Ian Astbury has moved on from playing in a band with members of the Doors to relaunch his ‘80s hard rock group The Cult, the singer said Thursday.
“I have decided to move on and focus on my own music and legacy,” Astbury, 44, said in a statement e-mailed by The Cult’s publicist Todd Brodginski.
Astbury has been performing the past four years with Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek, 68, and guitarist Robby Krieger, 61, under the name Riders on the Storm.
“I have learned a great deal from the both of them, and it certainly has expanded my abilities as a performer,” Astbury said of the ‘60s legends. “This has been a difficult decision to make but I feel I would be holding them back as well as myself if I did not depart at this time.”
Astbury, a singer heavily influenced by the late Doors frontman Jim Morrison, will now focus on “relaunching” The Cult with guitarist Billy Duffy.
Riders on the Storm, according to group manager Tom Vitorino, will continue to perform and is looking at a short list of potential vocalists, Brodginski said.
The group just finished a sold-out tour of Europe, Brodginski said.
Britain’s The Cult gained fame in the ‘80s with such hits as “She Sells Sanctuary,” “Revolution” and “Rain.”