Rockers and Goths come together to celebrate a new release from a key figure in the UK gothic post-punk scene; Death Cult. This band has gone through several iterations and aliases throughout the years; pieces of fabric to an influential tapestry. Southern Death Cult was underground punk, Death Cult was transitional post-punk, and The Cult is the hard rock powerhouse most well-known in the rock scene mainstream. Now fast forward to 2026, we have the "rebirth" of Death Cult with their new live album, Paradise Live
On the recent Death Cult 8323 tour, the band performed material spanning from 1983-2023 and only visited a select few cities for this tour. They only played one US date in Los Angeles and the rest of that tour took place in the UK. Death Cult decided to have their Manchester England show be recorded so it could be immortalized on LP, CD, and digitally. Aside from being recorded in the emblematic Albert Hall, this show was particularly special as it is also Billy Duffy’s hometown. This release commemorates and chronicles 40+ years of the band, highlighting the impact of the partnership between Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy. Those two are the foundational members who kept the project moving forward despite many trials and tribulations throughout the years.
This album is considered to be a "No Overdubs" performance, being that it was directly recorded from the board. You will hear how each song seamlessly transitions from one into the next, some on-stage banter, and the audience presence that maintains flow. The band’s intention was met in how they were able to capture and showcase how they can presently provide their audience a rawness and authentic energy. Early in their career, Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy, were heavily inspired by the energy and "danger" of the UK punk scene. They also had a fascination with the energy and “sex appeal” that Glam and Classic Rock had to offer. David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and The Doors are foundational influences for this band and their sound from early on to presently. Listening to this band and understanding their roots really puts the importance of this recent release into focus. Bands like this one (and the ones aforementioned) come from a time where being fully immersed in a live set was the epitome of the live set experience.
Astbury and Duffy made it known that they would take a break from touring indefinitely, following their last recent performances in October 2025. Rather, they will be shifting priorities, and their focus will be toward writing and recording new music. The setlist on this live album truly bridges all three phases mentioned earlier: Southern Death Cult, Death Cult, and The Cult. Core fans will be delighted to know that it includes rare early tracks like "Moya" and "Gods Zoo", as well as hits singles like "She Sells Sanctuary" and "Rain".
Tracklisting for “Paradise Live”:
1. 83rd Dream (Live) 04:23
2. Christians (Live) 04:01
3. Gods Zoo (Live) 03:30
4. Brothers Grimm (Live) 04:08
5. Ghost Dance (Live) 04:32
6. Butterflies (Live) 02:57
7. A Flower in the Desert (Live) 03:55
8. Resurrection Joe (Live) 04:23
9. Horse Nation (Live) 03:47
10. Go West (Live) 04:03
11. Hollow Man (Live) 05:12
12. Dreamtime (Live) 03:02
13. Spiritwalker (Live) 03:42
14. Rain (Live) 05:47
15. Moya (Live) 04:16
16. She Sells Sanctuary (Live) 07:39
The album is available in several formats, including a black splatter vinyl (exclusive to the band's webstore) and a white splatter vinyl available at general retailers while supplies last.
DEATH CULT’S “PARADISE LIVE” IS OUT NOW. LISTEN HERE: https://deathcult.ffm.to/paradiselive
