The Cult: The Band's Disastrous Decade, Ian Astbury Vs Billy Duffy, Breakups & Reunions

Today we take a look at the British Band The Cult's Difficult Decade
0:00 - Intro
0:46: - The Cult's Ceremony Album
2:38 - Ceremony Lawsuit
6:25 - The Cult's 1994 Self-Titled Album
9:10 - Reunion/Beyond Good and Evil Album
Ian Astbury's Time With The Doors
• The Doors: The Disastr...
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#thecult #billyduffy #ianastbury #mattsorum #sonictemple #electric #beyondgoodandevil
What’s going on my fellow rock n’ rollers. Don’t forget to hit the bell notification icon to be notified every time i put out a new video on my channel. Also don’t forget to sign up for my email list to get my personal ten favourite stories i’ve done so far in addition to updates on what’s going on behind the senes. The lInk is in the description box below. Today i want to discuss a band that i’ve talked a lot about and that’s the Cult. While the british band would dominate the 80’s with hit album after hit album including 1985’s Love, 1987’s Electric and 1989’s Sonic Temple, the 90’s and early 2000’s were a pretty rough time for the band. Lawsuits, death, declining record sales, and concert tickets as well as breakups, as well as short-lived reunions and more breakups again were in store for the band. Stay tuned for the full story.
in 1991 the cult released their fifth studio album ceremony and by this point in the British band's career they established themselves as the one of the biggest chameleons in rock and roll being able to showcase different musical styles without losing their fan base. The band would be led by songwriting duo frontman Ian Astbury and guitarist Billy Duffy. Their 1991 album Ceremony was heavily influenced by Native American culture which Ian Astbury is a part of. Now the relationship between Astbury and Duffy was strained by this point in the band’s career and for the first time in the group’s history, the songwriting pair couldn't agree on musical direction Duffy wanted to keep playing heavy rock while Astbury wanted to change the band's sound. Due to the musical disagreement, Ceremony is the product of compromise. The album showed some similarities with Sonic temple including the tracks like wild hearted Sun, as well as earth mofo while Astbury’s more experimental side were shown on songs like Indian. And there were a couple of things working against the success of the record. For starters it was released in September of 1991, which was possibly the worst time to release the album as alternative rock was on it's way to dominating the rock charts with several records coming out around this time including Pearl Jam’s Ten, Nirvana’s Nevermind, Red hot Chili Peppers Blood Sugar Sex Magic, Then there were band’s of the 80’s who were bigger than ever including Metallica and Guns N’ Roses who released their own juggernaut albums around this time including the Black album and the use your illusion records. The Cult coincidentally enough would tour with both bands in the late 80’s.
Ceremony only peaked at number 25 on the album charts in the US and became the first record from since 1985’s Love that failed to achieve Gold status in America. It wasn’t just alternative rock hitting the Cult’s album sales and pocketbook. as the band was also involved in litigation In the summer of 1992 a lawsuit that was filed against the The Cult by the parents of the 11 year old child who's featured on the album's front cover as well as the video for the song wild hearted son. The child’s parents sued the Cult for 61 million dollars claiming that the The Cult hadn't got permission to use the boy's image. here's an MTV report at the time discussing the lawsuit as well as the Cult's response. But first the Cult at the center of a lawsuit of the alleged improper use of a photograph of a child used on the cover of the ceremony album and also as a dramatic centerpiece of their video wild hearted son in which a snapshot is burnt eleven-year-old Sioux Indian eternity Debray and his parents have filed the 61 million dollar lawsuit in the American Supreme Court individually against frontman Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy as well as a multimedia company Time Warner, Warner Brothers Records, sire records and Jon Running the photographer credited for the picture. Eternity first saw the image when he was flicking through the channels on American television and saw the picture on MTV whereupon he reportedly ran screaming to his father the picture was taken when eternity was four at a tribal gathering run

[@briandhaze5906]

You cover the Cult more than anybody and I love it.

[@archangel5627]

He covers the Cult quite a bit because they kick ass!

[@wildflower514]

He seems to do it just so he can trash Ian.

[@stivecutbank5108]

The cult is classic iam part native American and yes thay do like to sue its hungry people of all races not just us long live the cult

[@alienjournalism]

Amen! My first rock band obsession and first show…bring it!

[@briandhaze5906]

@@alienjournalism new album in October!!!

[@bmjv77]

Billy Duffy is one of the most underrated rock guitarists ever.

