The Cult
Categories: British musical groups | Later punk groups | Goth
The Cult were a British gothic rock, alternative rock, and hard rock band.
Contents |
History
Death Cult (1983)
Originally formed in 1983 as Death Cult, taking its name from vocalist Ian Astbury's former band Southern Death Cult, Death Cult existed on the verges of the Gothic scene in London. The band changed its name in 1984 before a Channel 4 television show "The Tube" with the sole purpose of "cracking" the international market. The band members stayed the same from Death Cult: Ian Astbury (vocals), Billy Duffy (guitar), Jamie Stewart (bass) and Nigel Preston (drums).
Dreamtime (1984)
Love (1985-1986)
The Cult then entered Jacob Studios in London to cut the Love album. Prior to recording, the band fired drummer Nigel Preston, who had become increasingly disenchanted with Duffy and Astbury. They decided to put both he and Jamie on wages. Furthermore Nigel learned that neither he nor Jamie, founding members of the band would not be getting any song writing credits and therefore royalties. Big Country's drummer Mark Brzezicki filled the drumming throne on the album. Nigel Preston's talents were still heard on the first single from the album "She Sells Sanctuary", a hit in May 1985. At this time Ian Astbury was being heavily influenced by the likes of Hendrix, Janis Joplin and the Doors and started dressing in flamboyant psychedelic outfits. Over the next six months, the band toured the world again, this time with drummer Les Warner (who had played with Julian Lennon and Johnny Thunders).
Electric (1986-1988)
In America, they were supported by a then young and unknown Guns 'n Roses. At the end of the tour the band looked as if it was falling apart, to save the situation Astbury and Duffy fired Kid Chaos and Les Warner. Les Warner sued the band for his firing with a court battle resulting. The Cult moved to the United States and signed a new management deal.
Sonic Temple (1988-1990)
In 1990, Ian Astbury organised the Gathering of the Tribes festival in Los Angeles and San Francisco with artists such as Iggy Pop, Public Enemy and Queen Latifah appearing.
Ceremony (1990-1993)
By the next summer, Astbury and Duffy were writing again for the upcoming "Ceremony" album. Micky Curry again played drums, with Charley Drayton on bass. The Cult were sued again, this time by the mother of the Native American boy pictured on the cover, for alleged exploitation.
A world tour followed with backing from Kinley Wolfe and Michael Lee, with the Gathering of the Tribes moving to the UK. Here artists such as Pearl Jam performed. The warm-up gig to the show, in a small nightclub, was in dedication to Nigel Preston who had died a few weeks earlier with the excesses of rock 'n roll having taken over.
The Cult (1993-1995) and post-break up (1995-1999)
Following the release of the single "The Witch", produced by Rick Rubin, and in support of a Greatest Hits release "Pure Cult", Astbury and Duffy fired the "backing band" and recruited Craig Adams (The Mission) and Scott Garrett for performances across Europe. This time The Cult were supporting Guns 'n Roses. With the same line-up, the band released "The Cult", an album produced by Bob Rock. The single "Coming Down (Drug Tongue)" was released with the band going on tour in support of the new album. During the tour Astbury quit to form "The Holy Barbarians" to mixed reviews.
Aftermath (1999-2002) and post-break up (2002-present)
1999 saw Astbury and Duffy regroup with Matt Sorum. The band signed to Atlantic Records and recorded a new album (Beyond Good and Evil) with Bob Rock in the producer's chair again. The current status of the band has been "on hold" since 2002, when singer Ian Astbury sought out a new opportunity to sing with The Doors, and drummer Matt Sorum joined Velvet Revolver.
The group has made no official announcement of regarding their permanent disbandment or chance of a reunion. The last official statement was in late 2002 when Ian Astbury declared them "on ice" indefinately.
Discography
- Dreamtime (1984)
- Love (1985)
- Electric (1987)
- Sonic Temple (1989)
- Ceremony (1991)
- Pure Cult (1993)
- The Cult (1994)
- The Singles 1984 - 1995 (2000)
- Rare Cult (boxset) (2000)
- the best of Rare Cult (2000)
- Beyond Good and Evil (2001)
For a complete discography visit The Cult collector's guide
Singles
| Year | Title | Chart positions | Album | |||
| US Hot 100 | US Modern Rock | US Mainstream Rock | UK | |||
| 1989 | "Fire Woman" | - | #2 | - | - | Sonic Temple |
| 1989 | "Sun King" | - | #21 | - | - | Sonic Temple |