Ian Astbury Talks Billy Duffy, The Doors, 'Give Me Mercy' + More

[@nanduarte2119]

Very underrated band. Love his voice, it's unique. And he still has great hair.

[@theguvnor5964]

Hes bald now.

[@ChrisC-vk4jf]

I kinda got that from the bandanna look. He needs to own the bald Indian look from the movie. Just jiving, I love Ian and the cult

[@maniaque37]

i think his voice sound a bit like ronnie james dio for some parts but dio had a much better voice

[@sandrafisherhayes3219]

​@@theguvnor5964what?! Where have you been? Ian's hair is almost as long as it was before!

[@angie83354]

He still has all that hair aged well. Love his voice love way he moves on stage energy amazing hope see u Iam live one day. ❤️ from Canada 🇨🇦

[@jonshaw9472]

For the past 37 years whenever I hear this man's singing voice it always lifts me.

[@dynjarren8355]

He has such a unique singing voice! He doesn’t sound like anyone else. Incredible talent!

[@annwalker451]

Jim Morrison had a similar voice , hence Astbury’s collaboration with the remaining Doors 🤗

[@dynjarren8355]

@@annwalker451 Similar? I don’t think they sound anything like each other and that’s a good thing! They are both original and unique. And I like them both. What they share in similarity is their ethnicity and interest in Native culture. Which I appreciate also. So in that sense they are similar but vocally I don’t hear it. Just my two cents! Enjoy! 👏🏻😎

[@annwalker451]

The remaining Doors didn’t pick say Billy Idol or Sammy Hagar , they picked Astbury because he is a baritone with similar inflections of Morrison . Maybe it’s just my ears , maybe not . I respect your opinion though 🤗

[@dynjarren8355]

@@annwalker451 I see your point. Yes, they chose him because he had the best voice and he also has a similar background to Morrison with an interest in Native culture as well. I think the late, great Ray Manzerak best described this in an interview about Astbury. He said he was the same type of singer as Morrison was. He also moves well on stage and is charismatic! All great qualities one search’s for in a frontman! Ian Astbury fit the bill the best. And I think he did a good job singing the Doors songs. But I still say his voice is very distinctive and to my ears sounds very different from Jim’s. Morrison was a Crooner and good Blues singer who could scream and shout like the best Blues singers could. He also sang Ballads well! Hence why he’s a Legend and no one can follow him vocally and fill his shoes easily. There’s a guy named Dave Brock who the remaining Doors also played shows with who looks and sounds an awful lot like Morrison did. His voice sounds almost like Jim’s did to my ears. But again no one has Jim’s charisma and humor on stage. Morrison was an amazing performer live and highly unpredictable. Depending on what state he was in, of course. He could be brilliant and he could be erratic and have an off night as well. I have one live show on CDs from Boston where he was drunk on stage even. He still sang the songs but he was slurring his words and obviously inebriated. But in his defense, at his best he was the best singer ever! I really enjoy his crooning style! That’s a lost art! I also enjoy Ray’s keyboard playing! That’s another lost art! Sadly. I just watched some recent shows with Ian and the Cult and he is singing well and still sounds good! Anyway, That’s all I have to say, Enjoy! 👏🏻😎

[@SillyGoose2024]

@@dynjarren8355 nah he def sounds like Morrison at times

[@lindaluedtke6782]

This is who he is, this is why we love him! Blessed with "beauty, brains and wisdom"! So very intelligent, compassionate, insightful, and a creative, musical genius! Not only does he have a beautiful singing voice, but a beautiful speaking voice as well! Ian's a fascinating man who has lived a fascinating life! Wish he would write an "autobiography"!

[@sandrafisherhayes3219]

Yes! Such a beautiful man! I could listen to him for hours! I feel like I've had a crash course in music listening to Ian and enjoyed every minute of it! Oh I do hope I can meet him some day soon 😍❤ love his voice both speaking and singing ❤

[@lindaluedtke6782]

@@sandrafisherhayes3219 Ian is beautiful inside and out! For me, there has never been another frontman quite like him. Since the beginning of SDC, up to the present, his unique originality, showmanship, and stage presence are uncomparable! Ray and Robby knew exactly what they wanted when they chose him as their frontman for "The Doors". Ian was amazing! I, too, would love to meet him someday! I can't imagine what that would be like to actually be in the presence of someone who I idolize so much!

