Dancing in the Shadows to the Sisters of Mercy

The Sisters of Mercy performing at the Hollywood Palladium, LA by Jacob Alvarez

ANDREW ELDRITCH AND CO. SOLD OUT 2ND NIGHT IN HOLLYWOOD

The Sisters of Mercy made their return to Hollywood and America earlier this month after 15 years of absence. The band has been touring since 2019 in other parts of the world, but they booked two shows at the historic Hollywood Palladium after playing their final show back in 2008 at the Fonda around the block.

Having learned a lot about the band from my dad’s listening patterns, he made sure I was going to be in attendance. This was something unmissable in his eyes. The line full of goths dressed in black tees, Doc Martens, and fishnets snaked through the backside of the venue, where I awaited my photo pass. Once inside, the heat was sweltering, and I couldn't imagine the amount of sweat drenching the fans that packed out the floor. True dedication. At the band’s request, photographers were to take photos during songs three, four, and five, so we waited near the pit listening to sounds similar to the ambient noises found at Disneyland’s Space Mountain.

The Sisters of Mercy performing at the Hollywood Palladium, LA by Jacob Alvarez

Then the lights went out, and the noises got louder with the bass rumbling the floor. Guitarists Dylan Smith and Ben Christo walked to each side of the stage, claiming their places as singer Andrew Eldritch walked to the center, shaved head dressed in black with a unbuttoned shirt. He looked comfortable yet commanding, with an almost fearing tone. The Sisters of Mercy began with “Don’t Drive on Ice” followed by “Crash and Burn.” Many of the set included previously unreleased songs, although they have been played live prior. All photographers were escorted in during quickly after, and the band flowed from side to side in mostly darkness with subtle lights illuminating each member as silhouettes. From red to blue to yellow, Eldritch moved around like some kind of sorcerer, crooning his raspy vocals while each guitarist shredded from the very edges of the stage.

At times, the band resembled that of a hair metal group but it was hard to wash away the fact that they are goth icons regardless of Eldritch’s views on the matter. Not to forget, drum machine Doktor Avalanche rattled the walls as a founding member. The Sisters of Mercy performed classic tracks “Dominion/Mother Russia” and “Lucretia My Reflection” before ending strong with fans whipping out their phones to record “This Corrosion.” After this outing, here’s hoping the band returns with more live performances and possibly a new record featuring the unreleased tracks. Check out the set list here!

PS: Check out our gallery of photos from the performance!

PS: Check out our gallery of photos from the performance!