Ian Astbury (The Cult) Exclusive Interview-July 2008

[1JimFinn]

Before Nirvana, STP, Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam...there was the Cult. They helped fuel the death knell of American hair metal (it doesn't deserve to be called glam rock). They deserve our thanks and appreciation.

[Easyandy100]

Loved The Cult since early eighties but not sure the lyrics were the main driver or whatever. He is a miserable bastard.

[hasanrolf]

enny1 remember rain ??? a classic cult tune. fuck she sells

[0flakey1]

what a prick.....thick cunt....you never wrote a lyric worth a wank...spiritfuckwit

[jasosak]

Incredibly huge band that has never gotten the respect they deserve.

[twistedmr]

how did this Interview get uploaded a month before it allegedly took place? Uploaded june 30 2008 - recorded july 2008.

[mickeymousebiker1]

Love Removal Machine. I named my Panhead chopper after that tune because that machine cost me a few girlfriends. The Cult is king tone!

[NewZealand66]

I love this man on so many levels ... wow !!

[Dawnpatrol17]

This band is the coolest ever. The cult did what they wanted. They didn't care about the look. The lyrics were what drove them the whole time. I totally understand what he is saying in this interview because that was what The Cult was about in the early days. Spiritwalker is one of the greatest songs ever next to She sellls. I will always appreciate this band.

[ieatpurplemuffins]

He's Kool!!

[bozo47p]

I really liked these guys...ian made a special guest apearence on tony iommi solo alblum....' flame on' is one kick ass rockin tune and almost sounds like the cult. that whole alblum is a classic...check it out on youtube and tell me what think

[georgewashington33]

If ANYONE continues to use the word LOOSE to mean LOSE I will LOOSE MY BOWELS OVER THEM.

[xAquinasx]

Apparently, an extra chromosome as well.

[markgaywood]

He is English @tycoval, or was you being ironic? ;)

[NathyBaby1989]

He has a little bit of David Brent in him.

[tycovai]

He's a Canadian that has spent a lot of time in Britain.

[ausglocker]

Of course he has an accent, he's an Englishman speaking English!! Hands up, how many youtubers thought he was an American ??

[tornmask]

Ian Ashbury: great frontman & terrific singer!..incredible heartfelt vocalist! =0]

[MsConeSka]

he looks so much like Jim Morrison :P

[ausglocker]

@MsConeSka doesn't he though ??!!!

[mustangpatty51]

Ian is still hot. I just love listening to him and why he loves his craft.

[MrsTufsy]

I never knew he had a accent. :O. He's still gorgeous. Come to meeeee.

[willhum]

@MrsTufsy He doesnt have an accent... what are you talking about? This is how English sounds without an accent!!

[nothugsinourhouse]

@willhum EVERYONE HAS AN ACCENT, YOU MORONS.

[willhum]

@nothugsinourhouse I was being ironic you fuckwit.

[xAquinasx]

@willhum Wrong definition of ironic. "I do not think it means what you think it means." - Inigo Montoya

[willhum]

@xAquinasx So now I'm taking lessons from an American about the correct use of English words? Aside from which you are inevitably wrong, it was the correct use of 'ironic'..i.e.. "the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning". Clearly the irony was lost on you.

[xAquinasx]

@willhum As if because you are English, that means that you are better at the language? lol? And no, you are still incorrect in your usage of the word. Neither can a person be ironic; it is the situation that can be described as such. Irony is something that is different that what is expected and not to be confused with coincidence. Anyway, enjoy thinking that where you are born has that much to do with knowing a language.

[willhum]

@xAquinasx As Dame Edna said of Salma Hayek... if you have to explain irony to Americans, you fast loose the will to live.

[xAquinasx]

@willhum You apparently cannot explain what you yourself do not understand, along with the ability to spell "lose" correctly. I had thought that was the realm of stupid Americans, but I see that it is alive and well in the rest of the world also.

[willhum]

@xAquinasx I may have an extra 'o' but you have completely lost the plot mate. Never mind.

[JohnWilkesBooth70]

One of the most talented fronymen in music.

[belladonna1999]

He's such a sexpot onstage that I never imagined him being so soft spoken.