[@sandrafisherhayes3219]

@@lindaluedtke6782 Ian certainly IS beautiful inside and out! I discovered Ian and the Cult 30 years ago and feel like I have known and loved them all my life! Came across the video of Edie on MTV and saw the most beautiful man ever (Ian of course 😍!) and was completely besotted and hooked on their music! Hard to believe Ian and Billy are more than 40 years in this business...and still releasing and recording excellent music! I adore Ian Astbury and always will ❤😍

[@sandrafisherhayes3219]

@@lindaluedtke6782 😍❤💜💚💖

[@-KYUSS-]

I had the pleasure to hang out with him during the recording of Spirit Light Speed in Palm Springs, CA (where I live). He has such a calming and caring presence. He listened to me and I’m a nobody.

[@charlieschmitt1420]

Ian.....very intelligent man. Extremely happy in the fact that The Cult is still going strong. Please do not stop in your pursuit of music. You still have plenty of fans that need your music.

[@sukiseven]

he's a beautiful man in all ways. the voice is just a bonus. most underrated band during my lifetime. but, in a way, that's a wonderful thing for the die hard fans. i love you the cult. always have, always will.

[@yawlastreet]

Ian is a rock sage. Heart on his sleeve and soul on his mind.

[@cccs800]

One of the rarest of front men who have it ALL. After all these years he still has IT! The Cult is iconic & magic. ❤❤❤

[@BuckSkull]

Yeah Ian Astbury! The man the myth the legend. So raw and real. Absolute mesmerizing performer.

[@trikkimikk6916]

It is a true pleasure listening to Ian sharing his thoughts and experiences...and that Voice...omfg🤩

[@sydsez8602]

Hopeing he brings BRMC along with him to the west coast

[@sandrafisherhayes3219]

Yes! His voice, his knowledge of music and his humility! I love this man! I could listen to him forever! ❤💕💖😍

[@frankzappa2274]

Most underrated Rock vocalist of all time. This guy's voice is right up there with Freddie, Mercury and Robert plant in my humble opinion

[@resurrectionjez1111]

Ian is a learned man. A real human

[@portalplainsandwich6766]

Ian astbury means the absolute world to me. Never have loved a band so much in my freaking life. Listening to them every day.

[@mandyving6256]

Totally agree But...I don listen to then every day🥰

[@rhondaunger1228]

I love the cult. Ian Astbury is a true creative soul. He is one of the great innovators in our music industry.😊

[@davidbenasulin]

Very good interview! The Cult are an amazing band that survived the hardest test of all....the test of time. Eager to hear the new album. The singles are fantastic!

[@adrian.banninksy]

Never a dull conversation with Ian Asbury! To me one of my musical heroes, a living legend. And The Cult is the band were his incredible voice comes together with killing music. To me one of the best bands ever. Can't wait to buy the new album.

[@sconsetflair]

Such an intuitive soul🙏 I was fortune to have met this kind man in the 80’s when I worked in the music industry….he’s one of the special kind that the business can’t chew up and spit out. Strength of soul😉🎶

[@darcyhutchcroft1797]

The Cult💜😍 Ian is such an amazing soul.

[@nolawest5183]

Wow! Just, Wow! Such a thoughtful writer & performer A TRUE ARTIST

[@maxgeezer]

Ian I haven’t seen you since Bradford 1994. Really great interview, you’re looking well and the same deep and genuine bloke!

[@blackskunk54]

Fascinating to listen to. Pity there aren't more people around with this attitude and insight. Great that the Cult are still putting out incredible thought provoking and wonderful songs. I am a fan of all of their music over the decades.

[@MrBiffman001]

Ian I love you!! don't ever stop writing and singing !!! Im 50 now and i have loved you and the CULT since .........FUCK!!!! do we need to do the math!! Best wishes to you and Billy and all the band members threw the years!!!!! ROCK ON BOY'S!!!!!!!

