The Cult

A band that formed in the 1980s as primarily as a punk band then went onto a more heavier sound as the decade progressed.

The band formed in 1983 in Bradford and currently consists of Ian Astbury, Billy Duffy, Chris Wyse and John Tempesta. There have been many changes in the band but Ian and Billy have remained throughout the various guises.

The band went through various name changes and eventually settled on The Cult at the height of Goth Rock. The original band toured with Goth Legends Bauhaus. The new band released a single 'Gods zoo' in 1983 and following this a tv appearance on Channel 4 The Tube help gain more recognition.

The first album that went to press was 'Dreamtime' and the single 'spiritwalker' was released and this was quickly followed by the single 'go west (crazy spinning circles)' the album was released and went to number 21 in the UK charts. The success of this album opened up more doors and there was recording seession done on BBC radio Richard Skinner show to display there talents.

They released another single 'resseurection joe' and this was followed up with more UK tours supporting bands such as Big Country and The Mission. In May 1985 The Cult made there mainstream breakthrough when they released there iconic hit 'she sells sanctuary' which went to number 15 in the charts and the single remained in the top 100 for almost 6 months.

The band then went to work and released a new album called 'Love' the album reflected a more psychedelic sound and the album reached number 4. Two more singles followed 'rain' and 'revolution' both hit the top 20 in the UK charts and the success was starting to gather.

The next piece of work to appear was the album 'peace' which was recorded in the UK but unhappy with the sound they went to America to work with the famous producer Rick Rubin. The first release was 'love removal machine' and 'lil devil and 'wildflower' soon followed, the new album was renamed as 'electric' following the rework by the band and Rick Rubin and the album went on to become there best selling album to date.

The success of this was helping there status in America and they went on to tour with a fresh band called Guns n Roses supporting them! The next album saw a few personnel changes and another famous prodcuer Bob Rock went to work on the album 'sonic temple' which went top 10 in the UK and across the pond in the USA and this produced 2 further singles 'firewomen' and 'edie (ciao baby) also had success. The band had a lot to endure with various changes but the perserverance of Ian and Billy ensured the band gained the success they deserved in the UK and Amercia.
Recommended listening