[ChazOMac]

Surprised we don't see more interviews of Ian, eloquent talented guy ... very talented guy.

[wildizer]

Cool Interview. Alas, I went to see him..The Cult.. recently (January 2011) and his voice was utter utter complete shit. The band inc. Duffy were awesome - but Ian's voice was embarrassing man....... I LOVE the Cult too. Boooooo @ Astbury's voice

[eveliofazewife]

The man is a God. I honestly can't take it! He's so HOT!

[stripesoj1]

markmywords 312 : You will get old too if you are lucky... and I hope gracefully. <3. Listen and refrain from judgement. Just saying.....Listen........

[ApostolypseNow]

360 degrees of f*cking pimpness...

[markmywords312]

F*ck me look how old he looks! Soz Ian, but I haven't followed the cult since ceremony so i only know ian astbury from then and before. In fact I always really only think of him as the Love album goth. He's well different. Age I know but sheee_yit that was a shock!

[tongbei1]

Ian Astbury & The Cult were incredible in concert! I saw them w/ Metallica on the "AJFA" tour years ago. It was a very special treat for us because Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols was playing guitar along with Billy Duffy!!! I couldn't believe it when they introduced him. I know music is subjective to the listener and in no way am I belittling Metallica, however, I enjoyed the Cult so much more. Ian rocks!!!!!!!

[kern0099]

Ian is awesome the way he reluctantly became the "rock impresario" At the same time he never stopped taking a huge bite form the whole pie, creatively, as a band leader, etc. I've seen Cult shows early days, and they went off. Freaking crazy wall to wall awesome.

[LuisCorrula]

Ian,

Do not say, never, that you had a modest career! You are an Icon, your albums are classics of excelent and powerful rock!

I thank you for all the good energy you gave and will always give me!

Cheers

[wendileona]

Good to hear that Ian still has faith in his band, I thought the Cult was done to some extent.

[kaiseidr]

morrison n presley wtf is he on about thats bullshit lol, sorry love the guy but hes talkin shit!

[DanRamberg]

@kaiseidr haha, hahahahahahaha...wtf are you talking about? I take it you're not a singer. Cheers!

[DukeKevorkian]

What's up with the hood?

[infowazz]

dammit i don't want to hear his real voice.......nowwwwww

[ghostscantkill]

I love The Cult and Ian.I hope they keep on doing things together in times to come.

[infowazz]

@ghostscantkill kick ass interview.

[MyHeartBeatsRnR]

the coolest guy in the rock n roll universe!!

[everythingability]

He used to sound scouse yorkshire. Now he sounds Australian.

[Prixyparis]

He doesn't sound Australian! He sounds like some people do when they have travelled a lot and pick up accents from different english speakers and therefore lose their original accent. I say this as an English teacher, born in Uurguay and raised in Australia. And an expert in English. Sounding australian or british doesn't really matter, what matters is WHAT you have to say. Either way, English is today, a language that has been adopted into others, and mutated, so have the accents and IAN...

[klogging00]

You know whats cool about Ian? He comes to visit his sons at least twice a year. He makes time for them and comes all the way over here to western america to see them. And I'm usually here with them. He's such a cool dad!

[varsume]

@klogging00 twice a year???? Sounds like a virtual dad who doesn't put his kids on a high priority. A father should visit his kids at least twice a month; it's not like he doesn't have the money to visit. How much money does he need to make? He should put time a side every month for his kids. As soon as you get famous, people overlook all the bad things you do. He's a cool dad? Fail - he's a good musician, but a shitty dad.

[assaglioli]

poor bastard

[assaglioli]

poor bastard

[TheAblivionMusic]

@assaglioli look in the mirror and check out really stupid and short-sighted bloke in the first place.never speak that way about pople who are ten times, at least, better, smarter, more talented and more creative than you.

[cletusmax77]

All these years I never knew he was british. Go figure.

[shakes7720]

nobbilic hes actually from the wirral near liverpool

[masterpatric07]

he looks like LORENZO LAMAS!.

[nobbilc]

Lost his Bradford accent...very mid-Atlantic Ian ...heh heh !!

