A UK Hard Rock act that made a huge impression on the Gothic Rock scene, particularly with the seminal 'She Sells Sanctuary' hit single, before concentrating their efforts on the USA. A combination of unrelenting tour work and strong songs laden with North American Indian imagery broke the band into the major arena league with the million selling 'Sonic Temple' album. Although the band line up has fluxed the central core of vocalist Ian Astbury and guitarist Billy Duffy has remained solid.

THE CULT, originally known as SOUTHERN DEATH CULT, allegedly were formed by frontman Ian Astbury (then known as Ian Lindsay) in 1981 after the vocalist had moved into a new house in Bradford and reportedly discovered a band rehearsing in the cellar! Upon joining Astbury completed the first incarnation of this basement group alongside guitarist David Burrows, bassist Barry Jepson and drummer Haq Quereshi. SOUTHERN DEATH CULT soon saw a rapid rise to fame in the Goth revival and soon became regulars on the London scene, selling out gigs promoting their debut 'Moya' single in 1982. The band then secured the support slot to BAUHAUS's British tour the following year.

Shortly after the tour ended the band folded, with Quereshi, Jepson and Burrows forming GETTING THE FEAR then INTO A CIRCLE. Astbury soon reassembled the group concept under the new guise of DEATH CULT. Meanwhile, an album of demos and live tracks was hastily released to mark SOUTHERN DEATH CULT's legacy.

DEATH CULT comprised of Astbury (now having dropped the surname Lindsay) and two members of RITUAL, bassist Jamie Stewart and drummer Ray 'The Reverend' Mondo, together with ex-NOSEBLEEDS and THEATRE OF HATE guitarist Billy Duffy. In 1983 DEATH CULT appeared at the Futurama Festival, although Mondo left and in came ex-SEX GANG CHILDREN and THEATRE OF HATE drummer Nigel Preston in his place. In 1984 the band shortened their name to become, simply, THE CULT.

Initial copies of the debut THE CULT album, the John Brand produced 'Dreamtime', came with a free album of live tracks recorded at London's Lyceum. The album proved to be a huge success, with the 'Spiritwalker' single scoring the number 1 position in many indie charts.

BIG COUNTRY drummer Mark Brzezicki stood in for the recording of second album 'Love', following the departure of Preston (who would sadly pass away from a drugs overdose in early 1992). Further changes occurred with THE CULT adding ex-ZODIAC MINDWARP bassist Haggis (a.k.a. 'Kid Chaos'), manoeuvring Jamie Stewart onto rhythm guitar, and adding a permanent drummer in the shape of Lez Warner; whose previous credits included work with JOHNNY THUNDERS and RANDY CALIFORNIA. It would be the 'Love' album that saw the band bolstering their international standing and spawned numerous British hit singles, including the seminal 'She Sells Sanctuary'.

'Love's follow-up, the 'Electric' album, was originally produced by Steve Brown but was later totally remixed with additional songs by Rick Rubin. Lack of criticism for it's blatant LED ZEPPELIN influences only reinforced the view that the band were now of major league potential.

The group toured America in 1987 opening for BILLY IDOL, prior to headline dates with support act GUNS N' ROSES. Dates in Australia were blighted by episodes of gear trashing and upon their return to Britain the CULT was hit with the loss of both Warner and Haggis, who quit in early 1988; the bassist forming THE FOUR HORSEMEN. Warner founded the HELLFIRE CLUB with KILLING JOKE bassist Paul Raven and ex-THIN LIZZY and MOTÖRHEAD guitarist Brian Robertson.

For the comeback 1989 Bob Rock produced 'Sonic Temple' album demos had been worked up with former BLACK SABBATH drummer Eric Singer but conflicting schedules with his then act BADLANDS curtailed any further involvement. The band drafted in temporary drummer Mickey Curry, on loan from Canadian singer / songwriter BRYAN ADAMS for the album sessions. Recorded in Vancouver, and seeing none other than IGGY POP donating backing vocals to the track 'New York City', the 'Sonic Temple' album boosted THE CULT's status further to that of an arena band with heavy radio play in North America would be afforded to in particular to the ballad 'Edie (Ciao Baby)'. The Rockers 'Sweet Soul Sister', 'Soul Asylum' and 'Fire Woman' also crossed over to mainstream radio. A brand new permanent line-up saw the recruitment of drummer Matt Sorum (previously with JEFF PARIS and TORI AMOS' short lived Rock band Y KANT TORI READ) and ex-ALARM and ARMOURY SHOW keyboard player Mark Taylor.