[@niroshanfernando4784]

The perfect guitarist mix of U2's The Edge, AC⚡DC's Angus & Malcolm Young, David Bowie's Spiders From Mars guitarist Mick Ronson & Sex Pistols' guitarist Steve Jones. Bill Duffy & THE CULT ROCK!🤘😎🎸

[@underflo43tky]

he has the best hair of any guitarist

[@BarrySmithviolin]

Incredible feel 🌹

[@orvil9223]

Who underrated him?

[@bornagainbornagain6697]

He is a giant in rock guitarists. Some of the baddest ass riffs ever done. He doesn't copy no one, and he is heavy as gold. Their DVD is killer. In Surround Sound too.

[@nicksothep8472]

I loved The Cult so much, and in that period I was heavily into punk rock and hard core, but I found their sound and Ian voice almost hypnotic and extremely emotional in the right way. I still listen to their three 90s albums sometimes and I still feel the same way about their unique sound today. As a rule I don't give half a shit about an artist's personal life and trivial shit, I only care about the music or whatever "product" they create.

[@shanewilson199]

Hypnotic is a great way to describe Love. A great record.

[@robwalsh9843]

It's interesting how The Cult originated as a punk/goth band before they became balls out hard rock.

[@gretchensghost]

Every time there was a new Cult album I got excited. And then I listened to it. Without sounding like someone stuck in the past, it's hard to beat Dreamtime, the live concert of version of it and of course, Love.

[@raybeer549]

I second that.

[@niroshanfernando4784]

I third that! Although imo, their Electric Tour Live @ The Brixton Academy comes in a close 2nd.

[@gerardspringer8576]

The first few albums. After that the magic was not there

[@RighteousBrother]

Good to see so much coverage on The Cult, you should cover Jane's Addiction, I'm sure there's plenty of interesting stories to tell!

[@lazur1]

"Fire Woman" lives forever.

[@denirakich5266]

Hell Yeah!!!

[@mikedavis1476]

@Vinnie Provolone serves him right 🤣

[@None-mb3jl]

Never realized just how much I loved The Cult until Firewoman Video...Ian Astbury, oh my. Long black hair, those moves...lost count number of times I've watched....actually sat mesmerized Ian's moves and have always loved Firewoman! Firewoman

[@dnr415]

Beyond good and Evil is one of the greatest heavy rock albums of all time. It will be found in the future by a new generation.

[@archangel5627]

The Cult’s Beyond Good and Evil is by far my favorite album and one of their best for sure! Bob Rock has always done wonders for the band and Beyond Good and Evil is a great example of that.

[@alibobsmarland9572]

Agreed. Totally underrated album.

[@benallmark9671]

I’m gonna have to hear this album , Ceremony was the last album I bought up until that greatest hits album with that funky song the Witch or Witch , which I absolutely loved

[@niroshanfernando4784]

@@archangel5627 DON'T forget what producer Bob Rock did for their Sonic Temple album too! That should be common knowledge by any die-hard fan of The Cult. But I agree that Bob Rock made the Beyond Good & Evil album ROCK too! 🤘🎸

[@niroshanfernando4784]

@@benallmark9671 that song is so F@#%n cool & I love it too! I remember even dance/rave DJ's were mixing that song into their playlists. Afterall, that was technically a greatest hits compilation album aptly titled: For Rockers, Ravers & Sinners. You could almost sense the transitional sound direction they were headed in. I remember reading interviews that said that Billy and Ian wanted to incorporate musical elements of what was going on during that Manchester music scene in the early-mid 1990's in their native UK. You eventually hear those elements on their self-titled GOAT album that would subsequently follow.

[@sagmeister2234]

Huge fan growing up. Ian is his own worst enemy for sure. Saw them a few times over the years. The best was in 99 when they reunited for the Cult Rising tour. Small venue, one of the best shows ever.

[@appymountaintrekkers9295]

Saw them in Va. Beach on that tour. Still one of the best shows I’ve ever seen.

[@GG-ju5mi]

Not just Ian, Billy ego is huuuge,

[@michaelherndon9573]

They are both crabby as s*** sometimes on stage I've seen them five times Ian said to the crowd oh so you like that dumb music? It's when the crowd started to react loudly at the beginning of electric

[@archangel5627]

The Cult’s Beyond Good and Evil is one of my favorite albums. I also really like their previous self titled album as well. But looking back at the Ceremony album, you can tell the Cult was going for a more Arena Rock style which fits the band just as well. The Cult remains to be one of my favorite bands and I personally enjoy all of the minor changes and influences there music has had over the years. I will say that I find it especially cool that you’re covering Ceremony in detail because it’s one of those albums that gets lost in the shuffle.

