My first time hearing Ian Astbury and The Cult! Vocal Analysis featuring the song "Fire Woman"

[@ogfail1867]

Now you have to check out, "Love Removal Machine" and "She sells sanctuary".

[@simonc9683]

Definetly She sells sanctuary

[@EeeDee1]

I second this motion

[@darkfieldmpls]

I fully concur, and without throwing shade will also say all Cult songs are pretty much the same.

[@33interzona]

Yes, please !!

[@mrtveye6682]

@@darkfieldmpls IMO not quite. They had some kind of shift from the early records with lots more of gothic/indie vibes to the pure foll blown hard rock songs of the later years. "Love" was probably the "transitional" record - and that's maybe the reason that "Love" is my favourite The Cult record. It's pretty unique, since those genres didn't got mixed to much back in the 80s.

[@josephvandiver6912]

Ian Astbury.....the most underrated frontman ever.

[@payfortheircrimes]

Not by you evidently!

[@markvanderstelt8999]

thanks

[@s.s.2048]

Came here to say this.

[@MickH60]

Most OVERRATED comment ever, who exactly thinks he's underrated, you obviously weren't around when he was RATED.....

[@mpmlopes]

You can say that again 😁

[@spooky.mama78]

Don't forget Sweet Soul Sister! AMAZING vocals on that one, and live footage too!

[@Mudflap1974]

My favorite Cult song!

[@AW11-e4h]

The Cult rabbit hole begins 🤘🤘

[@lagodifuoco313]

Yes yes yes 🤘🤘🤘

[@ulyssesfilmchannel]

The whole Sonic Temple album this track is off is epic. Ian still sounds brilliant today too.

[@chadwhitfield6946]

Astbury is the definition of a rock star.

[@TammyM36]

Ian has such a strong unique voice. Just awesome

[@lsu1992]

Saw them open for Metallica in 1989, and the crowd showed them love like they were thrash metal. First heard Electric in 1985, and they just had "it." We LOVED The Cult.

[@dianajemison105]

I saw them on that same tour. I got the Metallica shirt, but I wish I had bought the Cult shirt, too. Great show!

[@lsu1992]

@dianajemison105 I wore that baseball jersey Metallica shirt to my senior prom haha. I kinda remember Ian being in a cast...? Maybe confused with another show. Twas many many brain cells ago.🥳🥳🥳

[@SummerRain-n5u]

I saw them on that same tour in Duluth...Great Show!

[@CoreyWickramasekera]

I have Always loved THE CULT, IAN is a great vocalist and very charismatic

[@simonlauridsen4825]

Living in Denmark they dont come by that often. But I saw them about 20 years ago. It was awesome and loud. I was also lucky to se Ian with The Doors of the 21st Century.

[@Agi420]

I'M OLD SCHOOL CLASSIC PROGRESSIVE ROCK (62yrs old) and didn't care for to many bands in the 90'S but this band caught my ear so i will say this, very underrated singer for that time, up their at the top far as I'm concerned, great raw rock and roll voice with tremendous range, great song, one of the few i liked back then. 🎤

[@paulrosenberg4227]

Ian is still killing it live it today. Power and stage presence personified. Check out the vids. "Love Removal Machine" and "She Sells Sanctuary" next.

[@KenNPotter]

Hey Bethany, loved the reaction! Ian actually grew up in my hometown of Hamilton, Ontario, but he eventually moved back to England. He also attended the same high school as I did and his younger sister, Leslie was a grade behind me. One of my older sisters was in the same grade as him. Incidentally, he is or at least was a huge AC/DC fan and I know this for 2 reasons. One is when he was interviewed by a Toronto radio station years ago on their what two albums would you take with you if you were stranded on a deserted island and he chose The Beatles White album and For Those About to Rock by AC/DC. Secondly, the first time I saw them years ago in Toronto when they opened for Billy Idol. Before they came out, they played the entire album of Back in Black! I last saw them a few years ago at The Sound of Music Festival in the shadows of Hamilton and they still know how to rock! Keep up the awesome work! Cheers!

[@boblapham]

How did I not know Ian was from the Hammer!?

[@stewartcook6684]

Great Tune! As mentioned "She Sells Sanctuary" that was the first big one, "Rain" or Edie (ciao baby), "wild flower". Great Channel.