That same year the famed film director Oliver Stone approached Ian Astbury with a view to the frontman acting the role of Jim Morrison in his docu-movie on THE DOORS. Interestingly, as future events would pan out, Astbury turned the offer down. Both Astbury and Duffy did lend their talents to ex-SEX PISTOLS guitarist STEVE JONES in 1989 though, appearing on his 'Fire & Gasoline' album.

Matt Sorum was to be enticed away by a lucrative offer from GUNS N' ROSES that the drummer would've been foolish to refuse and on their next American tour THE CULT were in the bizarre position of supporting a GUNS N' ROSES line-up featuring their former drummer.

The following 'Ceremony' album of 1991 was recorded with ex-KEITH RICHARDS band bassist Charlie Drayton and a returning Mickey Curry. For the touring line-up Astbury and Duffy were augmented by former LITTLE ANGELS drummer Michael Lee and bassist Kinley Wolfe. Repaying a favour to producer Bob Rock both Duffy and Astbury guested on his 1992 ROCKHEAD album, the guitarist donating a solo to the track 'Hell's Back Door'. Following a well received return to form at London's Subterranea club, THE CULT headlined to over 15,000 people at a concert in the capital's Finsbury Park.

Controversy courted the band once more when it was revealed that the parents of the native American child on the cover of the 'Ceremony' album, Eternity Crazy Bear DuBray, were ready to sue the band for $35 million for alleged abuse of the boy's religious and cultural beliefs. 'Ceremony' went on to sell three million copies worldwide, including platinum status in America.

For touring commitments in 1994 THE CULT would boast Astbury, Duffy, bassist Craig Adams, rhythm guitarist James Stevenson and drummer Scott Garrett. This latest incarnation debuted with a live appearance on 'The Word' TV show performing 'Star'. However, a planned American tour was scrapped when the album failed to sell well and Stevenson was soon to join a reformed GENE LOVES JEZEBEL. A novel promotional tool issued in the UK during 1995 saw a Cd single of 'Be Free' given away with 15 can packs of Labatt Genuine Draft.

The band were soon to fragment, Billy Duffy forming VENT with ex-WONDERSTUFF vocalist Miles Hunt and former SENSELESS THINGS bassist Morgan Nicholls, whilst Ian Astbury was to be engaged in the recording of a solo album in 1996. The vocalist along with Garrett also assembled HOLY BARBARIANS with LUCIFER WONG guitarist Patrick Sugg for the 'Cream' album.

1999 witnessed Duffy back in the fray with his COLOURSOUND project, an album recorded with ex-ALARM frontman Mike Peters. By the time the album was issued THE CULT were back on the road with ex-STEVE JONES and SUCKERPUNCH rhythm guitarist Mike Dimkitch and Matt Sorum back on the drums. Support acts were AMERICAN SHAME and BIF NAKED.

2000 found the band honoured with a tribute album that included homages from various American acts such as ENUFF Z' NUFF, Jizzy Pearl of LOVE/HATE and L.A. GUNS, STEVIE RACHELLE of TUFF, ex-OZZY OSBOURNE guitarist JAKE E. LEE and ex-FAITH NO MORE guitarist JIM MARTIN.

THE CULT's 2000 single 'Painted On My Heart' was recorded for the movie soundtrack to 'Gone In 60 seconds'. The band now included former THELONIUS MONSTER and PORNO FOR PYROS man Martyn LeNoble on bass. The latter would subsequently join JANE'S ADDICTION.

Recording of a brand new album 'Beyond Good And Evil', working with noted producer Bob Rock, began in earnest during early 2001. Headline touring throughout the summer in America had MONSTER MAGNET and STABBING WESTWARD as support. THE CULT now comprised of Astbury, Duffy, bassist Billy Morrison and a returning Matt Sorum on drums. The tour got a healthy boost when the band were invited to perform first single 'Rise' on prestigious 'The Tonight Show' with Jay Leno upfront of dates commencing in Reno, Nevada on June 14th.

