Ian Astbury - The Cult | The MARVIN Podcast S1 EP 2

Strap in as Ian Astbury of ‪@TheCULTofficial‬ steps into Marvin Scott Jarrett's eclectic orbit. In a session that's anything but ordinary, Astbury unravels his deep-seated admiration for the enigmatic David Bowie and why he's all in on proclaiming Ethel Cain as the most pivotal American artist in recent memory. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. He'll spill the beans on his epic 12-year dance with The Doors - a journey of rock and roll mythology. Add to that, Astbury pulls back the curtain on his creative escapades with the legendary Rick Rubin. Plus, catch a glimpse into what the future holds for this rock icon. This ain’t just an idle chat; it's a deep dive into the psyche of a music maestro.
​​1:10 - Growing up in Liverpool, Glasgow, and Canada
2:48 - Joining and getting kicked out of the British army
4:03 - Ian’s deep admiration for David Bowie
7:09 - The impact fashion has had on his life
16:18 - The Batcave
20:45 - Meeting Billy Duffy
27:15 - Collaborating with James Lavelle
33:12 - Influence of Japanese culture and visiting for the first time
38:28 - Newer artists Ian is listening to and his love of Ethel Cain
43:23 - Working with Rick Rubin
49:43 - Learning Matthew McConaughey is a big fan
53:48 - Playing with the remaining members of The Doors
1:01:03 - What’s next for Ian
Subscribe & listen here: open.spotify.c...
Blasting out of the throbbing core of LA’s Art District, MARVIN has taken over Spotify’s Studios to broadcast a pirate signal that disrupts the ice-cold norm of traditional artist Q&A sessions.
Capturing the audacious spirit of MARVIN Magazine-home to icons like Playboi, Carti, Aoki, Trent, St. Vincent, and the like-this podcast bashes through the sound barrier, bringing together artists from all corners of the spectrum for creative deep dives into tunes, threads, brushstrokes, and the cultural fabric that weaves it all together.
Your host, Marvin Scott Jarrett, is an icon himself in the culture wars and curates raw, unfiltered dialogues with kindred creatives. It's a mosh pit of authenticity sans script or angle.
Available on Spotify, KZbin, and any other place smart enough to know what’s really happening.
#ianastbury
#thecult
#marvin

[@stuartgillies1327]

I met Ian and Billy out the back of Edinburgh playhouse in the 80s , they were setting off fire works and getting some cool air , think it was the love tour , I was 16 very pissed and got kicked out for being sick half way through the gig , that’s why I went down the lane and out the back , couldn’t believe meeting them , billy put his hand on my head and asked if I was ok , I wasn’t 😵‍💫 I’m 54 now and don’t drink 😂

[@ChrMmn]

Ian: *"I only know Sonic Temple from inside my own head."* I love it. Marvin, I bet you forgot Johnny Thunders was dead b/c it's been a long time.

[@phrayzar]

I have never seen a proper interview with Ian before. It was obvious from Southern Death Cult that he was a pretty amazing creative. It's obvious that he is eternally plugged into the creative life.

[@PeterKKraus]

So 'e wonts to keep Aunt Jemima alive does 'e?

[@cbass2755]

From what I can tell, he hasn’t had it easy to get where he is. So talented, great frontman…and he never gave up. Bravo Ian…Bravo ♥️

[@Skyjacker_]

Cool interview. I remember when Ian jumped down off the stage at Wembley Arena in 1989 to deal with a bouncer who had me by the throat. Respect. And apologies for causing you to interrupt Wild Flower, Ian.

[@jackshittle]

🤘🏻

[@cbass2755]

Aww…now that’s cool. Good on Ian. Nobody should be grabbed by the throat!

[@LeyLey-s6n]

Ian Astbury are so cool. LOVE HIM and The Cult.

[@63Lazarou]

Ian Astbury loves Between Two Ferns! That tickled me.

[@billpearsall6774]

Great interview! Actually, first time I've heard Ian speak at any great length. Fantastic.

