The Cult - The Most Fascinating Facts Anywhere

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1. The Cult began as Southern Death Cult

The band formed in Bradford in 1981 under that name, which referred to the Native American Southern Cult. They shortened it to Death Cult and became The Cult in 1984.

2. Ian Astbury was born Ian Lindsay

The singer was born in Merseyside and spent part of his childhood in Canada and Scotland. He took the surname Astbury from his stepfather.

3. Billy Duffy once played with Morrissey

Before The Cult, the guitarist was in a short-lived group called The Nosebleeds, which included a young Morrissey. Duffy also played in Theatre of Hate.

4. Dreamtime was the debut album

Released in 1984, it showed the band's post-punk and gothic roots. Their sound hardened with each album.

5. She Sells Sanctuary was their breakthrough

The 1985 single from the album Love reached the UK top twenty and became their signature song. Its chiming guitar riff is among Duffy's best known.

6. Electric was recorded twice

An earlier set of sessions was shelved, and the band re-recorded the album with Rick Rubin in 1987. The result was a raw, AC/DC-influenced hard rock sound.

7. Rick Rubin changed their direction

Rubin, then known for hip hop and metal, stripped back the band's production. Electric included Love Removal Machine and Wild Flower.

8. Bob Rock produced Sonic Temple

The 1989 album was polished for American radio and produced the hit Fire Woman. It became their biggest seller in the United States.

9. Duffy favours Gretsch guitars

He is closely associated with the Gretsch White Falcon, which gives his playing a distinctive tone. He also uses Gibson Les Pauls.

10. Astbury fronted a version of The Doors

From 2002 to 2007 he toured with Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger as The Doors of the 21st Century. Disputes over the name followed, and they later performed under a different title.

11. The band split in the 1990s

They broke up in 1995, then reformed in 1999 and released Beyond Good and Evil in 2001. They have continued on and off since.

12. Astbury has long been interested in Native American culture

His early lyrics and imagery drew on it, and his interest has continued throughout his career. It shaped the look and language of the band's early work.

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