[@thomasluby1754]

At first I was a little disappointed that this wasn't "She sells Sanctuary", which came out during my mid-20s. Absolutely love that song!. But I forgot how good this song "Fire woman" is. Enjoyed it after all.

[@J.R.Steel85]

One of my favorite bands of all-time! Ian Astbury was such a bada**! Many many bangers from this highly underrated band!

[@GabrielAndres-el7gy]

Hi Bethany My father listened to this and other bands and I always enjoyed playing with him every time they played. In my house there was always music, from the great classics up to the most represntive bands of each genre. The Cult is an excellent English band and Ian is one of the best singers. They have big hits, like: Edie, Sweet Soul Sister, She Sells Sanctuary. It is always a pleasure to listen and learn from your reactions.

[@VinceEmbry]

I've seen them twice, and Ian is a ball of energy from beginning to end.

[@PowderedToastMan420]

The Cult Rocks! ✌️

[@jonathanjacques7250]

One of my favorite bands. Awesome live.

[@captainsatellite2112]

Saw Astbury sing with Krieger and Manzarek as Doors of the 21st Century in the early 2000s. Great show and he did a great job covering Jim Morrison.

[@garywillford]

THIS! Don’t get me wrong, I like the Cult. But I ALWAYS thought his vocal stylings were too much of a rip off of Jim Morrison…or to be more charitable, they were what the Doors would have been had they launched in the late 80s. That’s amazing that he teamed up with the surviving Doors members…I bet that was a phenomenal show.

[@jas137]

One of my fave bands ever! I saw The Cult live in 1990 and even met Ian briefly in 1997- he was so intense and present even simply standing there! They have a group of recordings called "The Manor Sessions" that were songs that eventually became a part of the greatest rock n roll album ever made: "Electric." These served to show me the role a producer can have and a first glimpse of the minimalistic genius of Rick Rubin.

[@Timmayytoo]

Yes, this is the original music video - "perfomance" videos were pretty popular at the time and The Cult seemed to prefer them. This sort of video was usually filmed in front of a crowd and they typically lip-synced to the studio track since this was for promotional purposes. Ian Astbury was a big Jim Morrison fan and you can see it in his performance. This was a pretty big hit for them although I prefer the previous album "Electric" which featured the songs "Love Removal Machine" and "Wildflower"

[@randomhockeyguy9149]

Back in the early 2000s, original Doors members Robbie Krieger and Ray Manzarek reformed with Ian Astbury as their lead singer. There's some clips of them on late show performing Break On Through.

[@joes.1868]

love Ian, what a great voice. Sweet Soul Sister is epic

[@esreveresrever2788]

my high school self listed to Electric when it first came out non stop over and over and over. literally wore that cassette out. still love to this day. their best imo album imo. saw them many times in their prime, also saw ian with Doors of 21st Century outside at jones beach long island. great stuff. great reaction. thank you! 🥀☝️🖤🦄

[@marklohnes6313]

The best live performance I have ever been too was The Cult. Saw them in Austin in 2001 and they blew me away. Fabulous band!

[@TheAquaponic1]

This was my teens band and the band that made me want to be in a band! Still turning people onto them. I was lucky enough to work with them back in the mid 90's and hung out with Ian all day and night. Great stuff, ty for the content.

[@W00dy590]

Been a Fan of The Cult since the early 80s. Most people will recommend She sells sanctuary or Love Removal Machine which are both great but I would recommend Wild Hearted Son from the Ceremony LP.

[@MrWorfy99]

100% agree on Wild Hearted Son….. never gets played enough. 👍🏻

[@happymethehappyone8300]

Many say that he gives off Jim Morisson vibes & I can definitely see why they would say that.

[@jonlight670]

Saw them last Thursday. They were amazing!

[@morbidsnails1913]

I love The Cult, fantastic band. I saw them a month ago at Newcastle NX here in England. Me and my sister were front and centre up against the barrier, towards the end of the show Ian handed her a tambourine and blew her a kiss, it made her night. She's never stopped going on about it since, telling anyone who'll listen 😂 Brilliant gig.

[@philalegata1303]

excellent Band. one of my all time favs. She Sells Sanctuary is also a great song by them.

