THE SISTERS OF MERCY Announce Fall North American Tour with Blaqk Audio
Photo Credit: Mick Burgess
For those who missed The Sisters of Mercy last year on their lauded 19-date tour where they sold out shows across North America, you’ll get a second chance this fall when the band goes on a run of 26 dates including performances at prestigious venues such as Radio City Music Hall in New York City, The Greek in Los Angeles, The Masonic at San Francisco and Aragon Ballroom in Chicago.
Critics and fans alike praised last year’s tour due to the fine musicianship of the current line-up of The Sisters of Mercy. Vocalist Andrew Eldritch and guitarist/bassist Ben Christo have been with The Sisters of Mercy for almost two decades now. They are joined by returning guitarist Christo Catalyst who first played with The Sisters of Mercy from 2005 to 2019. Catalyst is the “duty nurse” for Doktor Avalanche, the band’s drum machine. Rounding out the group is British-Japanese guitarist Kai from the band Esprit D'Air.
Supporting The Sisters of Mercy on this tour will be Blaqk Audio. Davey Havok and Jade Puget from punk band AFI formed the project Blaqk Audio which has won praise from critics for their blending of electronica and 80s-style synth-pop.
Photo Credit: Steve Rose
The Sisters of Mercy formed in Leeds, England in 1980 and arose out of the post-punk scene. Taking their name from a Leonard Cohen song, the group early on showed their diversity by taking inspiration from various iconic bands. The Sisters of Mercy were influenced by Iggy and the Stooges, Motörhead, Suicide, David Bowie, Slade, and The Velvet Underground. Combined with further influences from the heavy metal, psychedelic rock, and dance music genres, the Sisters of Mercy created a unique sound that resulted in the band becoming one of the early progenitors of gothic rock.
It was 1987’s Floodland that made The Sisters of Mercy a popular band in the club scene. Hit songs such as “Dominion,” “Lucretia My Reflection,” and, “This Corrosion,” are still being played in clubs today. In 1990 The Sisters of Mercy went for a harder, more metallic sound on the album Vision Thing. While heavier than previous albums, Vision Thing still displayed the band’s use of enigmatic lyrics and pounding drumbeats.
Vision Thing would be the last album released by The Sisters of Mercy. Andrew Eldritch became disenchanted with the music industry, particularly with working for record labels. He did, however, retain a love for performing in front of live audiences. Despite not releasing any new material in almost 25 years, The Sisters of Mercy continues to gain new fans and sell out venues.
Tickets for The Sisters of Mercy North American Tour 2024 are on sale now.
