Ian Astbury

Ian Astbury was born in Heswall, Cheshire, near Liverpool,Larkin, Colin (2011) The Encyclopedia of Popular Music, Bish Bash Books, {{ISBN|978-1846098567}}, p. 461 and is of Scottish and English descent.{{cite news |url=http://mg.co.za/article/2003-09-01-riding-the-storm-again-without-morrison|title=Riding the Storm Again – without Morrison |newspaper=Mail & Guardian |via=Mg.co.za |date=1 September 2003 |access-date=3 June 2022}} He moved with his family to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, from England in 1973 when he was 11. He attended Glendale Secondary School.{{cite web |author=Graham Rockingham| title=Interview: Ian Astbury of The Cult and Hamilton | website=New Hamburg Independent | date=10 June 2016 | url=https://www.newhamburgindependent.ca/entertainment/music/interview-ian-astbury-of-the-cult-and-hamilton/article_74b1998f-8791-5bd4-88a8-9bee87b28ca0.html | access-date=9 August 2023}} Astbury's early musical influences took root in Hamilton, where he became a fan of David Bowie, Iggy Pop and New York Dolls. He did not start performing until after his return to the UK.{{cite news|author=Graham Rockingham |url=http://www.thespec.com/whatson-story/6715379-interview-ian-astbury-of-the-cult-and-hamilton/

|title=Interview: Ian Astbury of The Cult and Hamilton |newspaper=The Hamilton Spectator |date=10 June 2016 |access-date= 12 April 2017}}

In 1979, while living in Glasgow, Astbury was influenced by the Doors' song "The End", which he heard while watching the film Apocalypse Now, later describing this as "a religious experience".{{cite web|author=C.B.Liddell |url=http://yknow-interviews.blogspot.com/2010/05/ian-astbury-musician.html |title=Y'know – interviews with the famous: Ian Astbury, musician |publisher=Yknow-interviews.blogspot.com |date=9 May 2010 |access-date=14 October 2011}}

In 1980, Astbury was in Liverpool, where he was active on the punk scene based around Eric's Club. He moved to Bradford in late 1980, and by 1981 he helped found the post-punk band Southern Death Cult, which lasted until March 1983. Along with guitarist Billy Duffy, bassist Jamie Stewart and drummer Raymond Taylor Smith, Astbury formed a new band, Death Cult, and released the Death Cult extended play (EP). To help broaden their appeal, the band changed its name to "the Cult" in January 1984 before appearing on the Channel 4 television show, The Tube.

The Cult's debut studio album, Dreamtime, was released in 1984, followed by Love in 1985. Love featured the single "She Sells Sanctuary", which introduced the band to an international audience. Many songs of these early albums focus on Native American themes, a particular interest of Astbury's. On their third studio album, Electric (1987), the Cult made a transformation to a hard rock sound with the help of producer Rick Rubin.

After the release of the 1989 studio album Sonic Temple and the single "Fire Woman", Astbury relocated to Los Angeles, California, US.

In 1994, the Cult returned with an eponymous studio album and a musical change of pace. Their hard rock sound was gone, as a result of Astbury's growing interest in alternative music, fashion and introspective lyrics. Although the album produced two singles ("Coming Down" and "Star"), it was not a commercial success. They toured to support the album, but in Brazil creative differences with guitarist Duffy reached their nadir, which resulted in him leaving the band.

Astbury soon assembled another group of musicians and began writing new songs. He called the band Holy Barbarians, and in 1996 the band released the studio album Cream, which was not a commercial success. The band appeared at the small Tunbridge Wells Forum, where Vic Reeves joined the band onstage for a rendition of "Wildflower".

Personal difficulties and a drive for further introspection drove Astbury away from his new group, and he began working on a solo studio album, eventually released as Spirit/Light/Speed in 2000.

In 1999, Astbury and Duffy reformed the Cult. The band signed a new recording contract with Atlantic Records, and in 2001 Beyond Good and Evil was released. The band initially enjoyed radio success with the single "Rise", until a falling out with Atlantic, which ended all commercial promotions and radio play for the album. Disillusioned by the fight with the record label, Astbury brought the Cult to another hiatus in 2002.{{Cite web |author=Billboard Staff |date=2006-01-30 |title=The Cult Energized For 2006 Tour |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/the-cult-energized-for-2006-tour-59871/ |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}

