The Cult

[Bobarcord]

Fucking awesome clips. thanks for posting them.


Makes me want to go  see them again.

[Falcon]

Here's another clip, "Dirty Little Rockstar" live from The Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC 11/08.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSVu5tS95Ho

Duffy's solo around 2:30 in is flat out scorching...

[gnr2k6]

cannot wait to see these fuckers when they come home to england!

[Falcon]

http://www.popmatters.com/pm/news/article/50922/ian-astbury-explains-the-cult-of-the-zen-stick/


Ian Astbury explains the cult of the Zen stick
by Len Righi, The Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.) (MCT)

To Ian Astbury?s way of thinking, sparing the Zen stick can spoil the culture.

?In Buddhism, when students fall asleep or drift off during meditation, the roshi (teacher) will come along and hit them with a Zen stick,? says the British rocker, who after a 6 ?-year hiatus is back fronting The Cult.

?The purpose of the Zen stick is to bring them back to the present. Part of The Cult?s purpose is to bring the present to people?s attention.?

From The Cult?s vantage point, the present is not an especially nice place, at least as depicted on ?Born Into This,? the new CD that The Cult is spotlighting on its tour. (The current lineup includes original guitarist Billy Duffy, bassist Chris Wyse and drummer John Tempesta.)

?Born Into This,? released on Oct. 2, compares favorably to The Cult?s best albums, 1987?s ?Electric? and 1989?s ?Sonic Temple.? The churning title track gives the lay of the land: ?We are on the precipice of our own destruction,? says Astbury, speaking from his hotel room outside Charleston, S.C. ?Our spiritual lives are in such ruination. Our reason to be is hidden away from us, and we?re going around like zombies.?

The malicious, whipsawing ?Dirty Little Rockstar? is ?a cultural weather report,? Astbury continues. ?It?s about the appropriation of the term `rock star,? people sucking on the bones of Brian Jones, Jim Morrison and Joe Strummer assuming just because they create an image they are part of that pantheon.

?To be a true rock star, you?ve gone out there and been a truth seeker,? he adds. ?You?ve gone beyond the pedestrian. Now (the term) is appropriate to sell everything from baby food to a reality show. It?s a ruse. All they?re selling is snake oil.?

?Tiger in the Sun? alludes to the ugly consequences of the war in Iraq, but Astbury says the dark, psychedelic-tinged track also is about ?rampant consumerism.?

?Certain people want us to buy more, consume more to fill a void between us,? he explains.

That theme is revisited even more directly in the nasty ?Sounds of Destruction,? which includes the lines ?I got a fistful of ice/I got a head full of speed/Give me what I want now/Give me what I need.?

?It?s that `shove-every-orifice-with-everything-you-can-find, I-want-it now-I-want-it-10 minutes-ago-and-it-better-be-good? attitude,? says Astbury. ?It?s a representation of wealth, a vulgar, gluttonous display of wealth.?

?Born Into This? is not all gloom and melancholy, however. ?Holy Mountain,? which Astbury says he wrote on acoustic guitar in five minutes, is ?a song of gratitude and romance.?

?Two-and-half-years ago, a woman came into my life who was a ball of energy and possessed a questioning and indomitable spirit,? says Astbury. ?Her name was Apolla, and our courtship took place in India, outside Bombay, in Puna. `To be with me, you have to be in India,? she told me. I knew with every ounce of my being, that was the call for me. ... She is an incredible muse and friend.?

Astbury and his girlfriend, who is a writer and an actress, now split their time between Canada and the U.S. ?It?s precious to me what I?ve been given,? he says. ?My intention is not to drop the ball, to keep that integrity, to aspire to be the best I can be.?

Astbury is unwilling to look back to the mid-1980s when The Cult became one of the most successful British rock bands of the era with the hits ?She Sells Sanctuary? and ?Fire Woman.? ?I?m not a museum object,? says Astbury.

Summaries of the band?s career with are ?worthless? and ?clutter for the mind.? ?They minimize and marginalize the intensity of what we experience in this moment,? Astbury contends.