[@Gilboy63]

Seen the Cult at least 100 times. Best band ever for me. My second favourite band is The Doors. 5 years before Ian played with the Doors 21C, I had a portent. I recall saying to my girlfriend that it would be the most amazing thing of all time if The Doors got together and Ian fronted the band. Imagine how I felt when 5 years later, I saw a news article in the Times newspaper stating that The Doors were going to tour with Ian. I cried. Needless to say, I saw both gigs at Wembley. I was overwhelmed in both gigs and cried due to absolute elation. Those two gigs were so spiritual and incredible it was a trip into the realms of the divine. I subsequently met Ian a few times culminating in having a chat at Scott’s of St James in London which was a private gig with about 40 in attendance. Ian is such a sweet human being, and although I was awe struck, he spoke to me as if I had been his friend for decades. I truly love him and Billy of course. Thank you for all the pleasures you have given me throughout my life.

[@robintaylor485]

Electric, love, and sonic tempo that’s it for these guys the rest of their stuff no big deal

[@brannonmcclure6970]

Ohh…bouy!

[@Vibeagain]

saw

[@Gilboy63]

@@Vibeagain As in “I have seen” abbreviated. We do that in the UK.

[@Vibeagain]

@@Gilboy63 Ahh

[@rhondaunger1228]

The Cult was original and awesome... I'm an old Cult fan❤ many memories and still listen and sing to the Cult. Thanks Ian for being a great original artist and to all the band as well. We love 💕 u.

[@MarkCunningham-v8y]

And thank you Ian for ripping AC/DC off 😏

[@mike_w_21]

Correction...IS original and awesome.

[@sandrafisherhayes3219]

And still original and awesome! Still performing and touring even now! ❤ CFFC ❤🖤🤘🖤❤

[@sandrafisherhayes3219]

​@@mike_w_21very much so!

[@stephenkendrick6929]

1986 slamming to she sells sanctuary- best memories of my youth. The cult carried on to write some amazing music ... I still listen ...full volume ....driving....54. Love 'em.

[@AlternativeGuitars]

Good to see Ian relaxed/chilled in an interview with someone he gets on with, some great insights here👍

[@comeatime-rg2yl]

If you are in goth/hard rock guitar sounds and covers make sure to check this gentleman's channel

[@AlternativeGuitars]

@@comeatime-rg2ylThank you mate

[@English_Speaking_Fox]

Ian is a considerably nicer and more interesting man now that he is sober. There were times back in the day when he was a knob, which he would be the first to admit. Really enjoyed this interview, the history and insights, thanks.

[@skullgame]

Oh, that makes sense. I saw them twice in the late 90s & both nights, Billy & Ian were swinging at each other the second they got off stage, had to be separated, Ian threw a guitar at Billy, the whole nine. I was backstage hanging with the opening band & we had to essentially get the Hell out of there to avoid any of the fallout. They said that what I saw was a nightly occurrence the entire tour. I had never seen two people who seemed to hate each other more than those two.

[@redchemicalsltd2324]

Great honest point...& that comes with experience, maturity & life reflection...we love you lan.

[@sandrafisherhayes3219]

​@@redchemicalsltd2324absolutely! I adore Ian ❤😍 beautiful human being inside and out 💚

[@Edmond347]

One of the best voices in Rock'N'Roll ever. My introduction to The Cult was "Ceremony" and I have never been the same. What a singer, what a band. Thank you, Ian.

[@chesterarthur8571]

I saw them when I was 14 for Sonic Temple, on LSD. I have never been the same! haha

[@Edmond347]

@@chesterarthur8571 That must have been a trip hahah!!!!

[@babygrizwold]

I remember the concert I went to in the late 80s in Sudbury Ontario, what a show. Loved it. I also remember the long dark hair and black pants and the moves on stage. 😍 lord love me.

[@joaquinmurrieta8912]

Great interview...more like a casual conversation...Ian's a great guy...The Cult '94' is my favorite album...one of the best bands of all time...

[@HappyHermitt]

I wore Electric and Love out. Thanks Ian and Billy and the rest.

[@rybreadification]

It's only been a couple years now since I've discovered The Cult and recently started diving deeper into their music. Honestly fallen in love with it. Found this channel after watching them on Jonesy's Jukebox. After watching this, I'm starting to think Ian is one of the coolest rockstars out there. And not in a pretentious sort of way. Thanks for this awesome interview.