[@scourneene]

I recall the late eighties when this came out, I was 17, skateboarding and so stoked. Fun hearing this reaction!

[@johnthompson6374]

ditto

[@MaxHeadroom65]

Finally!!! Thank you!!!

[@stevenhaffner3299]

Love Removal Machine is probably my favourite tune from them. Brings back a lot of memories. They brought psychedelic rock back in a big way.

[@EarthyBlendPOV]

One of my fave bands!

[@jonfazzone5125]

Love the Cult Criminally Underrated Great Vocal Killer Guitar Crushing Bass Classic Drum Fills Wonderful Song With an Updated 70’s Classic Hard Rock Vibe

[@jonfazzone5125]

Live on MTV music awards was pretty good if I remember correctly

[@goldenruletv7301]

I've seen them 5 times. "Electric" came out my senior year in high school along with Beastie Boys and GNR Appetite. We were fgn spoiled as music lovers.

[@Cadinho93]

The singer is Ian Astbury and he's an amazing frontman, but never seems to be in the discussion about the greatest frontmen of all time. In my opinion, he's right up there with the likes of Mick Jagger, Steven Tyler and Axl Rose to name just a few. He's a true entertainer and Billy Duffy absolutely slays the guitar. Also, The Cult are one of the most underrated bands of the '80s and "Sonic Temple" has to be one of the top ten rock albums from the '80s.

[@CoreyWickramasekera]

Very UNDERRATED band

[@ElizabethSicking]

You should hear "The Phoenix" - my favorite Cult song. This one was more popular. "The Phoenix" is a mood though.

[@goldenruletv7301]

I LOVE the LOVE album, lol

[@dkmcbigsley]

Been listening to this song for 30+ years, but never noticed any country in the vocals. Mind blown

[@chueysmama2622]

I saw them at a little club in L.A. in 1990, Ian sang and moved just like this (swoon🤤). They were a great live band back then!

[@markvanderstelt8999]

i remember seeing you there.

[@chueysmama2622]

@@markvanderstelt8999 OMG! How have you been? I remember you too, how we wore out that bathroom stall and vowed to never speak again. I kept my end of the bargain, yet here you are breaking a promise. 🤣🤣

[@clasmaster1471]

I got to see the cult open up for rush at Hara Arena in Dayton, Ohio. It was a jam!

[@morgs4mountains]

Little Devil has been the ringtone on my phone for years!!

[@esreveresrever2788]

one of their best works, a fine choice for a ring tone!

[@TheInsaneShecklador]

Be my oh be my A A A A A-angel!

[@seanlowe4785]

They are a high quality band, lots of great songs. This is the song that got me following this band back in '89.

[@mattgraham2835]

such a cool bluesy edge sound from the cult and a few other songs good solid band from england too

[@KBloves1998]

I always appreciate the reasoning you provide in your videos. Your style - like when you went back to talk about 'twang' - is a joy for a fellow Gen-Xer who'd like to hear those details! 🎧

[@kevinfryman7143]

I had a chance to see them open for Metallica in the 90s and Ian did not disappoint the crowd at all. Sweet Soul Sister is another great song.

[@lagodifuoco313]

One of my favorite all-time rock bands. Such a great band. Way underrated in my opinion.

[@scottyharrison2709]

Rock with southern rock vocals.

[@seanmurphy637]

I was thinking about this song last night while watching a reaction to Danzig's song Mother. It occured to me that there were some vocal similarities. I was lucky enough to see them live when they came to South Africa as a support band for Lenny Krawitz. Other support band was Goo Goo Dolls. Great concert.

[@todda9178]

Billy freaking Duffy. Criminally underrated.

[@Boathole66]

One cool thing about him is that he’s a connoisseur of guitar sound. Who else uses a Gretsch in rock, not counting Brian Setzer (Stray Cats)? Duffy also has such a cool groove and style without the need or desire to shred ad nauseum.

[@Roh_Echt]

Cool, and yeah, there are live recordings out there. And if you want more of theirs to try, try one or more of these: *Sweet Soul Sister __ She Sells Sanctuary __ Edie (Ciao Baby ) __ Rain __ Love Removal Machine* ... but there's more.