File:IanAsbury.jpg

Astbury became lead vocalist of the Doors of the 21st Century in 2002. The group featured original Doors members Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek.{{cite news | url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/D/Doors_Of_The_21st_Century/2005/07/24/1145148.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710151212/http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/D/Doors_Of_The_21st_Century/2005/07/24/1145148.html | url-status=usurped | archive-date=10 July 2012 | title=Long live the Lizard King | first=Mike | last=Ross | newspaper=Edmonton Sun | date=24 July 2005 | access-date=9 August 2010 }}{{cite news | url=http://www.livedaily.com/news/8219.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20071024170630/http://www.livedaily.com/news/8219.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=24 October 2007 | title=The Doors of the 21st Century head up 'Strange Days' fest | date=31 May 2005 | publisher=LiveDaily | access-date=9 August 2010 | first=Jon | last=Zahlaway }}

In 2003, Astbury performed with the surviving members of MC5 at the 100 Club in London.

He re-formed the Cult with Duffy in 2006, for a series of live shows. In October 2007, the Cult released Born into This, which included the single "Dirty Little Rockstar".{{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=2007-07-12 |title=THE CULT: 'Born Into This' Pushed Back To October |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/the-cult-born-into-this-pushed-back-to-october/ |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en}} In 2009, the band embarked on a tour with shows across Canada, the US, and various countries in Europe where they performed their 1985 studio album Love in its entirety.{{Cite web |date=May 20, 2009 |title=The Cult to perform 1985’s ‘Love’ on upcoming world tour |url=https://www.slicingupeyeballs.com/2009/05/20/the-cult-love-live-world-tour-dates/ |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=Slicing Up Eyeballs |language=en-US}}

On 29 May 2010, the Japanese band Boris performed "The End" with Ian Astbury at Vivid Festival in Sydney.Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/2bAuvSYb1D0 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20140201011744/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bAuvSYb1D0 Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bAuvSYb1D0 |title=Ian Astbury and Boris The End @ Sydney Opera House 2010 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=14 October 2011}}{{cbignore}} Boris and Astbury released a four-song EP in September 2010 on Southern Lord and Daymare Records, containing four tracks entitled "Teeth and Claws," "We are Witches," "Rain" and "Magickal Child."{{cite news | url=http://pitchfork.com/news/39000-boris-team-with-the-cults-ian-astbury/ | title=Boris Team With the Cult's Ian Astbury | date=2 June 2010 | first=Ryan | last=Dombal | publisher=Pitchfork Media | access-date=9 August 2010}}{{cite web |url=http://www.diwproducts.com/prd.php?DYMC126 |title=商品詳細 |publisher=Diwproducts.com |access-date=14 October 2011 |archive-date=3 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003232239/http://www.diwproducts.com/prd.php?DYMC126 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://blog.southernlord.com/?p=271 |title=Southern Lord Records " BXI= Boris Collaboration With Ian Astbury! |publisher=Blog.southernlord.com |access-date=14 October 2011}}

Astbury is featured on the UNKLE tracks "Burn My Shadow", "When Things Explode" and "Forever." He also sings "Flame On" on Black Sabbath lead guitarist Tony Iommi's debut solo studio album Iommi (2000), and recorded a duet with Debbie Harry on her 1989 solo studio album Def, Dumb and Blonde, called "Lovelight".

In 2010, he provided the vocals for the song "Ghost" on guitarist Slash's self-titled solo studio album. The track also featured former Guns N' Roses guitarist Izzy Stradlin on rhythm guitar. Astbury is also credited for playing the drums on a track called "Gasp" by Japanese Cartoon.

Astbury lives in Los Angeles. He has played on the amateur soccer team Hollywood United with Billy Duffy and Steve Jones of Sex Pistols. He is a supporter of English Premier League club Everton.{{cite web |last=Gourlay |first=Dom |url=http://drownedinsound.com/in_depth/4144968-not-that-many-bands-seem-to-give-a-shit-but-we-do-we-always-have---dis-meets-ian-astbury-of-the-cult |title="Not that many bands seem to give a shit but we do. We always have" : DiS meets Ian Astbury of The / In Depth // Drowned In Sound |website=Drownedinsound.com |date=3 June 2012 |access-date=15 May 2020 |archive-date=25 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125021949/https://drownedinsound.com/in_depth/4144968-not-that-many-bands-seem-to-give-a-shit-but-we-do-we-always-have---dis-meets-ian-astbury-of-the-cult |url-status=dead }} On 26 May 2012, Astbury married the Black Ryder singer and guitarist Aimee Nash in Las Vegas.{{Cite news |first1=Marisa |last1=Laudadio |first2=Johnny |last2=Dodd |date=29 May 2012 |title=The Cult's Ian Astbury Weds in Las Vegas |magazine=People |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20599219,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531203043/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20599219,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=31 May 2012 |access-date=3 June 2012 }}