[@kevcatnip7589]

About time Ian got more respect

[@sirijot1]

I was there! In the late 80s, In Vancouver and Sanfran....wow, I remember all of them, in clubs around town. Party boys! I just watched from afar, I mean right there. Good times

[@rtaylor1105]

Ahead of their time..yet timeless. The cult is one of the best

[@MrG77]

I was blasting " Sanctuary" today funny enough. The Cult were amazing.🙏

[@sandrafisherhayes3219]

Timeless! Love is a masterpiece of an album! Nothing like it before and nothing like it since! The Cult sound is unique and wonderful 💕

[@michelina75]

Great interview! I've always loved The Cult, but didn't know too much about Ian Asbury the man himself. He's awesome! So chill & multi-faceted! Thanks Ian & Marvin for taking the time for this enlightening session. 🤩🤩🤩

[@redchemicalsltd2324]

Superb interview with lan....absolutely love the reaction by lan on hearing that 'Sonic Temple' was Marvin's favourite Cult album.... For the definitive album that captures the complete band mood & swagger of that moment in time, you cannot beat their self-titled ('The Cult') Black Sheep album...outstanding musical journey...(just ask Mr Duffy)...🇬🇧

[@DougSmileyVirgo]

Thankful that Ian chose this material plane to entertain and enlighten us. Also thankful to the old lady who paid Ian's train fare so he could go meet Billy and form The Cult. 🙏

[@sandrafisherhayes3219]

Ian is so laid back and looks very relaxed in this interview ❤ good to know he has friends who are more interested in his actual music career as opposed to the 'digging up the dirt'. So much to admire about Ian ❤ I adore this beautiful man always and forever 💕

[@shirleyac12]

I was very in lust with this geeza back in the day . Good times . I had the perfect look, tiny waist and all the black look. His lovely black long hair and dressed in white . Gorgeous physique. Adonis couldn’t compete. He’s English like me and he’s intelligent. What’s not to love ? I’m a Bowie fan too. I’m loyal and like what I like . I’m captured immediately from the very first sound I hear re music . The Cult hooked me . I’m into their early stuff and that’s what caught me .

[@TheKevinNewsom]

Absolutely. The Pistols in the 90s were a finely-tuned machine. 6:40

[@markendicott6874]

Glad Ian is this solid and chilled at this point in his life and he and Billy deserve all the praise for just how great the Cult sound right now - maybe the best they've been since the late '80s. All love to you lads!

[@JoeyLevenson]

All of the names and history in this. Thrilling. Ian’s a walking, switched-on modern rock history book. Fantastic interview.

[@GreatPlanet-c7o]

Very interesting conversation between *these old lesbians*

[@Donkeybone10]

Licky licky..

[@DanielLake-xz8qi]

Hahahaha. I actually like these guys. Ian used to be a prick but seems ok now but that is funny as hell

[@Asmenedas]

He wanted to lead a monastic life... and deprive the world of something so great!? He looks stunning today. Nice accent for my ears.💙

[@erikjester7997]

Great Interview Marvin. Thank you.. IA is an ICON

[@John_F898]

This word needs to be banned. So overused these days.

[@erikjester]

@@John_F898 Overused? Yes. Banned.. Hmmm. Appropriate in this instance. 100%.

[@underhear_1544]

Love Ian, love The Cult! Always good hearing from him... one of the best live bands around, they always deliver in a serious way. Cheers! 🙏

[@Doctorstoday]

The best band ever. Third concert I ever went to was Livingstone Forum for the Sun King Tour. in 1989. Seventeen years old with my hair getting loing. Was amazing. Now I love him even more since I found out he lived in Glasgow.

[@lindahandley5267]

Besides his talent, Ian is a stunning-looking man with that fabulous hair. The outfits he wore were just everything. I Love the Cult so much!❣

[@ttbean70]

Nice interview mello and interesting. Left with a positive I didn’t waste my time kind of thing. Pretty cool dude, genuine

[@julianandrews6025]

Still very relevant, emanating coolness. Appreciate your taste , Ian and Marvin. Great interview ❤

[@dynjarren8355]

Wow! Tons of details that I never heard before. Very interesting! Plenty of good questions and he answered in detail. Great interview! I feel like I know his background better now. Astbury was considered a Goth and he has one of the most distinctive voices of any Rock singer ever. He doesn’t sound like anyone else! The Cults Love album is considered a classic Goth album. So atmospheric and mysterious a lot like the Cure. Both great bands! Thanks!

[@traciegraves8142]

Great interview! Granted, Ian can do whatever and he is an awesome person, just never understood singers that wear sunglasses during an interview. Not that big of a deal yet it would be cool to see his eyes and the emotion in them while sharing stories.