?When we do that, we put in concrete all of our artists. We?ve boarded up the beautiful house that once was.

?The modern generation only appreciates something more saccharine and Disney-like. They?re vomiting up the culture. ... Think of it. We?ve created a lead-based culture.?

The solution?

?Realizing in the present moment that you can change anything,? he says.

[SLCPUNK]

Now that's how you live life. 

[Falcon]

Now that's how you live life.?

He seems to have a firm grip on things at this point.

The punk upbringing mixed with the Zen philosophy make for a very interesting dichotomy, a type of "controlled combustablity" that shows in the live performance.

[Falcon]

http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=18999744&BRD=1306&PAG=461&dept_id=187825&rfi=8

The Cult to tackle a 'Holy Mountain' at the Keswick
By: Ken Kolasinski - Staff Writer
11/07/2007

There comes a picturesque moment when propelled ascension hits its peak. It's a crucial, brief span of time that occurs just before returning to earth seems to unfold with more speed, fury and force than before. But for one brief, graceful instant, there's a weightless sensation to the beauty of the moment, as if everything else is stripped away.



Something akin to a bird of prey hanging motionless in the air before it makes its dive.
That pivotal moment comes five songs into The Cult's latest CD "Born into This."
Coming on the heels of the adrenaline rush of "Dirty Little Rockstar" - which ranks among the band's finest singles - and four other songs that set the opening tone for the album, is "Holy Mountain."
It's a song that in its muted, honest tone almost speaks louder than what preceded it and the five thundering songs that follow. It's arguably the most important, defining song on an incredibly strong album by a continuously overlooked band.
"That's about as naked as I can get. That's me really baring my soul, so to speak. I'm letting it all hang out on that song," said Ian Astbury a few hours before going onstage in Oklahoma City. Astbury and musical partner Billy Duffy will bring The Cult to the Keswick Theatre on Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. as part of the Jeagermeister Music Tour.
What's also interesting about "Holy Mountain" is its almost "un-Cult" like sound. Almost instantly you can tell the band is pushing its collective creativity.
"It's an evolution. The whole thing is like stripping back to the truth, stripping back to our real identity," said Astbury. "It really shows Billy - where he's at as a guitar player, the choices he makes. But it also shows me off a lot as a writer - where I'm at, the things I'm saying."
Talking with Astbury and listening to "Born into This," you get the feeling that The Cult are riding a creative wave they haven't experienced in some time. The recording of "Born into This" was completed in 36 days, keeping things in the moment and capturing the creative spirit as it happened.
"It's like a Polaroid - it's just a quick snap of where we're at," he said. "I'm sure if we were to make that record today or in six months time, it would sound like a different record, based on what our experiences have been recently."
It's a decidedly different path from what unfolded with 2001's "Beyond Good & Evil," The Cult's previous studio album.
"'Beyond Good & Evil' was somewhat of a construct. It wasn't truly an organic work. It was a process," explained Astbury. "The album, as a studio recording, was made over a period of 10 or 11 months with different people pulling in different directions. No. Clear. Vision.
"I had a very clear vision of what I wanted to do. I always come in and I want to strip everything down. And also, I feel strongly that instead of trying to conjure something up, just allow what is there to be.
"What is there is 'it' - that's our truth, so just record it. Get on with it and move on."
The approach to recording a new Cult CD grew naturally out of last year's "Return to Wild" tour. When Astbury and Duffy reconvened to tour for the first time in four years, there was no specific plan for the future in place. That slowly changed.
"For me, there was a sense of urgency that we had to make a record this year as 'The Cult.' And we'd built up to this point where I knew there was enough material around to put together a body of work. I didn't think it would be too much of a stretch to take what we had and record it.
"I think toward the end of the tour we'd realized we'd put together a really great band and the idea of making a new record really wasn't that far away. It was just about timing. We had other commitments," said Astbury, who had spent a great deal of time as part of the Doors of the 21st Century and had, most recently, turned in a stunning performance on UNKLE's current CD "War Stories." The extracurricular activities only helped.
"When you step outside your regular environment, you definitely become more objective," said Astbury. "You're going to have a new experience and it definitely enhances your awareness. And I think that standing between Ray Manzarek and Robbie Krieger every night, I really learned how to be 'in the space,' in that zone as a performer.
"It was so exciting to bring that back to The Cult."
Part of that excitement is about what comes next. Astbury, who already has a loose vision mapped out for the next Cult album, is looking to "Holy Mountain" to the next level onstage.
"I think it's going to be interesting. It will be a real stand-alone moment in our set," he said. "Because it is so naked a song, I'm going to be forced to be very revealing about myself. I'm kind of excited to perform it. I'm interested to see what happens with me when I'm doing it, if I'll be able to get through it.
"It will be quite a moment."