[@willyupshaw]

The self-titled album is excellent. I've never understood how no one else can see it. It has a tone of great songs with a lot of variety. Joy is one of their best songs.

[@nickknight5543]

The Cult was never the same after Jamie Stewart left.

[@mikewilson3581]

100% Agree. He seemed to be the rational, friendliest member. Great bass lines too.

[@niroshanfernando4784]

Although it was an "amicable" departure after finishing Sonic Temple Tour in 1990, I agree that the "trio bond energy" was no longer there anymore. Very happy & fortunate to have caught bassist Jamie Stewart playing w/The Cult during that last leg of that tour before his departure. They did bring him onstage for a 3 song encore during the last show of the Love 25th Anniversary Tour in their native UK back in 2009.

[@mikewilson3581]

@@niroshanfernando4784 It's interesting that in the Wild Hearted Son video you saw a bassist that kind of looked like Jamie, but you didn't see enough of him. Jamie was long gone by the time of Ceremony. I think the band were trying to keep up appearances in that video. At least Jamie eventually got into the software industry and avoided all the tension between Ian and Billy that was to come in the 90's.

[@mikewilson3581]

Originally a guitarist but did a great job on bass. Also played strings and piano on the albums.

[@niroshanfernando4784]

@@mikewilson3581 Yes, indeed. Judging from the home video from The Cult's Live @ the Brixton Academy concert, Jamie Stewart is a pretty damn good rhythm guitarist. For those who don't know, he switched back to rhythm guitar during the Electric Tour circa 1987 to give The Cult that twin guitar attack. Letting Kid Chaos handle bass player duties & freeing up Billy Duffy to rip up some ROCKING fretboard-shredding lead guitar solos! 🤘😷🎸

[@julianmoreau3281]

One of my all time favourite bands. The ARE rock & roll attitude itself

[@Skycladatdusk78]

Beyond Good And Evil is one of the most underrated albums ever.

[@Skycladatdusk78]

@Bob Bielski I mostly agree, their last one had a couple ok songs, but yeah Beyond Good And Evil was the last one that was flawless beginning to end.

[@erikkikke8533]

I agree

[@BeastMixer]

Rise

[@RolandDeschain1]

It's awesome.

[@jeremygalvin7726]

agreed. Such a great rock album.

[@chump3947]

Matt Sorum "got The Cult back together" sure you did Matt, sure you did!

[@GeneralAtomics]

Matt saying Buckcherry is a waterdowned version of the cult. I like Buckcherry but they are nothing like the cult.

[@ministerofdarkness]

Love, Electric, & Sonic Temple are all classics! Ceremony is a good album and the self titled 1994 record is an underrated masterpiece! PLAY LOUD!

[@niroshanfernando4784]

Those 3 albums plus Dreamtime are the Holy Grail of The Cult! 🤘🏾😎

[@sandyjo31]

Great to hear about th3 Cult, they are so underrated. I also liked your MC5 video since I didn't know much about them.

[@mayscough72]

Love Sonic Temple, great tunes and a great iconic album cover

[@andrewconrad2859]

Totally agree. I've probably listened to Sonic Temple more than any other single album, by anyone, in my life. But I have to admit, it probably took an entire year before I noticed the extremely "psychedelic" image of Ian in the background behind the more obvious image of Billy in his windmill pose.

[@mayscough72]

@@andrewconrad2859 the same thing happened to me, I remember looking at the album cover whilst listening to it again and then it dawned on me that Ian was also on the cover, I booked an eye test shortly afterwards

[@andrewconrad2859]

@@mayscough72 hahaha. Also, the angle makes the rolls of his scarf around his neck look huge. It's an odd picture.

[@bornagainbornagain6697]

Love that fuckin cover!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@shawnduffy5766]

LOVE is one of the greatest records ever released!! Period.

[@ethanl3769]

That album blew me away at the time . Probably listened to it 1000 times lol!

[@mikemac6265]

Huge cult fan here love that you have a lot of content on them. I actually loved beyond good and evil and the 94 Cult album. Guess that’s why they are the Cult. Only for the select few who understand greatness. That Holy Barbarians album is fantastic too.

[@DrunkenGuitarGuy]

2 years and 10 likes! thats probably a good indication of what most music fans think about your idea of "greatness", get over yourself!