[@guitarman8462]

I saw them in concert years ago. The opening band for The Cult was : Guns & Roses

[@hanselemans4237]

Funny. I saw Guns & Roses in the Netherlands, the opening act was: The Cult

[@johngrijalva4484]

Saw the cult with Dangerous Toys and Bohman. Was an awesome show.

[@josephdurham6051]

I saw that same show in the Greensboro Coliseum. Hell of a show

[@johngrijalva4484]

@@josephdurham6051 saw it in Phoenix.

[@rockcrusher4680]

More Cult!!!! 🎶🎶🎶🎸🎸💯

[@johnterry1852]

I think Ian Astbury has one of the greatest rock voices ever, and Billy Duffy is a phenomenal guitarist and very underrated. Great reaction as usual. For another great live recording, check out "American Horse."

[@iisotter8944]

Him and his idol Jim Morrison. Saw them recently Billy Duffy was outstanding, he his very underrated, and a massive influence on many metal/rock guitarists that came after him.

[@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis.]

A great analysis, thank you. I highly recommend, "Spiritwalker" and "She Sells Sanctuary", 'The Cult' are a British band, they've been through a few different incarnations over the years, they started out as 'The Southern Death Cult' then 'Death Cult' before becoming The Cult, all led by Ian Astbury.

[@darrenloudfoot378]

walking down from best, this is #1 then Love Removal Machine, and She Sells Sanctuary, Ians vocals are rock solid live too, and he uses his range and growl/ snarl effectively always. Hope you get into these soon, really great band still under appreciated IMHO.

[@dustinjones8887]

Love watching your reactions and analysis! Such a joy to watch, and seeing your surprises and smiles on the performance. I guess you and other vocal analysts seem to mean twang means more of a forward nasal tone. I hear that about Ozzy and Axl Rose too.

[@DavidWells-o4h]

"(Here Comes the) Rain" and "Little Face"

[@tsch38301]

Saw them live on this tour in Baltimore Maryland. The show was unreal. Ian is the larger than life front man, from not only his physical stature, but his energy was only second to Bono from the 1983 war tour at Richie coliseum at U of MD. Was one of the best concerts I ever attended of the hundreds I have been to. I almost want to say this video doesn't do them justice because their live energy is beyond video.

[@RonniePeterson]

Good to see you enjoy this one. Please do more.

[@jefflambeth1054]

Love when you react to my favorite songs!! This is high school for me, and seeing you experience it for the first time is🔥🔥 woman 😂

[@DaveHPT]

This stuff has only improved with age, in my opinion. I remember this album being a huge, mega hit at the time. And personally for me, I was more into other stuff but this was like "yeah, this is not bad. This is good too" but I didn't really get invested in it. I hear it now however many decades later and it's JUST SO GOOD. Man, it's just so damn good. Check out all the other songs people will recommend but especially Edie.

[@mquilez01]

You will probably also enjoy: The Cult - Painted On My Heart :)

[@markbeers5176]

THE MOST UNDERRATED BAND EVER!!!!

[@philalegata1303]

no that's Screaming Trees, but close.

[@markvanderstelt8999]

thanks

[@LMagnuss]

Nobody ever talks about Screaming Trees…I loved them! They’re still on my playlist…Dollar Bill, Shadow of the Season and Nearly Lost You… Mark Lanegan’s voice is gritty perfection!

[@MickH60]

They're only underrated by people who don't know them, they were huge, definitely NOT underrated.

[@frios011]

The Cult’s music is legendary!

[@johnsrensen3366]

Legends❤

[@jay-remedy-plz]

More of the Cult please! Such a great band.

[@jollyjakelovell6822]

Listen to Here Comes the Rain, She Sells Sanctuary, or even Horse Nation from the album Dreamtime, then fast forward to Rise from the album Beyond Good and Evil, this band transcends '80s rock' while also in a way defining it.

[@tomdeluna1307]

Seen them a few years ago live.. was not expecting how good of a concert.. was blow away!!

[@silvanorossi6416]

You should listen to Edie (Ciao baby). One of his best vocals

[@RobinC63]

Ian has such a unique voice. There’s no doubt who it is when he starts to sing. He belongs on the list of great frontmen. “Here Comes The Rain” “She Sells Sanctuary” are a couple of videos to check out.