File:The Cult headlining Ramblin' Man Fair 2018 (47542669931).jpg

{{Main|The Cult discography}}

• Dreamtime (1984)
• Love (1985)
• Electric (1987)
• Sonic Temple (1989)
• Ceremony (1991)
• The Cult (1994)
• Beyond Good and Evil (2001)
• Born into This (2007)
• Choice of Weapon (2012)
• Hidden City (2016)
• Under the Midnight Sun (2022)

• Cream (1996)

• Spirit\Light\Speed (2000)

{{BLP sources section|date=March 2023}}

• Care band by Ian Broudie, Paul Simpson (1983) Very short-lived band whose album "Love Crowns And Crucifies" (a collaboration between the duo with Ian Astbury, Paul Sangster, Tony Wikelan and Alan Wills never saw the light of day due to Simpson and Broudie's opposing musical views and imminent split a year later.
• Deborah Harry, Def, Dumb & Blonde (1989) – backing vocals on "Lovelight"{{Cite AV media notes |id=W4-25938 |title=Def, Dumb & Blonde |type=liner notes |publisher=Sire Records |year=1989}}
• The Fuzztones — (1989) "Down On The Street" guest vocals
• Steve Jones, Fire and Gasoline (1989) – Co-producer, words , Percussion , backing and lead vocals
• The Four Horsemen, Rockin Is Ma Business (1991) – percussion, backing vocals
• Messiah, 21st Century Jesus (1993) – vocals on "Creator" and samplers on more 4 songs {{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/21st-century-jesus-us-mw0000105698|work=AllMusic|title=21st Century Jesus [US] – Messiah {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits|access-date=5 March 2023}}
• Circus of Power, Magic and Madness (1993) – vocals on "Shine"
• The Orb, (1995) vocals on (unreleased track) "The Shinning Path"
• Zen Mafia, (1999) Choir, Chorus on – "California"
• The Wondergirls, (1999) backing vocals on "Let's Go All The Way"
• Tony Iommi, (2000)Iommi – vocals on "Flame On"
• Various artists. Stoned Immaculate: The Music of The Doors (2000) – vocals on "Touch Me" and ´´Wild Child´´
• Witchman, (2001) Samples the song Tyger off Ian Astbury's solo record Spirit\Light\Speed "Angel Art"
• Zilch guest vocalist (2001) songs "Ape Messiah", "Make The Motherfuckers Wake Up!", "Tekmotopsyshosister - Virusmaker7"
• Various artists, Sonic Revolution: A Celebration of The MC5 (2001) – vocals on "Kick Out the Jams"
• Unkle, War Stories (2006) – vocals on "Burn My Shadow" and "When Things Explode"
• Slash, Slash (2010) – vocals on "Ghost"
• The Fuzztones - (2010) "Cheyenne Rider" *recorded in 1989 and another 5 songs live
• Japanese Cartoon – (2010) In The Jaws Of The Lords Of Death drums on "Gasp"
• Boris and Ian Astbury, BXI EP (2010)
• Boris, Heavy Rocks (2011) – backing vocals on "Riot Sugar"
• Unkle, Only the Lonely EP (2011) – vocals on bonus track "Forever"
• The Fuzztones (2013) Snake Oil vocals on "Kick Out The Jams (Live)"
• George Harrison (2016) George Fest: A Night To Celebrate The Music Of George Harrison vocals on "Be Here Now"
• David Bowie (2017) Cast - Celebrating David Bowie – Celebrating David Bowie vocals on "Rock 'n Roll Suicide"
• Nine Inch Nails, Bad Witch (2018) – backing vocals on "Shit Mirror"
• Unkle, The Road: Part II (Lost Highway) (2019) – backing vocals on "Crucifixion / A Prophet"
• Black Asteroid (2024) Infinite Darkness vocals on "Dirge Out"

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{{Reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• [http://thecult.us/ The Cult official website]
• {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=mn0000072959}}
• {{discogs artist}}
• {{IMDb name|id=1039312}}
• [http://www.zani.co.uk/music/452-ian-astbury-zani-speak-to-the-man Ian Astbury interview 2010]

{{The Cult}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Astbury, Ian}}

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