Ian Astbury, the iconic frontman of The Cult, recently articulated a bold vision for artistic reinvention during his appearance on Rick Rubin's Tetragrammaton podcast. Astbury expressed a desire to "rewire and brutalize the format" of their music, suggesting a complete deconstruction of their extensive catalog. His statement, "Why don't we just take the entire catalog of everything we've ever done and put it through a shredder?", signals a profound artistic shift.
This philosophy aligns with Astbury's long-standing approach to the band's evolution, which has seen The Cult transition through various genres, from post-punk and gothic rock to hard rock. Throughout their four-decade career, Astbury has consistently pushed for growth and change, often challenging established norms. He previously stated a conscious effort to "burn everything down again" after commercially successful periods, emphasizing a continuous drive for musical progression.
The Cult has consistently demonstrated this fluidity, with their latest album, "Under the Midnight Sun" (2022), showcasing their enduring experimental spirit. The band's current "Death Cult" tour in 2025 further exemplifies this, featuring two distinct sets: one highlighting their early gothic post-punk material and another celebrating their later hard rock anthems. This dual approach allows audiences to witness the complete transformation of the band's sound.
Rick Rubin, known for his ability to inspire artists to explore new creative territories, provides a fitting platform for Astbury's radical ideas. The discussion on Tetragrammaton underscores Astbury's commitment to avoiding nostalgia and constantly seeking new artistic expressions. This mindset has been a cornerstone of The Cult's longevity and continued relevance in the rock music landscape.