[@naoyakusano9541]

I saw them OPEN for Billy Idol at the Montreal Forum in 1987. What a loud and crazy show

[@phillipevans9414]

The Cult, great band. Saw them live in about 2005, and wow, such a great live band too - super clear and crisp sound, with a bit of added heft and punch than the recorded versions. Loved it! Cheers!

[@rickclark5641]

At one point Ian joined the Doors to do a small tour with the remaining members. It was kinda cool to hear him cover Jim's vocals. Shivers.

[@Mudflap1974]

This is a great band, many incredible songs. And not many people were cooler than Ian in his prime for sure.

[@jungleking7835]

She sells sanctuary for sure.

[@Sigma1_969]

As good a song as this is, and it is a good song, Ian's vocals are better in other songs, like Rain, Wild Flower, Sweet Soul Sister, Wild Hearted Son, Edie..Ciao baby, The Witch.

[@toddnoom626]

One of my all time favorite bands ! Seen them several times. Theirs a live video from Concert for Tibett that really captures thier Essence.Also check out when he toured the Doors.The way he ChanneledJim Morrison will give you goose bumps!

[@topherthered]

Seen them love many many times. They have good and bad shows, like anyone. But last time I caught them was about 8 years ago. At the last Irvine Meadows show. They were amazing.

[@happymethehappyone8300]

🔥 Balaam & The Angel "Light Of The World" (Official Music Video A MUST!!)

[@sherryorr4534]

Oh, damn, I completely forgot about them until now! Great, great music!!!

[@kenthawley5990]

Ian Astbury had one of the most unique voices that set him apart. And I would agree with everyone who suggested "Love Removal Machine" for your next Cult reaction.

[@Andrew-l4s]

Maybe tuck away "Wild Hearted Son" for a future video. That's my favorite Cult song 😁

[@shutincharlie3461]

Saw them live in Portland OR about 5 months ago and they were amazing.

[@markvanderstelt8999]

i thought that was you

[@Buses2Bikes]

I saw the Cult in concert in Florida back in the early 90's. Lenny Kravitz was part of the tour but that night he and his band never made it to the stage. The Cult was the headliner and Kravitz was supposed to open but the Cult came out first that night, did their set, than Ian Astbury comes back out and lays in to Kravitz because Kravitz had burnt his hand on his crack pipe and didn't want to perform that night. So the Cult came back out and did a second set to cover for Kravitz. They were tired but they put on a great show regardless. That second set was mostly covers with some new music they were working on for their next album and debuted that night for us. Great band. Great showman.

[@stevetreloar3129]

Banger!!!

[@scorpiosurfer3]

The Cult is the most underrated rock band in rock history - review She Sells Sanctuary, Brother Wolf Sister Moon, Love, Resurrection Joe, American Horse - sooo many great tracks. I really enjoy your reviews - thank you! Have a Merry Christmas young lady!

[@jeffwright2540]

She Sells Sanctuary next please...thanks for very fond 80s memories, The Cult was so great! ❤

[@finfogel.382]

first saw them about 85ish in Kilmarnock's palace theatre in scotland been a fan ever since its been a while 😁

[@LMagnuss]

Wildflower, Love Removal Machine and She Sells Sanctuary! 🤘🤘🤘

[@negativeindustrial]

This song was huge with the ladies in Westchester, NY back when it came out.

[@adamgreener3887]

Top band. Came from the underground post punk/anarchist movement in the north of the UK & were originally called Southern Deathcult. At the time there were a lot of drumming, vocal & stagecraft influences from Indigenous American culture. Ian’s a top lad. Everton FC supporter. All round great frontman.

[@allengray5748]

PART II 😁 NICE guitar solo!! Great tone choice! Needs More now! 😮☯️☮️

[@alvarodepando6118]

Love this song!

[@sailorgunsveteran5260]

this guy oozed charisma and had a singular voice that I often thought would sound great in any band covering better songs. wish they had done more hits back in the day.

[@ntxcharlie2929]

She Sells Sanctuary is their pinnacle IMHO

[@zauhnciznar]

for me their 1987 album Electric is one of the best rock albums of the 1980's a must listen if any of you never have.

[@rifki9055]

Ian sang with the DOORS! Check it out!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 In my opinion IAN ASTBURY is top 3 UNRATED front man!🤔