[@justinguthrie108]

Did this guy really ask if Johnny Thunders is still alive? and runs a magazine that is quoted as "A Punk Rock Messianic Vision for the Future". Johnny Thunders WAS the punk rock messiah. Tsk tsk

[@an1tvaw-kp5pm]

Wow Future ?

[@aurorabore8675]

This entire interview was so horribly cringe in so many ways. I could not take my eyes off of it. But, yes, the Johnny Thunder’s question from this self-proclaimed punk rock messiah with circa 1980s Maxwell tape ad hair had my jaw hitting the floor. The only redeeming quality to found herein was Ian finally giving some credit to Mark Manning for basically stealing his entire schtick (and bass player) during the Electric era.

[@TC.Lee33]

It's a shame the interviewer doesn't know the bands, connections and importance of those bands and connections in history. Also, back in the day in Bradford where myself, Ian and Southern Death Cult started, Ian was always aloof and could be very arrogant. His brother Brian is a diamond geezer, good drummer too.

[@alzyerpal-TV]

I saw The Cult most recently last year in Glasgow. I'd no idea Ian had a Glasgow upbringing. He mentioned it that night and aped a Glasgow accent. We all cringed big time. 😂

[@dustyflair]

When they opened for Metalica it was the shizzzzz

[@ChrMmn]

How did Ian Astbury become friends with Garry "Gaz" Cobain from Future Sound Of London (FSOL) in the 90s? I love FSOL (The Cult too obviously) and Gaz went to stay with Ian in the mid 90s in LA.

[@tim3638]

Wow, they were one of my fav bands in the 80’s and early 90’s in all 3 incarnations, seen them a few times over the years and I had no idea Ian was so intelligent, articulate and in-tune culturally - my loss, as I didn’t want the pod cast to end. I’ve found new respect for them and I hope they do more Death Cult gigs because I couldn’t get to any recently.

[@ROOKTABULA]

How much Nyquil did the interviewer slug before recording started? 😵‍💫

[@seamlab8870]

Sonic Temple is one of my favorites as well. 😁

[@jackinthebox6143]

The Batcave was just off Carnaby Street, Most people took speed and so it stayed open all night. At least when I went there in 1982. They had girls in cages and all sorts. It was a regular place to go.Sisters of Mercy were the top band.

[@LuizBetenheuserJr]

Thank you! Curitiba Brasil Love The Cult. Forever and Ever.

[@killerfitz84]

Great interview, Im sure Ian doesn't suffer fools.. he has always had incredible style, not surprised to hear how much he was influenced by Brian jones and Keith Richards.

[@SerenityChaos1975]

I was an early Cult fan as a teen and finally saw them at a Big Day Out Festival in my early 20s. I was so disappointed by Ian’s performance, as he says many times here, he was high as and forgetting most of the words. I have seen them since he has been sober and they were everything I wanted them to be....finally, 30+ years later.

[@JustinTruth-sf5nt]

Super underrated singer. I play the Cult on the daily.

[@1785Kristy]

Ian, that's sounds like a dishonorable discharge 😂😂

[@Tdub0911]

I have not seen them since '90 I think it was. My mom works at a Casino here outside Seattle and didn't tell me until a month or so after they played there. I gave her shit because to this day Sanctuary is still my favorite song ever (by far) and she effed up by not telling me.

[@TheDamageinc81]

Yeah she biffed that for real ...

[@scuderiapraga6815]

Super...

[@kraftwerk974]

Saw them live 1986 with The Mission opening. What a time !

[@FuneraryGirl]

My dream combo. How awesome.

[@kraftwerk974]

@@FuneraryGirl at that time after The Sisters of Mercy split The Mission called themselves Sisterhood but next year changed to Mission due to legal issues with Andrew Eldritch. The best thing is that I was young 😄🤙

[@FuneraryGirl]

@@kraftwerk974 Get out. I did not know that.

[@TheRockworld]

I love The Cult because they stay and make music they want,the same like Europe. No comersial like most big band.

[@johnunderwood3132]

I got to see the cult in AC and Astbury got pissed off at the sound man and smashed his tambourine and I got one of the rattles. Lovevit

[@aperfectcircle63]

What a great interview. I was a big Southern Death Cult, Death cult & Cult fan back in the day. I remember Ian tried to cadge 10p off me at the Batcave one night. "You got 10 pence mate" seemed to be a thing in the early 80s. Maybe need it for his bus fare home😂

[@kevincross9206]

Great interview that I’m glad I stumbled across! Not a huge Cult fan, but find Ian really interesting 👍🏻

[@mikesmouse7779]

His hair looks like a woman off Coronation Street if you look quickly. Probably going bald now.

