The remainder of the band’s North American tour dates have been canceled
The Cult is “stepping away” from touring for an “undetermined amount of time.” The group’s Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy shared the news in a press statement today (Wed, Oct 22nd).
“Mother Nature has a cycle of change and evolution that is inevitable. The moon’s phases change, tides rise and fall. Change is necessary for creation and rebirth.
“It is with this in mind that, following the remaining dates on our current North American The Cult/Death Cult 8525 Tour, we have decided to step away from touring for an undetermined amount of time. We have toured extensively over the last few years and we shall now shift our focus to writing, recording new music, and exploring other projects that shall be revealed over time. It is a time for us to turn inward to recharge our spiritual batteries.
“When we return to the stage, it shall be with an even stronger fire and energy that we will share with all of you.
“Ours is a communal bond, and it will not be broken, simply paused.
“Until then, we have five remaining shows on this current tour, culminating at The Shrine in Los Angeles on Oct 30. Please join us for what has been an incredible celebration of 40 years of The Cult and Death Cult.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the love and support. It keeps us alive,” they share jointly.
The group has canceled five shows that were set for this month in Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Francisco, Del Mar, and Los Angeles.
“It’s been a beautiful three years celebrating our music with The Cult family around the world. Now it’s time to go home and spend time with our own families, and create some new music,” Duffy says.
“My deepest gratitude to all who attended and immersed themselves in our world. I am deeply grateful to be connected to our Cult family as we ready ourselves for our final five shows for some time, and we take the opportunity to dive deeper into our next creative adventures. More shall be revealed. Blessings to you all,” Astbury adds.
Initially known as Death Cult when they formed in 1983, the British group shortened their name to The Cult in January 1984.
In the mid-1980s, The Cult gained a strong following in the UK with a post-punk and gothic rock sound, exemplified by singles like “She Sells Sanctuary.” Their early albums, like Dreamtime (1984) and Love (1985), showcase this era.
In the late 1980s, they shifted towards a harder rock sound, breaking into the mainstream in the United States, largely influenced by producer Rick Rubin on their 1987 album Electric, which featured hits like “Love Removal Machine.” Their subsequent album, Sonic Temple (1989), continued this trajectory with popular songs such as “Fire Woman.”
While retaining a hard rock style, their later albums, such as Hidden City (2016) and Under the Midnight Sun (2022), have seen them return to some of their gothic roots.
After their initial success, internal tensions and substance abuse issues led to a split in 1995. They reunited in 1999, released Beyond Good and Evil, and then went on hiatus again in 2002. Since reforming in 2006, they have continued to tour and release new material.
