Ian Robert Astbury[1][2] (born 14 May 1962) is an English singer, best known as the lead vocalist, frontman and a founding member of the rock band the Cult.

[6] Astbury's early musical influences took root in Hamilton, where he became a fan of David Bowie, Iggy Pop and New York Dolls.

[7] In 1979, while living in Glasgow, Astbury was influenced by the Doors' song "The End", which he heard while watching the film Apocalypse Now, later describing this as "a religious experience".

He moved to Bradford in late 1980, and by 1981 he helped found the post-punk band Southern Death Cult, which lasted until March 1983.

On their third studio album, Electric (1987), the Cult made a transformation to a hard rock sound with the help of producer Rick Rubin.

After the release of the 1989 studio album Sonic Temple and the single "Fire Woman", Astbury relocated to Los Angeles, California, US.

They toured to support the album, but in Brazil creative differences with guitarist Duffy reached their nadir, which resulted in him leaving the band.

Personal difficulties and a drive for further introspection drove Astbury away from his new group, and he began working on a solo studio album, eventually released as Spirit/Light/Speed in 2000.

[14] Boris and Astbury released a four-song EP in September 2010 on Southern Lord and Daymare Records, containing four tracks entitled "Teeth and Claws," "We are Witches," "Rain" and "Magickal Child.