[@twistoffate4791]

This video was so well-researched & well-presented, it's now in my top favorites for this channel. I really enjoyed it.

[@techguyMD]

That 1994 self titled album is INCREDIBLE... it's one of my favorite Cult albums.

[@goesjem]

It is a very deep album with a few outside infuences. I love it too. It is a trip!!!

[@andyherrin]

Why does no one ever talk about how great "Painted On My Heart" is?

[@andrewconrad2859]

My guess would be that 1) it was written by songwriter-for- hire Dianne Warren, and 2) it was featured in "Gone In 60 Seconds," not the most beloved movie. I'm a lifelong fan, but the song, regardless of its merits, seemed to reek of a desperate attempt at a chart hit. That's simply my opinion of course. CFFC.

[@stapleremover]

THANK YOU, that's definitely my favorite Cult song.

[@bornagainbornagain6697]

@@andrewconrad2859 They were not desperate at that time. And the song and the movie were both good.

[@andrewconrad2859]

@@bornagainbornagain6697 agree to disagree. Cult forever

[@blacksunshine7485]

Really good cover. One of Astburys best vocal performances. Aerosmith was offered that song first and recorded a version that is slower tempo, you can find it on KZbin,but they ultimately turned it down. The Cult was offered it and blew it away, awesome track! Shame it wasnt included on Beyond Good and Evil

[@glennaldosf]

Cult have always been one of my favorite bands growing up... loved GnR, Faith no More, Jane's, the Cult... go to see them on their Beyond Good and Evil Tour.. maybe not their peak but was great to see them..... those first 4 records were timeless

[@brew2415]

Longtime fan and my favorite album is the Self Titled from 1994. Choice of Weapon (2012) is also great.

[@johnbodine8217]

U2 also came out with Actung Baby that year. Badmoterfinger by Soundgarden, Nevermind by Nirvana, And Blood sugar Sex Magik by The Chili Peppers all 3 came out on the same day September 24th 1991.

[@sinceunati]

Damn.

[@bigneon_glitter]

Excellent video. The Cult's muse mislead them. For 30 years, they kept trying to be bland American Hard Rock when their early Psychedelic albums are what keep them alive.

[@dsi76]

They were once a goth supergroup, among the likes of the Sisters of Mercy and The Mission. They were very unique though among their contemporaries. That scene would fizzle out however by the end of the 80s, so I think for their own careers they felt they had to evolve.

[@drummer78]

When “Love” came out, they were super cool and a bit goth/psychedelic. Also, they are an English band and for Anglophile rock fans in America that time, such things mattered. When “Electric” came out, they suddenly became like a generic American biker band image wise. I still liked “Electric” but something was lost and I kind of lost interest by the time of “Sonic Temple”. I think in some ways the band were trend jumpers.

[@michaelharrington75]

@Christopher Bingham He said, "trying to be a bland American rock band". Not they are.

[@meandmyson9928]

Thanks, loved this, from Brazil!

[@emaheiwa8174]

The Cult ruined themselves after 3 great albums in a row. I blame drugs but at least they gave us a lot to listen until Ceremony

[@dsi76]

Make that 4... Dreamtime was also great :-)

[@chrisbridston3438]

They still had a couple albums after that . which were pretty damn stellar .. I miss the old days of REAL ALTERNATIVE MUSIC .. aka NEW WAVE .. etc.. I miss 120 Min.. or the old Bomb Shelter Videos.. sh@t.. now they consider Taylor Swifts new album alternative 🤦🏻‍♂️🔨🔨🔨

[@Junketsuadidas]

I hate that ceremony isn’t amazing, what a waste of an incredible album cover

[@stvalue3]

@@dsi76 I would have to agree w/ U, Dreamtime is also a classic.

[@dsi76]

@@stvalue3 it’s also a gothic rock classic, I love that they still played Horse Nation and Spiritwalker on tour.

[@dougtull4594]

The Cult's self-titled disc still holds up. I guess timing is everything.

[@jonnun7713]

The cult is such a guilty pleasure of mine. I love how ian likes to be under the radar. Truly one of the best voices in the game

[@trevorstern9772]

I love the cult Saw them live a couple of times But as cool as Ian astbury is he can't sing

[@8Junio76]

Why a guilty pleasure?

[@tomtucker1984]

Why do you feel guilt about liking the cult? Or any band for that matter?

