Illinois Entertainer January 2016 | Page 4

Photo: Tim Cadiente January 2016 • Volume 42, Number 3 • www.illinoisentertainer.com COVER STORY: THE CULT Frontman Ian Astbury is a seeker – of truth, knowledge, beauty, and that which often seems just out of reach on the far existential horizon. He’s 53 this year, and The Cult is celebrating the 30th anniversary of their landmark Steve Brown-produced Love juggernaut, which cemented the symbiotic relationship between he and guitarist Billy Duffy. Tom Lanham talks to Astbury about the band's new album Hidden City. 6 20 32 33 HELLO, MY NAME IS AL Chicago industrial metal progenitors, Ministry, led by the charismatic Alain Jourgensen, is a musical institution in these parts. Jourgensen and crew will be performing at Concord Music Hall on Thursday, Dec. 31st. Their first New Year’s Eve show in 27 years. Ministry disbanded after the death of Al’s friend and longstanding guitarist Mike Scaccia in 2012. So NYE is a special one-off party in Al’s hometown. IE's Kelley Simms spoke to Mr. Jourgensen about the show and the band's '90s salad days, which weren't always as enjoyable as they seemed. Page 22 - The Cult X AMBASSADORS File Writer Thomas Mann once coldly posited 'You can never go home again,'but X Ambassadors bandleader Sam Harris would respectfully disagree. The Ithaca, NY-bred group’s recent debut VHS is a hit based on the alt-rock hit "Renegades." Tom Lanham has their backstory. Best of 2015 albums, shows and singles. Double Feature Oscar! Oscar! Take a look at me. Sweet Home He's still and always will be The Chief. FROM THE PIT: FIRST THREE, NO FLASH; THE BEST OF 2015 IN PHOTOS Media IE's Curt Baran captured some of our best photos of the year, including the Replacements final shows at The Riv, and the marathon known as Lollapalooza (featuring Paul McCartney, Charlie XCX, and Elle King among others). And don't forget Riot Fest 2015 in Douglas Park, we present our Year In Photos. 6 14 16 18 WGN's weekend newsman has seen it all. Spins R. Kelly, Roy O., Europe and more. Calendar IE's monthly listings of the best shows at the best venues. Caught In A Mosh Chicago metal legends Trouble are baa-ack. Classifieds You dumped your boyfriend's bassist, now you're looking for another. Gear The best tape delay simulation pedal ever? 24 29 34 42 46 Studiophile Returns in February. Page 32 - From The Pit Publisher Advertising Sales Contributors: John Vernon Scott Assmann Mike Engel Andy Argyrakis, Guy Arnston, Penelope Biver, Patrick Conlan, Deena Dasein Jaime "Black" de'Medici, Jeff Elbel Terrence Flamm, Steve Forstneger Michael Gallucci, Michael C. Harris Tom Lanham, Carter Moss Brian Ormiston, Arsenio Orteza, Rodney Pawlak, Bruce Pilato, Matthew Pollock, Jessi Roti Jason Scales, Kelley Simms, Ed Spinelli, Tim Shockley Contributing Editors Curt Baran Mike Meyer Lori Vernon Bruce Pilato Advertising Director Design Team Notion Pool Notion Pool Dragon Design Vision Design Senior Columnists John Vernon Website Direction Founder Rosalind Cummings-Yeates - Sweet Home Rick Kaempfer - Media Kenneth L. Voss Kelley Simms - Caught In A Mosh Publisher Emeritis David C. Eldredge - East Coast Classified Advertising David Gedge David Roberts 4 illinoisentertainer.com january 2016 SUBSCRIPTIONS: $35 per year (first class). Material for insertion must reach our office by the First Of The Month preceding publication. We cannot assume responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Follow us online at: facebook.com illinoisentertainer.tumblr.com twitter.com/ie_entertainer Address All Correspondence to: Illinois Entertainer 4223 W. Lake St., Suite 490 Chicago, IL 60624 (773) 717-5665 - Chicago/North Sub (630) 618-2177 - West/South Suburbs (773) 717-5666 - Fax email us at: Editorial: ed@illinoisentertainer.com Advertising: service@illinoisentertainer.com The ILLINOIS ENTERTAINER is published monthly by Roberts Publishing, Inc, All materials copyright 2015 by Roberts Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from Roberts Publishing, Inc. Current and back issues of the IE are $10.00 postpaid.