Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

CULT, The

UK new wave group, began '82 in Bradford, Yorks as Southern Death Cult (name from newspaper headline): formed by vocalist Ian Astbury (b 14 May '62) after army service, with Barry, bass; Aky, drums; Buzz, guitar (apparently not even record companies knew their real names). Single 'Fat Man' topped UK indie chart on basis of powerful live act, reached no. 43 on national chart, but group fell apart after tour late '83, blamed media exposure. LP Southern Death Cult compiled from live tracks/out-takes. Re-formed as Death Cult with Astbury, ex-Theatre of Hate guitarist Billy Duffy (b 12 May '61), ex-Ritual rhythm section of bassist Jamie Stewart, drummer Ray Mondo; after two singles became Cult '84, with ex-Sex Gang Children Nigel Preston on drums. Majestic 'Spiritwalker' (reminiscent of Banshees) topped indie chart mid-'84; then Dreamtime was no. 21 LP UK: Astbury's fascination with Native American culture led to neo-hippy tag (he wore headband and long hair). 'Resurrection Joe' was near-hit late '84, but Cult's reputation was sealed with chart album Love '85: Big Country's Mark Brzezicki replaced Preston, then drummer Les Warner (ex-Randy California, Julian Lennon etc) joined permanently. Duffy's dominance of sound allied group with Big Country/U2 school of guitar-based rock, and 'She Sells Sanctuary became band's first bona fide hit single. With echoes of Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin in Astbury/Duffy songs, they might have been transplanted from earlier times; most of their audience never heard the originals. Electric '87 prod. by Rick Rubin, described by the Observer as 'a perfect (and amusing) Eighties idea of a late Sixties hard rock record'. They lacked some originality, but stood out like an oasis in mid-'80s UK wasteland as a popular post-punk attraction. Warner left '88; Sonic Temple '89 reached no. 10 USA; Stewart left '90; further albums were Ceremony '91, The Cult '94.