[@elmhszady]

LOVE listening to Ian talk - very astute; knows his music history, and is SO incredibly well-spoken. His vocabulary is quite expansive, which I love. Always thought he looks a lot like Jim Morrison too. I wish I'd seen him perform with Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger.

[@JohnHenrySheridan]

This is awesome! Ian Astbury!

[@kelbell9312]

Beautiful to hear Ian honour some of the individuals that changed the world. I love the appreciation he has for Ray and Robbie. True artists in Paris. Kindred spirits. I have a good feeling about Under the Midnight Sun. Better make it to Australia xx

[@dlh032766]

He’s so soft spoken and beautifully spirited and then he sings. It’s like an entirely different guy comes out. He’s still so hot.

[@4x4_Gal]

This is why I have loved Ian and the band as far back as The Southern Death Cult, Death Cult & since then, The Cult. His intellect & intelligence is bar none, his singing voice like no one you will ever hear and he just happens to be incredibly handsome/ sexy... the perfect man, rock star in this amazing human being! ❤️

[@jonathandow684]

I get goosebumps when I hear his voice

[@mandyving6256]

HMMM YEAH!!!!!!!

[@ak2112]

Incredible interview. Loved hearing him talk in depth about playing with Ray and Robby.

[@francoisetomaszewski467]

He is beautiful on so many levels.....I just love everything that falls out of his mouth....

[@mickconroy4551]

A brilliant interview with a truly original character

[@dw2367]

Solid gold. Down to earth, and 100% quality. Excellent talk.

[@le_th_]

He's such a straight shooter, as well as being a creative force.

[@bloodpoetvids]

Great interview. The Cult have always been a favorite of mine. Cheers..

[@SolidBased]

One of the most underrated bands of all time!!! Fkn great to see Ian & Billy still rocking tf out!!!

[@jon2026]

I fell in love with the Cult when I heard She Sells Sanctuary for the first time as a young teen. As a middle aged man, I love all their songs. Ian is a beautiful person.

[@tzt1182]

Ian and Billy are great. I still have Love in rotation on my iPod classic. I first discovered them in 1984 when I was 13 and it has been a life long love of their music. From Southern Death Cult, Death Cult and then just The Cult.

[@beverleysteele1106]

So lovely to learn more about Ian the man ,i am a huge Cult fan

[@AstolEdwardValenzuela]

IAN ASTBURY. IS THE BEST SINGER OF HIS GENERATION AND MORE TALENTED VOCALIST OF THE CULT!!!! 😎 🗽

[@RockMe1977]

Wow. Thank you for sharing. I have so much love and respect for Ian and the Cult. This interview warms my heart ❤️

[@bluewalnuts688]

One of the most quintessential bands of all time's. I'm so glad, that they go under the radar. For selfish reasons of course.

[@Kross-x1]

Ian you are awesome. Well said.

[@blacknwhitecookie8967]

Under the Midnight Sun is fantastic & IMO, the best album of 2022.

[@andrewSUN17]

Ian...Such a wonderful artist and human!

[@VangeliRock]

Saw them, this tour, apparently it was their last show of the tour. In Barrie Ontario at Casino Rama. It as a great show. They sound fantastic. The room had great energy. So happy I went and happy that theseguys are still Rockn and giving it all they got.

[@JB111-b4d]

Ian’s voice is my favorite in modern music.

[@onlyme219]

A very underrated, fantastic band. Kudos to Ian and the band and also to modem DJ mixers who have used and moved forward the Cult's masterpieces of tunes. My daughter loves it. I'm 57 and she is 29. I don't know Ian but he seems a very grounded decent, honest person

[@AlternativeGuitars]

Great knowledge and insight from the big man as ever - Brian Jones as a starting point for the album is a story I'd not heard before.

[@paulleigh5351]

Unbelievably I’m watching a documentary on Brian Jones on Netflix while watching this interview on my phone. Incredible stuff

[@CarolinaCultChic]

Lovely interview! Thank you for sharing!

[@991jaker]

I saw you in Boise in early October, first time, blown away!