Sorum would guest on the 2001 debut HAVEN album as well as appearing as part of the BOEURGOIS PIGS project.

The new album was widely acknowledged as a return to former glories and reinstated THE CULT as a major draw. The band would perform at the annual KROQ 'Weenie Roast' festival at the massive Verizon Wieless Amphitheatre in Irvine, California on June 23rd alongside JANE'S ADDICTION, STAIND, DISTURBED, LINKIN PARK, STABBING WESTWARD, COLDPLAY, CRAZY TOWN and PAPA ROACH.

2002 would see the issue of live DVD, 'Live In Los Angeles, recorded in October of 2001. The same year Ian Astbury would be invited to perform as frontman for a concert from the legendary 60s band THE DOORS. The gig found Astbury, amongst other guests vocalists, performing with the surviving members of THE DOORS Ray Manzerek, Robby Krieger and John Densmore, on September 7th at the California Motor Speedway ground. Media conjecture hinted strongly that Astbury was in discussions to participate in a full blown resurrection of the famous 60s act. Meantime Matt Sorum had apparently re-united with former GUNS N' ROSES colleagues guitarist Slash and bassist DUFF McKAGAN in a fresh band project.

Billy Morrison, who had been working up a musical endeavour entitled DOHENY with PITCHSHIFTER frontman J.S. Clayden, revealed he had left THE CULT in August. Together with another veteran of THE CULT, Matt Sorum, Morrision would busy himself on the Californian club circuit with the ad hoc band CAMP FREDDY. This unit also comprised JANE'S ADDICTION guitarist DAVE NAVARRO, bassist Scott Ford, and vocalist Donovan Leitch.

THE CULT duly pulled in MISSION bassist Craig Adams and GOD LIVES UNDERWATER drummer Scott Garrett for a series of October West Coast dates. However, the band, whilst announcing the issue of a live DVD filmed during October of 2001 'Live Cult: Music Without Fear', confirmed a severing of ties with the Lava / Atlantic label.

This activity with THE CULT did not slow down progress with THE DOORS, Astbury fronting the band, which comprised mainstays Ray Manzarak and Robby Krieger alongside Stewart Copeland of THE POLICE on drums, for an unannounced House Of Blues show in Los Angeles in early September. These gigs with THE DOORS continued apace into 2003 despite the obvious controversy of Astbury replacing the undoubted legend of Jim Morrison and protests from other surviving band members. Astbury aligned himself with another Rock n' Roll institution on 14th March 2003 when he stepped up onstage at an MC5 reformation gig at London's 100 Club to take lead vocals for a closing encore of 'Kick Out The Jams'.

February of 2003 witnessed Hollywood rumours suggested Duffy was rehearsing up a new band unit fronted by ex-MÖTLEY CRÜE, RATT, BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION and THE SCREAM man John Corabi with erstwhile ALICE IN CHAINS guitarist JERRY CANTRELL and drummer John Howser. This outfit debuted live on 12th April at the Troubadour club in Los Angeles, at a benefit for the Sweet Relief musicians charity organization.

During January of 2006 it would be learned that a potential "Supergroup" union, dubbed CIRCUS DIABLO, was in the works involving three musicians from THE CULT. The unit, conducting rehearsals and songwriting sessions at Drac Studios, owned by drummer MATT SORUM, involved former THE CULT bassist Billy Morrison, also handling lead vocals, THE CULT guitarist Billy Duffy and former THE ALMIGHTY frontman RICKY WARWICK.

The group announced the EXODUS, TESTAMENT, HELMET, WHITE ZOMBIE and ROB ZOMBIE credited John Tempesta as their new drummer in February with Chris Wyse, who had performed on THE CULT's 2001 album 'Beyond Good And Evil', taking on bass duties. Rhythm guitarist Mike Dimkich made up the numbers. THE CULT returned to live work with a low key gig on 4th March at the House of Blues in San Diego, California, this preceding a round of theatre shows. A further US leg took the band through October and November.

THE CULT set to work on fresh album tracks in February 2007. The group made its first live appearance of the year on February 24th at California Speedway in Fontana, California as part of NASCAR's Rock 'n Racing series.

Former drummer Michael Lee died on 24th November 2008. He was just 39 years old.