[shakes7720]

@nobbilc hes actually from the wirral near liverpool,do your history

[olddavid4]

I love this guy, but goddamn, orientate IS NOT A WORD!!!

[dansig123]

yeah i know. it's orientated

[nobbilc]

@olddavid4 Yes it is !! Check ya dictionary !!

[RowJnr]

Smart bright bloke. Shame he puts his energy into being pretentious. I liked the Cult.

[BOBBIOMASS]

I saw him on the doors tour twice. The New Haven show which he was more powerful than jim and he was totally into it and the jones beach show .The road must have been rough is all I'll say

[stephenp1968]

They were so much better as Southern Death Cult.

[sallylykkeliv]

And as Death Cult

[Wartooth6]

This guy is a pretentious douche

[MaTchBoOkPoEt]

@Wartooth6 coming from an anal douche

[NothingGirl101]

@Wartooth6 Can you explain to all of us what makes you think that Ian is a "pretentious douche " ? I'm just curious :)

[JimMorrisonsWidow]

@NothingGirl101 But he is.

[NothingGirl101]

@JimMorrisonsWidow Maybe in your "book". Just because YOU say or think someone is a pretentious douche does not make it so. :) Obviously you believe your are widow to Jim Morrison. Unless your husbands name was Jim Morrison?? Probably not though. In my book you are delusional.

[JimMorrisonsWidow]

@NothingGirl101 "Delusional"? Now that's a laugh. No.. I know the truth. And JimMorrisonsWidow is just my screen name. I'm a 'Doors fan and there are loads of others on YouTube. Some of them even go by names such as MrsMorrison. But that doesn't mean they are claiming to be the spouse of Jim Morrison the rockstar. And I certainly am not.

[dubonnais]

he's still hot!!

[nanalina19]

Love you Ian..you are amazing man and musician!! Love from Belgrade, Serbia!!!!

[TangledWebFilms]

damn good band, but Born Into This is not a good record

[TubeFreakJonas]

This band fucking infuriates me, it frustrates me and i love them. The clip you posted sums it all up. THX

[MW2EverydayAllday]

hes son is at my school!

[scottierockett]

Ian astbury and the cult have not even reached their potential yet. The cult is an awesome band

[piratebri]

@scottierockett That's funny, because in their opinion, there wont be another Cult studio album.

[skatingpot]

if he is from liverpool as someone suggests he is putting on a southern accent. actually it sounds a bit oz

[muzpunk]

@skatingpot He's from Birkenhead.

[funkyworm01]

Have you seen him lately, theres video's on here from last year & he's proper lost it & got Fat as F*ck, a real shame ! The Cult Rocked !

[TheNewMusicNetwork]

he lost all that weight

[MsScooter46]

he is as smart as he is good lookin♥

[AmeliaRock6]

he is my 3rd cousin, im not jokin.. ians from liverpool btw =]

[redrum427]

he is so fuckin cool

[ZomBLord]

All the girls want him. All the guys want to BE him.

[whaddefuxx]

i want neither, i'm happy with being his nephew ;P

blood relation's good enough 4 me lol

[redrum427]

seriously?

[whaddefuxx]

yeah, it's not as good as it sounds lol. He lives in the US and i live in the UK. He doesn't really play in the UK that much.

[redrum427]

@whaddefuxx well if u get the chance tell ur uncle he needs 2 come play in alabama cuz we love him down here

[Elcore]

Love The Cult, but when he talks about the album title at 1:50 it's like something straight out of This is Spinal Tap.

[LastBulletMusic]

Hey!

If you guys like The Cult then you should check us out.

We're a straight Rock band from Toronto called Last Bullet.

; )

[MishuTaste]

The Cult forever!

[Themetalgod1000]

What a smart, talented dude

[hammerheadshark03]

the cult they are an amazing band no expert but i have seen over a 100 bands the cult is definetly top 5 bands i have seen ever!!!!!!!!!saw them during the fire woman tour in sd, ca. jason bohnam opened

[TheRocknRollfreak]

Yes! Come to Canada!! Cult rocks!

[FunGus419]

Please come back to America I want to see the Cult live!!!!!

[jSunator]

ah sorry that was 95 i think... memorys a bit faded!

