DEATH CULT. The storied post-punk progenitor to THE CULT returns for a sole U.S. performance on Oct. 23 at The Theatre at the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles
The evening, while centered around DEATH CULT and their eponymous EPs, will boast a setlist that spans the three phases of the band, from SOUTHERN DEATH CULT through to THE CULT’s first two albums: “Dreamtime” (1984) and “Love” (1985).
Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy follow the Los Angeles outing with a U.K. trek featuring the same, remarkable celebration of the band’s music. You can find those dates below:
October 23 Los Angeles, CA The Theatre at The Ace Hotel
November 6 Belfast, UK Telegraph
November 7 Dublin, IE 3Olympia
November 9 Sheffield, UK Foundry
November 10 Liverpool, UK Guild of Students
November 12 Glasgow, UK Barrowland
November 13 Nottingham, UK Rock City
November 14 Birmingham, UK O2 Institute
November 16 Bournemouth, UK O2 Academy
November 17 Norwich, UK UEA
November 18 Manchester, UK Albert Hall
November 20 London, UK Brixton Electric
November 21 London, UK Brixton Electric
Tickets for all dates are on-sale this Friday, Aug. 18 at 10 am local time. Check for local pre-sale options.
SOUTHERN DEATH CULT formed in 1981, releasing their sole, self-titled album posthumously in 1983. That same year, DEATH CULT formed, with Astbury joining forces with Duffy for a musical partnership that has endured for 40-plus years. The band released two 12-inches that same year, one being the “Death Cult” EP, which were subsequently combined and released as a CD. DEATH CULT is a vital transmission from the generation of Shamanic post-punk gothic futurists.
DEATH CULT became THE CULT in 1984. Releasing “Dreamtime” that same year and going on to experience a career that has seen the release of 11 full-length albums, as well as numerous international and U.S. gold and platinum certifications.
The band previously announced a series of traditional performances, spanning THE CULT’s discography:
2023 Announced U.S. tour dates:
October 5 Sacramento, CA Aftershock Festival
October 6 Reno, NV Grand Sierra Resort & Casino – Grand Theatre *
October 8 Eugene, OR Hult Center for the Performing Arts – Soreng Theatre *
October 11 Spokane, WA Northern Quest Resort & Casino
October 12 Boise, ID Revolution Concert House *
October 14 Shelton, WA Little Creek Casino Resort – Skookum Event Center
October 15 Portland, OR Roseland Theatre *
October 17 Saratoga, CA The Mountain Winery
October 19 San Diego, CA Humphreys Concerts by the Bay *
October 20 San Diego, CA Humphreys Concerts by the Bay *
October 21 Rancho Mirage, CA Aqua Caliente Rancho Mirage – The Show
October 26 Chandler, AZ Gila River Hotels & Casino – The Showroom at Wild Horse Pass
October 27 Las Vegas, NV The Pearl *
October 28 Las Vegas, NV The Pearl *
*-Cold Cave opens
Formed in Bradford, England, in 1983, THE CULT‘s original lineup consisted of Ian Astbury on vocals, Billy Duffy on guitar, Jamie Stewart on bass, and Ray Mondo on drums. Their music blended elements of hard rock, psychedelic rock, and alternative rock, creating a distinctive sound that set them apart from their contemporaries.
The band’s debut album, “Dreamtime,” was released in 1984 and showcased their unique fusion of tribal rhythms, catchy melodies, and spiritual themes. The album included tracks like “Spiritwalker” and “Horse Nation,” which captured their mystical and shamanistic lyrical themes.
It was their third album, “Electric,” released in 1987, that marked a significant turning point in their career. Produced by Rick Rubin, the album took a more hard rock-oriented approach, featuring tracks like “Love Removal Machine” and “Wild Flower.” The album’s heavier sound and radio-friendly singles brought them mainstream attention and commercial success.
Following the success of “Electric,” the band released “Sonic Temple” in 1989. This album continued their rock-oriented direction and produced hits like “Fire Woman” and “Edie (Ciao Baby).” “Sonic Temple” solidified their status as one of the prominent rock bands of the late 1980s.
However, the band’s next few albums faced mixed critical reception and changes in musical trends. “Ceremony” (1991) and 1994 self-titled album showed the band experimenting with their sound but struggled to replicate the commercial success of their earlier albums.
After a hiatus, the band made a comeback with “Beyond Good and Evil” in 2001. The album marked a return to their hard rock roots and included tracks like “Rise” and “Breathe.” Despite the album’s positive reception, the band faced lineup changes and intermittent activity in the following years.
The group’s influence on rock music continued as they maintained a dedicated fan base and embarked on various tours. Their live performances were known for their energy and passionate delivery of hits spanning their career.
Over the years, the band’s lineup shifted, with Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy remaining the consistent core members. Their music has evolved, touching on various styles while always retaining their signature elements. Despite the challenges posed by changing music landscapes, THE CULT remains an iconic and enduring name in rock history, celebrated for their distinctive sound, powerful performances, and their impact on the alternative and hard rock genres.
