Wild Flower

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Wild Hearted Son" by The Cult, a track from their 1991 album Ceremony that’s got the Zoo Freaks vibing. This song carries a deeply personal message, with lead singer Ian Astbury describing it as autobiographical, reflecting his experiences of being judged for his beliefs and appearance. In an interview, Astbury shared that the song is about embracing individuality, saying it’s “OK to be different, OK to express yourself the way you want to,” encouraging listeners to “read between the lines” of life’s challenges. The track’s rebellious spirit is amplified by its lyrics, like “I’m a whirlwind dreamer, baby, with my head high in the clouds,” which capture a sense of defiance and freedom.

Musically, "Wild Hearted Son" was crafted with the classic single format in mind. Astbury noted in a 2012 AV Club interview that its structure was influenced by the concise, radio-friendly 7-inch single, contrasting with longer tracks like The Doors’ “Light My Fire.” The song’s music video adds a cultural layer, opening with a Native American ceremonial dance on a highway, tying into the Ceremony album’s Native American influences. However, this imagery stirred controversy when the parents of the Native American boy on the album cover sued the band for $61 million, claiming unauthorized use of his image, which was also burned in the video. This lawsuit delayed the album’s release in countries like South Korea and Thailand until late 1992 and kept it unreleased in Turkey until The Cult performed in Istanbul in 1993.

The song’s release was also a milestone for fans, as highlighted by a 2018 post from The Cult’s official X account, which celebrated the "Wild Hearted Son" single as part of a limited-edition Ceremony box set. Despite its UK chart peak at No. 34 and Canada at No. 41, the song resonated with fans, as seen in its performance stats on setlist.fm, with its last documented live play in January 1992 at Oakland’s Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center. The track’s enduring appeal lies in its raw energy and message of resilience, making it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic playlist.

The Cult began in 1983 in Bradford, England, evolving from Ian Astbury’s earlier band, Southern Death Cult. Astbury, a punk rocker with a nomadic spirit, found himself in Bradford after a tough period living on Social Security and scrounging for bus fare. In a 2012 AV Club interview, he recalled arriving at a bar where his “tribe” of musicians and artists hung out, finding a house with a band practicing in the basement. This creative hub sparked the formation of Death Cult, which soon became The Cult in January 1984. With Astbury on vocals and Billy Duffy on guitar, the band built a following as a post-punk and gothic rock act, releasing their debut album Dreamtime in 1984, featuring the single “Spiritwalker.”

The Cult’s sound evolved into hard rock, breaking into the U.S. mainstream with hits like “Love Removal Machine” in the late 1980s. Despite lineup changes, Astbury and Duffy remain the core songwriters, with their chemistry driving the band’s longevity. Their journey reflects a commitment to authenticity, as Astbury emphasized in a 2019 LA Weekly interview, noting they were “long overdue” to release new music. In 2020, the band signed with Black Hill Records and began recording their eleventh album at Rockfield Studios, as shared on Duffy’s X account, marking a return to where Dreamtime was born.

Fans can connect with The Cult on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. The band’s dedicated fanbase, often gathering on platforms like the The Cult Fans Facebook group, shares news, memories, and concert experiences. Another fan hub, The Cult Fan Club, offers exclusive content and community discussions, keeping the Zoo Freaks’ spirit alive across the globe.