[jSunator]

Saw the Cult in 1993 sydney big day out festival. among the big names there at the time, The Offspring, Ministry, Hole to name a few. And the cult was the best !

[Chrisdrumz]

The CULT couldn't touch the DOORS. Never. At least he knows it.

[ZenaFilm]

Ian's from Posso.

[AmeliaRock6]

poopusher u got a problem? i didnt ask for that dick.

corrupted curse u talkin to me?

[varukerbrains]

rock on bro - philosophy and direction - saw these guys as Southern Death Cult in 1984 supporting Bauhaus - before they had a record contract

[AmeliaRock6]

Ian's my 3rd cousin, bet'chya didn't know that :)

[CorruptedCurse]

if you're not joking then we must be related :D

[PooPusher007]

we dont give a fuck, bet'chya didn't know that :)

[TheLegendfamily]

Is it just me, or does Ian sound more like a Yank/Canadian as each year goes by? Not that it's a bad things, don't get me wrong.

[rekounas]

Oh, you mean you can understand him :)

[TheLegendfamily]

Yeah, I'm originally a Geordie, and I also lived in London & Scotland. So a Scottish accent that veers towards an American one isn't that hard for me to understand.

[36e28993]

you must be tone def. there's a hell of a difference between yank and Canadian speech. Americans don't actually speak proper English!

[TheLegendfamily]

I really hope that you're just joking around here, 36e28.

[CorruptedCurse]

Ian DOES live in america you know.

Damn, i wish he'd move to london, then i could see him more.

[TheLegendfamily]

Y, ik, that's what we were talking about. I think that 1 of his residences is here in LV; that's why he does so many shows here. But don't run to the NotW w/that; it's just something I've been told by friends of mine who r in the live events/music biz here in the LV area. It's funny that u mention London because when Ian & most of the band still lived in the UK, I had already moved back to SA & then the US.

[Tarina]

You are great babes do some concerts in Ireland we love you over here

[bosszeroboss]

I like Astbury a lot, he's produced some great music, and he is very articulate, but the whole 'Morrison and Presley Scottish-influence'-stuff is a bit pretentious.

And I'm glad he's not doing his Jim Morrison impersonation anymore. That was just sad.

[Tarina]

Come over to Ireland babes

[purplestarlover89]

He is still a genius and true to himself!

[ybot1983]

whatever

[MsDaniel1964]

i feel that ian has the right stuff . i know alot of times you need to walk away from things that you feel is not right and to do what you have to do to get back on track . ian has done that i think that we could use some of that for helping or spirits and souls . to get back on track . wene life dont feel right . peace to all

love from patty daniel.

[caroleyene]

No wonder he walked away. He doesn't use the F word all the time. That's why I liked The Cult to begin with.

[1rachelc]

This man is very articulate.

I never realised the cult was influenced by 'the scottish folk tradition' tho (?) !!

[CorruptedCurse]

Ian's 75% scottish. you know that, right?

[ppsanjsn]

gostaria que esta entrevista fosse traduzida porque estou aqui no brasil ne, mas ele esta bem diferente, mas continua o mesmo artista maravilhoso de sempre.

[trubengalgold]

One of the more cerebal musicians to come out of the 80's. Goth, Metal, Alternative whatever... Screw the labels. Its his and Duffy's music which is a cross of mulit-genres. Enjoy it for what it is. Very few vocalists can say so much singing so few words. His lyrics are few in number of words but powerful in its poetic meanings.

[Stallowned35]

Ian stomps ass, period.

Im glad some of these morons posting dont want to listen to it, its not for them.

Bounce beyatches.

[foggy4xchamp]

WHERE'S HIS ACCENT GONE

[GohModley]

Obama for U.S. Senate in 2016. The senate needs another Deputy President Pro Tempore. Hasn't been one since Humphries.

[inphiknit]

Ian is the real thing.

If you have not heard the Cult - Electric yet, go listen to it.

to thse posting drivel here, you obviously have not heard this man's music.

and it is good to hear hi say that his 90's efforts were misdirected (agreed)

[horseboyken]

Electric was the first Cult album I bought waaay back in 88

[splintermessiah]

fuck yeah I totally understand the influence mix of post punk and classic rock because those are my fav styles of music

[sheywey]

he sounds so grown up!