[@natalielastname1117]

@Trevor Stern is it just that you don't like his voice? I absolutely love it (I know you didn't ask). This is NOT me trying to be an ass or anything, just genuinely curious.

[@goesjem]

@@trevorstern9772 He has always struggled live because he pushes his range. On the studio albums, he kicks ass. Agree?

[@demonweber666]

Love Beyond Good & Evil. Saw them on that tour with Monster Magnet and Stabbing Westward, great show! I actually saw The Cult for my first time, when they opened for Billy Idol. Great memories!

[@jefferysteen1041]

Their first album "Dreamtime"may be their best!

[@Riskmangler]

Is, not may be. Bad Medicine Blues!

[@gerdaturul5988]

Yes ! it is the best album of all times

[@malamuteaerospace6333]

No Love is, but close..

[@Albrecht777]

I agree, with "Love" second.

[@aguitarcalledchutzpah]

Great video. Takes me back to the 90s where my music tastes were largely formed

[@stapleremover]

I remember reading somewhere ages ago that Ian Astbury was being considered to replace Michael Hutchence in INXS after he died. I might have just hallucinated this but I think it would have been a good fit.

[@vermilliongecko]

No, I seem to remember reading that too.

[@stevelueb7787]

Ceremony album is the finest Cult album ever made. Every song flows together making all the pieces fit perfectly.

[@goesjem]

Earth Mofo!

[@hugolafhugolaf]

I never liked it as much as the others. Something was missing. Like they were trying to be an arena-rock band, while still trying to be in touch with their spiritual roots. The two didn't match. Sonic Temple was lightning in a bottle, which managed to mesh the two.

[@adamski101]

Over the years I have come to prefer Ceremony to Sonic Temple. My top 5 would be Electric, Love, Ceremony, Sonic Temple, Self titled.

[@kylesantos8190]

The most important release of 1991 was Ritual de Lo Habitual.

[@TommyMacLuckie]

Released September 24, 1991: The Cult - CEREMONY Nirvana - NEVERMIND Red Hot Chili Peppers - BLOOD SUGAR SEX MAGIK Soundgarden - BADMOTORFINGER

[@Slarti2]

Bizarre that The Cult's album Love, is the most under appreciated album in the US but it was a big hit all over the rest of the World. She Sells Sanctuary and Rain being the two stand out songs on Love.

[@MrDlt123]

A VERY underrated 80s band. If the song 'Fire Woman' doesnt get you started, you're dead.

[@msmoniz]

Whoa whoa whoa! Ian Astbury is part of Native American culture? I think you best qualify that! He has NO Native American heritage, which, whether you meant to or not, implies he does. He is an ally and supporter and that's rooted to his teen years spent living in Hamilton Ontario with his father, whose job(Westinghouse I believe) brought him to Hamilton from England after his parents divorced. The high school he attended in Hamilton had many Six Nations students(Six Nations a reservation about 1/2 hour south of Hamilton) who he befriended and became aware of North American Native culture through them and his time in Hamilton. After high school he moved back to England and started up the Southern Death Cult which would eventually morph into The Cult.

[@newforestpixie5297]

Wish he’d bought some Native Americans back to England with him as well as their culture hasn’t had little impact over here except for the folk whom lived in Tipis at Stonehenge when I was a boy . Mind you Thatcher and the Thames Valley Police force stomped that out after 10 years ( after 5 in power once the gig was attracting upwards of 10,000 ) 🏴😇❤️🍄

[@Debtwarrior]

I think its fair to say he is part of the line of history that should include the storytellers..

[@E.OrthodoxMHNIN]

Don’t tell Elizabeth Warren, she is still trying to recover from you people stealing her land.

[@davedavid7061]

I think you can be made an honorary member of a tribe-my father in law has such designation from certain Wyoming tribes

[@douglasbatley1907]

Astbury wouldn't know a buffalo from his elbow.

[@allsoundmusicentertainment3736]

Ian could have been one of the greatest. IMO he is…but the world should have witnessed more of his greatness.

[@limeycheesehead97]

Brilliant. I saw The Cult when the went on tour with Billy Idol in 1987. It was Alpine Valley and a great concert. Billy Idol tore his trousers but I missed it...I was sad. (ha ha)

[@matthewgierula5674]

I have been a fan of the band ever since the LOVE album and She Sells Sanctuary was a minor hit on MTV. You really did hit the nail on the head with this video, I had tickets to see them in 1996 and was very sad that they cancelled because Ian couldn't handle being in the band anymore. Thankfully, he took care of his personal problems and they have been on a roll the last few years putting out great music again. They finally figured out that they could do different styles of music on one album instead of forcing themselves to stick to one. I just recently saw them on a double bill with Black Rebel Motorcycle club and they were amazing. Their latest album has just came out and its fantastic, it blends elements of their early sound in a modern way, definitely worth buying.