[@JoeyLevenson]

Doesn’t look like it.

[@herbyverstink]

Ive seen both Ian and Billy on Jonesy's jukebox and now this interview.. I was already a fan of the Cult.. but I have to say this Ian chap is quite the humble fella.. and both were great with Steve Jones

[@rp6563]

Thanks for this interview!

[@hugonamorado7998]

LOVE

[@RayBecker]

This guy can flat out sing. He and Graham Bonnet. These guys have 8 speed transmissions. The Cult was not really my thang but this dude fronts that band like a Pro's Pro.

[@343butterfly]

IN BETWEEN TWO FERNS !! LOL

[@brannonmcclure6970]

True artist Ian.🧑‍🎨♾️🎭

[@PheelGud]

Soy un jodido fan de Ian Astbury desde que me pille su Sonic Temple. Su voz es única e inconfundible

[@RighteousBrother]

Great interview, very chilled and relaxed - love The Cult - thankyou!

[@bellab8412]

So great! Was entranced from beginning to end. Thank you

[@spankyblack6119]

Astbury's a smart interesting guy. Nice Guy. GREAT singer.

[@morticialilas3229]

It was Mikes fault you never auditioned for Doors as he lied his way into Electra dressed up pretending to be Nikki Sixx in Morrison pose.Mike lied+lied+lied with his skun* dunce brother John. Ian you could play the hidden life of Morrison,scripts would have to be written as fans would be in dark disbelief.I knew his dad,he left me things.He was a fine person.

[@DarkAtFour]

Fascinating and inspirational man/artist. Thanks

[@flannerymonaghan-morris4825]

I’m always taken aback as to of how soft spoken Ian is, such a contrast to his powerful singing voice. He’s basically the 80’s male equivalent of Florence Welch in that regard.

[@tonydogga300]

He looks My Aunt Theresa

[@goldenfrog6EsCoSes]

Liverpool and Glasgow; what a great foundation for life. You can pick up both influences in his speech.

[@nobbilc1440]

😂

[@veegee3291]

Ian is a gifted, creative force that we'd be fortunate to hear and see more of in entertainment in 2024 and beyond. If he were up to it, it would be fun to see him on talk shows and fashion opportunities. Confessiin: I was @ one of his Doors shows @ the Universal Amphitheater, was backsrage for the after party and pulled his hair just because I could. He (and his hair were gorgeous.

[@JuliaF60]

Great interview.

[@O_U_No_It_2]

I enjoyed this conversation immensely. _💙_

[@hawsrulebegin7768]

Ian is great. The host not so good.

[@hkpr-ro6ui]

Something going on with his hair. Always covering up with a bandana, man bun...

[@sorrowevoker]

Fascinating guy.

[@euvh8880]

Great group,nice people,brilliant albums and good live ...heads up the cult.

[@oldskool2044]

Ian Great guy

[@josmith8205]

wake up MARVIN

[@Hugo_Rocker]

I became aware of Ian when I bought a 45 of Southern Death Cult, soon they dropped “Southern”.

[@drummerdem50]

Great intimate interview with Ian , nice too learn about his background.

[@charliegeorge9393]

fantastic insight

[@garyfrew5569]

Seen The cult at Ibrox Park supporting simple minds thought they were brilliant then again about 5 months later at the barrowlands in Glasgow that was even better 👍

[@jamesdennerboccextreme4282]

Saw The Cult with Lenny Kravitz in Orlando. Edie stuck out, stellar vocals

[@victoriam.6430]

Such an interesting interview! Love The Cult! They remind me of good times in the 80’s & 90’s!

[@billRussell-pt8en]

What fantastic interview. Ian is super dope.

[@vajrasiddhi]

Awesome interview.

[@letmetellyalilstory9122]

Out on a walk listening to Love this morning. What an album!

[@Vincent.Duquesne.]

Ian, the real master ⭐

[@CaffeineNightOwl]

cool interview

[@SharkTank311]

I was 15 when CD players came out and the first one I bought was The Cult - Love.

[@gcsbdatatrawl5916]

So?

[@SharkTank311]

@@gcsbdatatrawl5916 You wouldn't understand....

[@tashalee4294]

Wow he looks great compared to his contemporary rock stars.