This past March, The Cult toured Europe opening up for The Who. Then in May they inked a deal with Roadrunner Records. The result, the band's eight studio release, 'BORN INTO THIS'. To promote the album the band played a one off UK gig in London's West End at the CC Club in Leicester Square in June. The success of that performance led to nearly two dozen shows across continental Europe during summer of 2007. The tour also included the first time ever the band will perform in Romania and Croatia.
The Cult now consists of guitarist Billy Duffy and Ian Astbury alongside Mike Dimkich on rhythm guitar, Chris Wyse (who contributed bass lines to the Beyond Good and Evil record) on bass and the heavy metal drummer John Tempesta (who played for some bands like White Zombie, Testament and Exodus).
The Rocker and I spoke with The Cult's six string rocker, Billy Duffy about the new record, the tour and other goodies. Here is what Mr. Duffy shared with us...
AAM: How has the response been so far to 'Born Into This'?
BD: The response to the new album has been tremendous. People are really digging the new tunes. It's happy times again (laughs). The new album for me is in the vein of, 'Love' and 'Electric' era. That energetic sound and we are pleased to have captured that on the new record.
AAM: What was like recording again as band after your hiatus?
BD: It's felt like we never been away from each other really. Me and Ian have known each other for such a long time. You have to remember were British so we have the stiff upper lip attitude when it comes to recording. We don't have these cheerful band reunions, we just roll up our sleeves and get on with it.
AAM: How long were you guys in the studio recording?
BD: Very, very briefly. We did half of the album as a demo session in Los Angeles. Then we took the results of those demos to the UK to finish the album with our producer Youth. All in all it couldn't have been more than 30 to 40 days in the studio.
AAM: You guys have worked with big name producers, Bob Rock and of course Rick Rubin. What was it like working with Martin "Youth" Grove? Wasn't he from the band, Killing Joke?
BD: That is right, Martin was the founding member of the Killing Joke. Working with Martin was great. He brought a whole new element to the table as far as getting what he wanted from us as band. Working with Bob and Rick were also great.
AAM: Tell us about the bands two members, Chris Wyse and John Tempesta.
BD: Two great guys and awesome musicians. I played with Chris before in a band with Jerry Cantrell and John Corabi called, Cardboard Vampires. John is the consummate professional and an amazing drummer. He was the drum tech for Anthrax at one time. He was also in White Zombie. Both of them are working out very well.
AAM: The Cult's sound has been described as heavy alternative to balls out heavy metal. How would describe it?
BD: While there are some "heavy" elements in our music, we've always focused on the groove. Our album, 'Beyond Good and Evil', was a dark heavy album. You know 9/11 happened after the release of that album. Maybe it there was something dark in the air that we caught wind of. A very ominous record for us. On the other hand you have 'Electric' and 'Sonic Temple' that are pure rock and roll albums. Pure energy.
AAM: Have any of the new songs been battled tested in front of a live crowd?
BD: We play one new song live, "I Assassin" and fans response has been tremendous. We were pleased with the response. So please, that we've are now doing four songs from the new record on this tour.
AAM: Guitar Center is doing a sweepstake contest with you guys. What is that all about?
BD: The winner gets to travel, with a friend to London England to watch the Cult in February. You get to watch the show from the side of the stage. You get some spending money and hang out with the band. It's really a great contest.
AAM: The film 'Sin-Jin Smyth'. What was your role with that movie. Has it been released yet?
BD: I never actually made my 'movie' debut, the film got stalled and is yet to be completed, still into having a go at it but you can never believe all that's written on the internet can you? I actually was up for scoring the soundtrack but got offered the chance to play a psychotic FBI agent who specialized in torture.
AAM: Are there any plans in the future for the Cult?
BD: The Cult never plan for anything (laughs).
AAM: Any messages to your fans?
BD: We wanted to satisfy our fan base, who have been truly loyal to the band. This new record is dedicated to them and we can't wait to see them all on tour. They are simply the best.
The Rocker and I along with All Access Magazine would like to thank Billy for sharing his time with us. Always a blast mate, cheers! Give us a ring when you get back in town.
For more info on THE CULT: www.thecult.us