[@Catch_The_Irishman]

I can't believe this channel only has 470K subscribers. It is better production and informational quality than the old "Behind the music" series on MTv. Keep yp the good work and thank you.

[@ozrob76]

The Cult was one of the first bands I saw live, at Big Day Out '95. Was awesome 😎 Rain is one of the best songs (and video clips) ever written ✨

[@rrsjr]

Astbury has no Native American ancestry. His mother was Scottish and his father was English. He just likes Native American culture.

[@goesjem]

True. He was raised in Canada until he was 19. That is not very native hahaha

[@sinceunati]

@@goesjem I think he was born in England and moved to Canada when he was like 11 or so. I think??

[@marcgoldstein2957]

that was great. thank you.

[@richardheinz]

Their self titled album was their best album. Every song sounds different and great.

[@aaronburratwood.6957]

I’ve been a Rock-n-Roller since I was pushed in a stroller.🤘🏽

[@RestrainingHollywood]

Love these audio levels..

[@michaelrainone296]

Someone is suing The Cult for 61million over a photo???!! How frivolous can legal action get??? The kid should thank the band for putting him on the cover.Settle it out of court.Maybe the band should soo the kids family!!??? 🤔🤔🤔🤔🙂🙂🤔🤔😊🔊🔊🔊🎼🎼.

[@charliedillon1400]

Saw the Cult open for Metallica on the And Justice for All tour. Killer 30 minute set. They seemed hammered lol!

[@keithstoddard3321]

I am a strong believer in that also!! Billy is still in my top 5 of my list of guitarists and has been under rated for many reasons, but recondition of his talent and Guitar he plays like no other!!

[@johnmclean8167]

If you could find information on Astbury's time spent as a youth in Hamilton, ON and his trips to the nearby 6 Nations reserve, I would be highly interested.

[@cowboymouth6429]

Only concert I ever went to was in Charlotte NC in 92. THE CULT AND LINNY KRAVITZ. BOTH WETE REALLY, REALLY GREAT. NEVER BEEN TO ANOTHER CONCERT SINCE. ♥️🔥

[@jasonblake924]

Ceremony is a great album, self-titled album of 1994 and Beyond, Good and Evil are also amazing albums. The Cult have always pushed and tried new things, what is the measure of success focussing on more and more album sales when you have already been successful or creating the music you want to.

[@Jermeister12]

I love Beyond good & evil .It is an Great listen. I saw them on that tour it was awesome.

[@Siouxpreme1979]

Damn it's so sad how these bands just burn out. Some of the best music ever.

[@mike_w_21]

Not only have they NOT burned out, they've put out some incredible music in the past decade and about to release another album in a couple of months!

[@Will-sh8kl]

I love the cult and learned to play most of she sells Sanctuary. It's so fun!

[@breakit46]

I met Ian and Billy in Leeds England at the warehouse club. They were really amicable and had no celebrity edge, that was 85 or 86. They played flat out and tight as fuck.

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

I have always felt that they should have been a much more commercially successful band around the world

[@astralcrab]

if "Love" had more press, including retrospective one, it'd be considered a rock classic (I personally consider it a top 30 all time album). would also have become platinum or more, like for example the Real Thing by Faith no more which has also grown to be a cult band. Just like Sisters of Mercy albums are cornerstones of Goth rock, Love should be... On the hard rock side, Sonic Temple was platinum but ddeserved more, mostly when you consider chessy rock glam bands had multiplatinum albums in 1989!

[@chrstphrdyer]

My guitarist friend Matt Snow in Dallas was about to form a band with Billy when he finally od’d on heroine. I lived with Road Kill who opened for Pantera at the basement on the regular.

[@laurabryfogle7516]

Dang. I love the Cult!! Never realized all the ickiess. I've seen them numerous times, the last being at The Rialto here in Tucson. They were at least 45 mins late, with Ian boldly stating his apologizes along with what a messy business Rock and Roll is! Still an AMAZING show! & I lost my voice for a week from all my vocal appreciation of the evening!!! 🎤 🎼 The fire in her eyes..... 💃💃🙌🙌🙌🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦❤❤❤❤

[@gregggaldo9181]

Can't wait to see " The CULT " November 16th in Monterey Ca. ....Front Row baby!!!