[Doc Emmett Brown]

I bought it off of itunes, really digging it.

I know they're not a political band, but Tiger in the Sun screams anti-war,  'We hoped for so much more with your shock and awe, but the writing's on the wall'  The golden temple falling is the empire, the golden claws is the american eagle.

or am I way out on this one?

anyway, it's my favorite song on the album, I also really like Citizens and I Assassin...that should be a single!

[Falcon]

I know they're not a political band, but Tiger in the Sun screams anti-war,? 'We hoped for so much more with your shock and awe, but the writing's on the wall'? The golden temple falling is the empire, the golden claws is the american eagle.

or am I way out on this one?

This is about as 'official" vid as an unoffcial video can be, take a look and it may give you a good idea about the song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCXYU_eBDYQ

.. I Assassin...that should be a single!

Early on, that was indeed slated as the 2nd single.? With "Dirty Little Rockstar" having the long legs it's shown to this point, no official 2nd single has been tabbed as of yet.

[Bobarcord]

Tiger in the sun should be released as the next single ... that song is such a killer.

[Malcolm]

Tiger in the sun should be released as the next single ... that song is such a killer.

wow your right it is...That songs amazing...The album is great...Today is the first time I've actually listened to it all

[*Timothy*]

They whole album is killer really and they are even better live.

[Falcon]

They whole album is killer really and they are even better live.

The live experience is really something special.  The band is tight and the new material fits in well
with the rest of the set.

The sheer volume of the whole thing is amazing, it's a rock show in a very pure form.

[Falcon]

This is (if true)...HUGE.

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1574740/20071120/led_zeppelin.jhtml


2007 3:04 PM EST

Led Zeppelin To Tour In 2008 -- With The Cult?
Send to Friend
Print
? ?Cult singer announces that band is opening tour for Zeppelin -- during club show in Cincinnati! -- reps for both bands offer no comment.
By Gil Kaufman

CINCINNATI ? It was one of those moments where all you can do is look at the guy next to you and wonder, "Did he really just say that?"

Is it possible that Ian Astbury, lead singer of '80s rock powerhouse the Cult, spilled the beans on the biggest secret in rock ? during a club show in Cincinnati?

"We'll be back next year," a breathless Astbury said midway through the band's gig at Bogart's nightclub Saturday night. "Because we're opening for a band you may have heard of ... the name starts with an 'L' and has a 'Z' in it." Stunned looks bounced around the room until one sweat-drenched superfan shouted out the obvious: "Led Zeppelin!" Astbury, his eyes hidden behind dark shades, nodded affirmatively and stuck his hand in the air triumphantly before plowing into one of the band's signature Zeppelinesque rockers.

When asked about Astbury's seeming confirmation of the world tour, spokespeople for the Cult and Zeppelin both declined to comment. Zeppelin's spokesperson added that no decision has been made on any Led Zeppelin tour and the band is focusing on its appearance at the Ahmet Ertegun tribute concert in London on December 10; a Cult spokesperson declined to answer questions about Astbury's comment.

It's no secret that the three living members of Zeppelin ? singer Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page and long-estranged bassist John Paul Jones ? will be performing together for the first time in many years at the December 10 show, which celebrates their mentor, late Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun. But so far, despite breathless speculation, the one-off gig ? which was recently rescheduled from its original November 26 date after Page injured his finger ? is the only official reunion show the trio has planned.