[cobdendunster]

Ian. I simply want more. I have loved The Cult for 20 odd years, since Southern Death Cult. You are a rock band.  Release some rock music.

[CorruptedCurse]

i need to get into a band that i can click with, my band at the moment are just being stupid and wanna do cover songs.

[ladykarendean]

The Cult are brilliant musicians! Luv the philosophy of Ian Astbury. Keep making music that we all love to rock to- dude!

My fav band- great music!

[guitaneman]

how could you try and put Nigel Preston on wages .if i knew that after buying dreamtime and dreamtime video and being a fan from death cult i doubt i would have bought anymore cult albums . he was superb as a drummer very different style and totally made the sound . but sacking him for refusing to be put on a wage ... i though astbury was a spiritual person it's obvious its not the only thing he worships. i am saddened

[CorruptedCurse]

Proud to be an Astbury.

[ladykarendean]

you should be proud, super- talented family you have!!

Take care,

Peace-

-K

[MetReigns478]

The Cult are fuckin Mad. But i hate it when fuckers label them as Metal coz in all seriousnes there not.

[lovroasperger]

BLAH... They're what?! Punk Rock?! Fuck off!

[FreeMTrider]

Ian's early bands were all punk. So do the research and find out.

[TheCosmicCastle2008]

hahahahaha take a chill pill....

[felixcock]

is he an interluded boxer?

[BARCATNEW]

No, he's a pole smoker!!

[bigbluescotsman]

poor bastard..he must wish he had been born clever, love their music though

as for the hoody, did they film this in a leaky outbuilding? lol

[peacedog76]

Do you know their story???

[TheCosmicCastle2008]

you prick what do you mean poor bastard...he spoke eloquently and with a great level of awareness...clever he is...what a poor bastard you are...idiot!

[bigbluescotsman]

cosmic dickhead, suck me off you fucking tit

[GLatnus]

leaky outbuilding!! ha ha ha! Really

[dxarmy94]

cool thing is i know his son who lives in oregon and his band played the other night at battle of the bands

[AlexPxr8]

Fantastic interview! Astbury from the heart... thanks for posting!

[toymachine88]

that book idea is great.. if only there was a way for all of us to tell him lol.. im always hopeing one day he does write a book.. i really wana no his thoughts on the cult and their songs, style shifts and choices and w/e else he has to say.. like wut certain songs are about and how they were written and y and just everything there is to know lol, im a huge cult fan and im always looking for more

[LARAKELAcom]

Rachel loves Astbury xD

[fuckinlayne]

i just love his voice when he´s singin´

[IWishIWasMrsAstbury]

This is great, thanks.

[diadorim1234]

he really has his act together. he looks intelligent, i think he will never be like jim morrison, he had the genius of somebody who longed for death.

live is better then death (primo levi)

[Charlierosea]

God can astbury put a good song together!

[cheerycherokee]

WOW driven by the bass....how rockin is that

[ladykarendean]

long live this wonderful musician and the CULT!! great music!

[Cultoholic]

Yes!!!!I'm gonna see you here in Argentina!!I can't wait!!!!!!!!!

[ondimint]

Maldito! esta vez no vinieron a México!!

[Deanmon71]

~ Namaste ~ my soul brother!

[automatorca]

keep on rockin!!!

Love the lyrics & reality sound..

peace 8cr

[useyourdelusion]

personally i prefer his older unique singing style which had a wider vocal range, the strict jim morrison style he carries on now isn't same. i'm just glad they are still playing though!

[Nominay]

what is he, Little White Riding Hood? lol

[codge2112]

A great reader ,writer and philosopher,he should write a book.

[terusco]

Vamos The Cult carajo. Saludos desde Buenos Aires Argentina!!!!

[CultCraze]

yay ian yay!

[gigstar77]

Loved the Cult since i was 15, saw them live in Manchester in May,they were brilliant!Ian your a legend!!!!!!!!!keep on rocking lads.

[codge2112]

Don,t you just love it,THE CULT,best rock band in the world,IAN ASTBURY,last great frontman,fact.