[@kwiefinpussi6796]

He is part native, like Hilaria Baldwin is Spanish.

[@glennoc8585]

Ceremony is an album that has grown on me as much as any of their albums. Love is still my favourite but I haven't be unhappy with any cult album.

[@Tmac327]

Beyond Good & Evil should have had a number of 10 ten hits on the radio! Its an excellent album. They are the most under-rated band of all time! LOVE THE CULT!!! x CFFC x

[@michaelrouthier8491]

Have always been a huge fan of The Cult! In regards to the albums discussed in this video, I always felt that Ceremony was basically Sonic Temple Part 2, just with slightly weaker material and thinner production. Their 1994 self-titled album was one of my favorites, but I can see why it didn't translate for some Cult fans, as the production on it was very tinny. And I'll never understand why Beyond Good & Evil wasn't a bigger album. The sound on it is just HUGE, and there are some very good tracks there, somewhere between Electric & Sonic Temple.

[@Mahmood42978]

Imagine The Cult, a band that started out in the post-punk and alternative rock scene, eventually being pushed out of the mainstream by alternative rock groups.

[@danbeldin670]

Bro can you please cover the ozzy osbourne randy rhoads tribute album would love to know more about it. thank you brother love all your work even on bands I wouldn't normally look into

[@FuneraryGirl]

Just saw them live and the show was fantastic.

[@ginor8416]

I always had this misguided belief that The Cult were all multi millionaires. Seeing this makes me realize they really struggled. Awesome band, I love the 1994 album

[@blacksunshine7485]

Ceremony and Beyond Good and Evil are both awesome! Self titled had some decent tracks too

[@cecilformby894]

I saw them live at Newcastle Worker's Club in Australia back in 1995/96? They hammered it.

[@matsfrommusic]

Ceremony, The cult and Beyond good and evil, are great albums. Really like the witch and other more off the wall stuff.

[@kwiefinpussi6796]

He’s Native like Richard Harris in “Man Named Horse” or Kevin Costner in “Dances with wolves”. He is Part Jim Moron-San though.

[@denisefreitas6727]

I like Love & Eletric, great albuns.

[@neilpye6089]

First or 523rd Nigel Preston was fired for heroin abuse

[@johnparkinson471]

Still the best drummer they ever had

[@DeathCultFan]

Worst mistake they ever made was going to US and meeting Rick Rubin. 'Love' and 'Peace' are the best albums ever.

[@chump3947]

There's no album called Peace? Do you mean Electric?

[@dsi76]

@@chump3947 There was an album called Peace that was produced by Steve Brown (who did the Love album) but it got shelved after Rick Rubin told them to strip down all the guitar effects from their songs, which led to Electric. It has most of the Electric songs in the style of the Love album but a bit heavier. The Peace album finally got its release a few years ago. Some of the songs did make their way into B-sides and box sets in the decades prior.

[@chump3947]

@@dsi76 Ah OK. In Australia that was released as The Manor Sessions in 88.

[@dsi76]

@@chump3947 Yes you are correct, I forgot about that. It didn’t include all the songs though.

[@johndavis1217]

@@dsi76 I like both versions, Electric and Manor Sessions. I probably like the Manor Sessions better.

[@hobbyable1]

Ceremony isn't that bad, it has its moments, but it's largely the sound of a band that had run out ideas/direction. Up until then they really had momentum which resulted in one of the greatest yet still underrated Sonic Temple.

[@mistout73]

That was my freshmen year of college, I loved Ceremony but agree that year was dominated by the Chili Peppers, Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Nine Inch Nails.

[@rnrtruestories]

yeah it was a crazy year for alternative rock in late 1991

[@jakelecroy5553]

One of my favorite groups ever!

[@TheKaffeeKlatsch]

I’ll see them next month.

[@tillross4078]

Bigger the Altitude ,,, Bigger is the Attitude ,,, has been the Suffering of many Great Bands ,, Best Wishes to all ,,, Peace

[@kevinnessar5360]

I thought, and still think that Beyond Good and Evil is a solid album. Actually one of my top all time favorites.

[@recordrob3887]

I saw The Cult when they were touring the Electric Album, they were great. Opening act was GnR. They were pretty bad and the crowd applauded when Axl said their next song was their last. This was before Sweet Child was a hit, of course.

