black net shirt for the first half of the night, Astbury belted out hit after hit (Rain, Love Removal Machine, Edie, Sweet Soul Sister, Wild Flower).

Tambourine in hand and voice strong and stellar, Astbury had the audience going from the moment he hit the stage. The reformed band including original guitarist, Billy Duffy, second-guitarist Mike Bimkich (who toured with The Cult from '92-93), Martyn LeNoble (Porno for Pyros) on bass and Guns N' Roses' Matt Sorum on drums, were tight, belting out song after song.

Throughout the 75-minute set, and in between songs, Astbury posed as an evangelist, suggesting everyone look at their ''inner self'' and to use sex as a cure-all. Unfortunately, he did not offer his services for the suggested therapy. Returning for one encore in jeans and a Darth Maul shirt, Astbury closed the night by stage diving to the classic, She Sells Sanctuary.

The Cult starts their tour July 15 in San Francisco, and ends with a four night stint (August 19-22) at the House of Blues in Hollywood, California.