Ian Astbury Most Underrated Singer

Ian Astbury of The Cult has got to be the most underrated rock singer over the past 25 years. The guy is a composite of Jim Morrison, Michael Hutchence and his own "Wolf Child" persona. Who else can channel Johnny Cash meets himself in "Holy Mountain" on their latest LP? Plus, his stage presence is an absolute primer for any wannabe singer that is currently starting out in the business. I first met Ian in 1987 at a defunct Mexican restaurant while he did an on air interview with Dallas, Texas Q102 Radio Redbeard. It was in the middle of the summer and about 100 degrees. He was wearing black leather pants and a wool longsleeve turtleneck and leather jacket. I sat at a little table with Redbeard, Ian and Billy Duffy. Of course, I brought my vinyl records and had them sign all of them. To this day I still have those and this story to tell. Plus, they were extremely cool and wanted to make sure that me and my friend Kenny were going to the concert that night. They were opening for Billy Idol on his Whiplash Smile Tour and this was at the final leg of their Electric Tour. Earlier in 1986, they played Dallas and their opening band was Guns 'N Roses. Of course, that would change in a matter of months. In the end, which band is still cranking out music and which one blew up and never did anything after the early 90's?