[@franksmith4277]

That's a great story.

[@dogcarp4847]

I saw them in edmonton with GnR opened for them in 87 or so. GnR was almost boo'd off the stage too. LOL ... I Later loved GnR.

[@dsi76]

@@dogcarp4847 My love for the Cult started as a child growing up in Edmonton! Thank goodness for those specialty record shops that carried old Cult/Death Cult/SDC vinyls and British music mags!

[@JC-hu1wd]

I saw The Cult support Big Country on their Steel Town tour in 84 i think. Ian got a lot of abuse from the crowd at the front chucking bottles and heckling him. I remember Ian shouting back at them 'You c**ts will be paying to see us next year!'

[@recordrob3887]

@Christopher Bingham I understand GnR were a pretty hot and cold band, so very likely I saw a crap show and another night they were fantastic.

[@richardabanono4511]

We LOVE the Cult 👍🎶🎸 from Philippines 👍🎶🎸🇵🇭

[@itcamefromthenerdcave1669]

Sonic Temple was my jam back in the day. The kid was emotionally scarred? Wow. I wonder if he ever recovered and went on to lead a semi-normal life. Step aside actual victims of child abuse...Here comes "I Have PTSD Because My Photo Was Used On An Album Cover" guy...

[@mackenzie9865]

Lol!

[@douglasbatley1907]

Too true unfortunately 😔

[@rosiegratz8377]

Exactly! Such crap, bet that 60 mill would of healed his wounds though.🙄

[@Albrecht777]

The guy who was photographed as a baby for the cover of Nirvana's "Nevermind" is trying the same trick, now!

[@blackhistoryofrocknroll]

I interviewed their orignal drummer on my channel ( death cult) actually ian has no native american roots . He just had an affinity for native american culture . He lived in Canada for a while and that's where that affinity came in m hes a UK kat. Check out the interview that I did with Ray MONDO. I dig your channel .

[@dsi76]

Thank you! Checking it out now. The Cult is a truly diverse band, both in style and personnel. Their first drummer (in SDC) was a Muslim, and then you have Ray as well.

[@vermilliongecko]

@@dsi76 True, I'm friends with Aki Nawaz. I've seen videos of him teaching his kids to play Southern Death Cult songs on the drums.

[@dsi76]

@@vermilliongeckoI’m FB friends with Aki through a mutual friend and we’ve chatted a few times. There is a clip on KZbin of him playing on a little drum kit while a teenager plays Moya on guitar. Great song. The Cult have performed it only a handful of times in past tours.

[@MelloGee33]

The Cult has a LONG and VERY INTERESTING history, indeed.

[@bobbystewart8906]

Cult was a one of a kind style and sound. Love there music . They were better than most of the 80's and 90's that just never had the popularity probably because the band couldn't get along.

[@themcgeachys]

Brilliant

[@foesfly3047]

Beyond Good and Evil, Absolutely ROCKS- It’s my favorite Cult album, even before Sonic Temple and Ceremony, which are also awesome.

[@spiderjerusalem8284]

Manager: Don´t run in the ramp! Astbury: What the hell is a ramp?

[@shanestephens4728]

Holy fuck I’ve never heard that Buckcherry “poor man’s ‘The Cult’” reference before but goddammit if that isn’t one of the most apt things I’ve ever heard.

[@frostedhead]

"From 1995 -1999 I literally saw him probably once or twice"? I seen the Cult in '98 at 'House of Blues' on the sunset strip. Maybe that was one the "once or twice"?

[@Motherloadrocks]

THE CULT-THE BEST

[@Brad772006]

Bands dive into all kinds of bad things, alcohol, drugs, women. Ian Astbury - muffins

[@ckelley63]

From what I understand Ian's muffin addiction was secretly the bands downfall.

[@Buster_Piles]

And a huge slew of stupid hats

[@85priesty]

Beyond Good and Evil was an absolute killer album...

[@diannehogan7605]

I saw them in Jan '95 at the Melbourne Big Day Out. They were awesome and completely blew every other band off the stage. However, the crowd didn't seem to appreciate how good they were. They were all new wave grunge fans and wanted too see Courtney Love's band, 'Hole' (who were average at best, and Courtney was drunk and obnoxious). I felt like I was one of the only ones getting into it, but on the upside, it made it easy to get near the stage and have a good view. A couple of weeks later they split up.

[@sinceunati]

I really think Hole sucks. Especially Courtney herself. Very little talent.