Spokespeople for the legendary group, who will perform with Jason Bonham, the son of late drummer John Bonham, have batted down rumors of a full-blown world tour ? and as recently as last month, Plant said it was not in the cards. But Page suggested in an recent Guitar World magazine article that playing just one show would be foolish. "It's a bit silly not to because there is such massive demand," Page told the magazine. "It's a bit selfish to do just one show. If that's it, we probably shouldn't have taken the genie out of the bottle."

The group originally disbanded after John Bonham's death from alcohol poisoning in 1980. Plant, Page and Jones performed at Live Aid in 1985 (with Phil Collins and Chic's Tony Thompson tag-teaming on drums) and at the Atlantic Records 40th anniversary show in 1988 with Jason Bonham; they also performed at Jason's wedding. Page and Plant joined forces for two albums and a world tour in the mid-'90s and have performed together sporadically over the years.

Whether or not Astbury was speaking out of turn, the choice of the Cult as a potential opening act would make sense stylistically ? given the huge debt the British band owes to Zeppelin ? but perhaps less so given the band's lower profile in recent years.

It has been a hectic time in Zeppelinland lately, with a new two-disc best-of collection, Mothership, in stores last week, a recently launched all-Zeppelin XM satellite radio channel and the digital release of the band's catalog earlier this month, as well as the launch on Tuesday of the official ledzeppelin.com website.

Additionally, Page revealed in a recent Reuters interview that the group has plans to uncork a never-before-performed live song during the O2 show, though he would not specify what the "really intense" track would be. He also recently told the BBC that the group met in private for some practice sessions before committing to the reunion gig to make sure they were on the same page. "We wanted to see how well we'd be playing together, and once we played it was without doubt we wanted to do it," he said.

[Bobarcord]

Hope that it turns out to be true. Would be a hell of a show .

[Falcon]

Hope that it turns out to be true. Would be a hell of a show .

Mixed emotions for me..

Was never a fan of Zep but realize it's an opportunity that can't be passed on.

[*Timothy*]

that is cool sir.  Some people just don't dig the Zep.


I love both band and just think about them tour together is almost enough to give me a stiffy.

[FunkyMonkey]

THE CULT On 'Cinemax Tour Stories'; Video Available - Nov. 21, 2007

"Cinemax Tour Stories" recently conducted an interview with THE CULT vocalist Ian Astbury and guitarist Billy Duffy about how the radio business really works today and life on the road. The two clips ? which include footage of THE CULT performing the new single "Dirty Little Rock Star" ? can be viewed below.

Ian Astbury reportedly announced during a show in Cincinnati, Ohio on Saturday (November 17) that his band will support LED ZEPPELIN on a 2008 tour.

According to an MTV.com report, Astbury told the crowd, "We'll be back next year because we're opening for a band you may have heard of ... the name starts with an 'L' and has a 'Z' in it." After a fan shouted, "LED ZEPPELIN," Astbury nodded and raised his arm in the air.

THE CULT's current touring lineup includes principals Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy alongside bassist Chris Wyse, drummer John Tempesta (ex-WHITE ZOMBIE, TESTAMENT, EXODUS, HELMET) and rhythm guitarist Mike Dimkich.

Video here: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=85314

[Falcon]

THE CULT On 'Cinemax Tour Stories'; Video Available - Nov. 21, 2007

"Cinemax Tour Stories" recently conducted an interview with THE CULT vocalist Ian Astbury and guitarist Billy Duffy about how the radio business really works today and life on the road. The two clips ? which include footage of THE CULT performing the new single "Dirty Little Rock Star" ? can be viewed below.


Video here: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=85314

Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uYQdO9UXuc&eurl=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=85314

Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DVPU926l00&eurl=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=85314

[jarmo]

According to an MTV.com report, Astbury told the crowd, "We'll be back next year because we're opening for a band you may have heard of ... the name starts with an 'L' and has a 'Z' in it." After a fan shouted, "LED ZEPPELIN," Astbury nodded and raised his arm in the air.

Maybe they won't be opening any shows after all. 




/jarmo