The Sisters of Mercy have released three studio albums — First and Last and Always (1985), Floodland (1987), and Vision Thing (1990). Despite not releasing an album in 33 years, the post-punk rockers remain among the most anticipated acts that go on tour, galvanizing their extensive network of admirers into action whenever they announce a series of concerts.

Right now, The Sisters of Mercy are on one such eagerly awaited USA tour, and the band kicked it off at The Fillmore Silver Spring on May 10. Jason Nicholson was there to take some photos of frontman Andrew Eldritch and his 21st century guitarists.

Andrew and company opened the show with “Don’t Drive on Ice,” a new song first performed live last year. The Sisters of Mercy may eschew album recordings, but the band continue to develop new music. Indeed, about nine of 22 songs performed at The Fillmore Silver Spring were unaffiliated with an album.

That said, The Sisters of Mercy added some classics to their setlist, recognizing each of the band’s three full-length albums. Early in the show, The Sisters of Mercy performed “Ribbon” from Vision Thing. The title track to First Last and Always appeared in the first third of the set. And the band positively thrilled the audience to their core with their encore of Floodland mega-hits — including “Lucretia My Reflection” and “This Corrosion.”

Watch the official music video for “Lucretia My Reflection” by The Sisters of Mercy on YouTube:

These days, Andrew Eldritch is joined by Ben Christo and Dylan Smith and guitars and backing vocals. They delivered a smashing performance that sent DC industrial music fans home happy.

Opening for The Sisters of Mercy were Blacklist, a post-punk/goth rock band from Brooklyn, New York City. Its members include Joshua Strachan (vocals, guitar), Ryan Rayhill (bass), Glenn Maryansky (drums), and James Minor (guitar). The band recently released a second full-length album, Afterworld, via Profound Lore Records.

Here are some photos of Blacklist opening The Sisters of Mercy at The Fillmore Silver Spring on May 10, 2023. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Jason Nicholson.

And here are some photos of The Sisters of Mercy performing at The Fillmore Silver Spring on May 10, 2023. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Jason Nicholson.