[@LuizBetenheuserJr]

Thank you! Muito obrigado! Brazil 💚🤍 The Cult. Forever and Ever

[@mandyving6256]

Such a great band loved to see them live again after 14 years in Amsterdam CFFC!!!!!!! 2024 and hopefully many years more

[@desiertoscacti5388]

One of my favorite singers/frontmen and Cult favorite band! What a great interview!

[@aikidimi7158]

Amazing interview and excellent reflections from Ian. Thank You!

[@missiontotransition641]

Great singer front man. Love THE CULT. Seen hundreds of concerts, but seeing them twice on the SONIC TEMPLE tour was amazing. One kick ass live band.

[@wildflower514]

People that don't expect Ian's deepness and intelligence just haven't paid attention at all.

[@fulanitoantinazi]

Yes, still rockin on earth, thank you Ian!

[@richardchambers3533]

Saw The Cult in August @ Meadowbrook amphitheater, North of Detroit. They finally played Sun King! They blew the roof off the place. 🎸🎸🎵🎼🎶

[@smb2265]

LEGEND

[@hkpr-ro6ui]

An exceptionally articulate guy. His knowledge of music is encyclopedic.

[@claudiodiegocagnin2994]

Astbury+Duffy=best rock band.

[@craigfowler7098]

Have to say looking good for 62 years old

[@thomasborger6548]

A surprisingly well spoken and articulate gent.

[@jaritorronen1688]

I remember that gig you played in Finland 1986. Please include Finland in your next European tour. The new single is great 👍🏻🙏

[@rubadee]

How the Cult is not in the RNR Hall of Fame blows my mind.

[@LIVINGINWASHINGTONDCNOW]

Ian is so deep and spiritual. Love The Cult! I met Robby Krieger before and he was so nice. I also talked to Ray Manzarek. Ray and Robby played at the Birchmere in Alexandria on Halloween night like 10 years ago. Jim Morrison grew up in a home up the street from me in Alexandria, VA.

[@KyOte13]

He seems like he is in such a good place in his life & it is a pleasure to listen to him talk. THE CULT get slept on… but they are truly one of the BEST BANDS still goin

[@MrDantres]

Nice to see Ian with long hair again!

[@paulkruger491]

And dyed wig lol.

[@MrDantres]

@@paulkruger491 dyed? Maybe. Wig? Why tf would he wear a wig?

[@niallhayes3428]

@@MrDantres Note he always wears headgear... 🤔

[@nelsonventura7374]

Mr. Ian Astbury! The two songs already released from the upcoming new album Under The Midnight Sun(out 7/10/22) are just fabulous! CFFC!

[@Sorsha011]

So lovely to hear him pay respects to Brian Jones. I love Brian and the Cult.

[@MrWosclifton]

Yes, indeed.

[@herefornow9671]

Oh my goodness! The Cult So great and such huge deal for me and my friends growing up LOVE 💗 THANKS IAN

[@SaholG]

Seen tons of legends, but Astbury is a TRUE ROCK STAR and his cerebral take on everything is incredible. LEGEND.

[@call6060842]

I really enjoyed this interview, ian is one of the last of the authentic rock n rollers, glad he said that about bedroom music producers of today i'm sure billy & ian as teens danced in the mirror in their bedrooms x

[@Glen-md1ir]

One of thee best rock vocalists.

[@oldblueaccord2629]

I dont remember Ian every giving and interview and as a fan of his music since Love it set alot of things up in my mind who he is. Pretty cool. best part of them is there sound is different album to album without loosing themselves. Thats gutsy for any band.Props for him giving Brian Jones his due also.

