Biography
Although the Cult achieved major commercial breakthroughs upon shifting operations to America’s western seaboard, artistic inertia had set in by the middle of the 1990s. Seeking a way forward, Cult vocalist Ian Astbury (b. 14 May 1962, Heswall, Cheshire, England) launched the Holy Barbarians with the remark, ‘I guess I just wanted to go home’. Eager to collaborate with new, energetic players, he enlisted guitarist and singer Patrick Sugg, previously of the Los Angeles punk outfit Lucifer Wong. The pair recorded early versions of material in Astbury’s Los Angeles garage, surrounded by his notable holdings of Beatles and Everton Football Club items. Former Cult drummer Scott Garrett completed the rhythm section and brought in his brother Matt Garrett on bass. Astbury subsequently relocated the group to his native Liverpool, England. Beggars Banquet Records issued the resulting debut album, Cream, in April 1996. Although Astbury’s vocal presence stayed immediately recognizable, the songs departed sharply from earlier Cult releases dominated by Billy Duffy’s lead guitar; the new tracks instead emphasized a rhythmic, up-to-date approach. The album’s title paid tribute to Astbury’s frequent visits to Liverpool’s celebrated Cream club. By the close of the decade Astbury had reactivated the Cult, bringing the Holy Barbarians endeavor to a close.
Albums