Wild Flower

The song "Wild Flower" by The Cult from their 1987 album Electric is a raw, riff-driven anthem that captures the band's shift to a harder rock sound. One piece of trivia comes from the song’s creation process, where producer Rick Rubin pushed the band to strip away their gothic rock roots. In an interview, frontman Ian Astbury described how Rubin challenged them in New York, saying, “Do you guys wanna make English pussy music, or do you want to rock?” This led to a re-recording of the entire album, with "Wild Flower" embodying the band’s new AC/DC-inspired crunch. The track, written by Astbury and guitarist Billy Duffy, is said to reflect Astbury’s alter ego, “Wolfchild,” a persona fueled by lust and rebellion, as noted in a blog post reviewing the 12-inch single.

Another interesting tidbit about "Wild Flower" is its release as the third single from Electric, with multiple versions including a remix and a dub mix. A Discogs entry details its UK release dates in August 1987, noting formats like 12-inch and cassette singles. Fans on Reddit have praised the song’s energy, with some calling it a perfect driving tune that could “earn a speeding ticket.” The music video, filmed in 1987, also gained attention, with behind-the-scenes photos shared on social media capturing the band’s gritty, leather-clad aesthetic during the shoot.

The Cult began in Bradford, England, in 1981, initially as Southern Death Cult, a post-punk outfit led by Ian Astbury. Astbury, inspired by punk and the mysticism of bands like The Doors, formed the group with guitarist Billy Duffy, whose bluesy riffs shaped their sound. According to Wikipedia, the band evolved through name changes—Death Cult, then The Cult—refining their style from gothic rock to hard rock by the mid-1980s. Their early days were marked by a dedicated UK following, with singles like “Spiritwalker” gaining traction. The 1985 album Love, featuring “She Sells Sanctuary,” broke them into the mainstream, setting the stage for Electric’s bolder sound.

The band’s official website is https://thecult.us/, where fans can find tour dates and merchandise. Their Facebook page shares live performance clips and updates, while their Instagram showcases tour photos and retro shots. On X, they post about new releases, like a 2006 live performance of “Wild Flower” on The Craig Ferguson Show, shared in a 2021 tweet. Fan communities thrive online, with the The Cult Fan Group on Facebook offering a space for “Zoo Freaks” to discuss albums and share memorabilia. Another fan site, The Cult Fan Club, provides exclusive content and forums for devotees.