[@markmalonson7531]

Beautiful

[@judygarland7611]

I WAS ON MY WAY TO BRAZIL FOR SOME SHOWS, BUT BEFORE THAT, I OR MY BAND HAD REHEARSALS ON WEST 38TH STREET AND 8TH AVENUE IN NYC. I HAD JUST SEEN THE CULT PLAY, THE WEEKEND BEFORE REHEARSALS AND AFTER MY REHEARSAL, I WAS STANDING OUTSIDE THE SPACE ON THE STREET AND SAW IAN, DROPPING OFF HIS THEN GIRL FRIEND (ABOUT 2008). I CALLED OUT HIS NAME AS HE WAS WALKING OR LIMPING AWAY (HE HAD HURT HIS HIP). HE LITERALLY WALKED BACK TO ME FROM 8TH AVE, AND SAID HI AND CHATTED WITH ME FOR CLOSE TO 20 MINUTES AT LEAST. HE WAS THE NICEST AND SWEETEST PERSON. I MENTIONED OR ASKED HIM WHY HE WAS NO LONGER PERFORMING SUN KING, AND LITTLE DEVIL AND I THINK ONE MORE. HE TOLD ME BECAUSE HE'S BUDDEST AND HAD STOPPED DRINKING. I TOLD HIM AS A FAN, WE WANT HEAR THOSE SONGS. HE SHOWED ME HIS TATS AND ACTUALLY EXPLAINED WHAT THEY MEANT ETC. HOWEVER, A FEW MONTHS LATER I SAW THEN AGAIN, AND THEY PLAYED THE SONGS I MENTIONED. GOD BLESS THIS MAN AND ALL HE'S BROUGHT TO MUSIC. LONG LIVE THE CULT.

[@Scandolo]

he looks great!

[@Albrecht777]

Excellent interview. "Under the Midnight Sun" is the best Cult album since "Love". Sonically inventive, erudite and creative. Incidentally, if Ian thinks there are no other bands addressing "the moment" that humanity has reached, he is wrong. In this context, I recommend an LP released in the same year as "Under the Midnight Sun" by a group the started in the same era as The Cult. Namely, "Evil Becomes Rule" by Christian Death.

[@carpenoctem775]

Ian has always been underrated as a singer.

[@dannylapensee9553]

Great interview I ❤️ The Cult

[@monicabiovieira7766]

Eu amo The Cult desde 1986! Uma banda única!

[@jeremiasnovaisteodoro9809]

Exelent musician .the best singer of the world 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@nuuttikataja666]

I was there. Provinssi rock 1986

[@da751]

Under The Midnight Sun is an incredible album

[@lindahandley5267]

Nobody can dance like he can. It's very unique, just like him.

[@zeeptollbooth4129]

Since 1985 The Cult has been my Band. The truth is that they aren't underrated. The Cult is on a different level and some people need simple music like pop. There really is no comparison to Ian's poetry and artistry or The Cult as a musical force that's made some of the most amazing and important music not to be popular but good.

[@OrdoSanctiBenedictus]

Ian loves Brian Jones so I love Ian

[@alessandrobusatto2233]

Sempre giganteschi. Dopo molte hit scrivere ancora canzoni come "Vendetta" e "Give me...." signfica essere unici e irripetibili

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

My favorite band of all time. Why didn't you come to Houston ?

[@robzobel1121]

Amazing Killer Show in Orlando Fl, House of Blues!!!! Seen them prob 30 years ago w Billy Idol.

[@richardfox9130]

Ian Astbury, The best all time RockStar interview eaver so noligable. I have the live recording from the Hard Rock Las Vegas. Life changing sound track. Cult Army

[@clausm2203]

Great interview

[@RighteousBrother]

The Cult have been with me all my life and they've never let me down.

[@rottweilerfun9520]

Same here. They've been a constant presence .

[@rageagainstthemachine7434]

👍👍👍THE CULT........ RAW , KICKASS MUSIC🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@FF-so3su]

Ian still has awesome hair, the lucky fella, mine went the way of Francis Rossi's hair😥

[@Maytag151]

legends!!! 7th grade 85 til 2022 51 !

[@ih7america]

Ian and Billy are fantastic musicians, bass and drums guys always change, but all of them are really cool, I remember drummer guy of Guns and roses...Matt Sorrun I think.

[@inlakesh555]

Michael Lee joined Page & Plant

[@ricardobarrisco]

this is the original rock god. CFFC. Rock on baby

[@chris8949]

Thx for calling out on the Influence Brain Jones had as a true innovator of its time !