A conversation with Stuart Anstis (ex- Cradle of Filth) part 2
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- Опубліковано 9 чер 2024
- The second instalment of the chat with Stuart. The first part is here: • A conversation with St...
Back on September 11 2017, I had a conversation with former Cradle of Filth guitarist Stuart Anstis. Originally broadcast on "Scars and Guitars" on 4ZZZ and available on the Scars and Guitars podcast ever since. Stuart talks about recording "Dusk and Her Embrace", writing and recording "Cruelty and the Beast", and his opinion on Cradle of Filth band members from 1995-1999. Easily the most comprehensive and detailed account of the band by a band member during the late 90s. Stuart pulls no punches as he recounts his experience in this four-hour-long deep dive.
Don't expect a typical news-media-style Q&A with Stuart in this interview. It's a genuine conversation, a sharing of ideas and philosophies. Originally, I planned to edit it for release, but I realised that doing so would ruin its authenticity. Some have criticised me for talking about myself, but I believe the conversation needed to stay intact. The positive feedback from Cradle of Filth fans reassures me that preserving its authenticity was the right choice, and I'm grateful for the support.
For many more conversations conducted for the Scars and Guitars podcast with members and ex-members of Cradle of Filth, check out this link: scarsandguitars.com/cradle-of...
Link to part 1 here: ua-cam.com/video/K1Fr-ZysLe0/v-deo.html
Hi I been trying to find the interview you did with dani filth but having no luck. Could u post a link if possible thanks
@@motorhead7004 no prob, here it is: player.whooshkaa.com/episode?id=134486
RIP Stuart, the world has lost a great guitarist...just a added foot not to this post Stuart (his mates here called him Chewie)passed away in his home town of Bideford earlier in the week,
This man is a legend. I have the honour of being a good friend of Stuart and he is 100 percent straight down the line and a top bloke. This is a great interview.
Thx Robert. His playing unlocked black metal for me when I was a huge Maiden fan. Pls tell him I said G’Day
I hated hearing of his passing. By all accounts he was a top notch dude.
Thanks so much for doing all these interviews with 90's era ex-cradle members. Really fascinating stuff!
Thx mate much appreciated. They've all got such a great story to tell! Stu is a good bloke, hope he and the other 'Cruelty 3' can do something someday.
Best Cradle of Filth Interview! Lol. What Stuart did in his CoF time changed my view on Metal forever. It was so beautiful, till this day I don’t get tired of those albums. Brings back memories
Awesome, Thx mate!
Dude, great work, thank you so much!! Loved both Stuart and your humbleness! You really showed the respect Stuart and the music he made with COF deserve.
I grew up with these masterpieces ( Dusk and Cruelty) and always loved Stuart's work and the music they made during that time. In fact, everything they did untill "from Cradle.." is close to perfection, imo. (btw, I never understood the hate, COF have to take from the metal comunity (and others), when "you" made albuns/gems/music like that, but whatever..).
I also remember feeling disappointed when Midian was released... No Nicholas, no Stuart, no Lecter...that special magic sound was gone. It took me a while to get used to that "new" COF. It wasn't bad, but it was diferent animal.
So, hearing Stuart talk about those times is beyond amazing!
Once again, great work!
Thanks very much mate, it means a lot. Thx hope that Stu, Nick and Les can find the time to release the ‘Clive Barker’ concept album!
@@ScarsandGuitarspodcast You're welcome, my friend.
That would be awesome! That and return to COF with Robin and Nick for this old fan's wet dream to come true, ahah
Keep the good work,stay safe.
I didn't think I was going to listen to this whole interview in one sitting, but Stuart was fascinating to listen to. You're a great interviewer and thanks for letting your guest talk uninterrupted and tell his story.
That's impressive, the entire 4-hour chat in one session! Thx for the kind words too.
Had the pleasure of spending a lot of time with Stuart as a teenager in his shop. Was lucky enough to support him, put on shows and even play together.
After he passed I was retelling story’s of his to friends of mine but couldn’t remember all the details. A lot of my favourite ones are in this interview so I thank you for encapsulating them here forever.
This interview is pretty spot on to how I remember him. He’ll be missed terribly
I’m so glad we got to chat, I think it’ll be like a touchstone for future fans who discover his music and want to know all about him.
Mr Anstis, you can rest assured I was enjoying this conversation throughly.
What a grand personality🤝
Thank you so much for this interview. I have always known the brilliance of the Dusk, and Cruelty albums. Cruelty is one of my all time favorite albums. After hearing about Stuart's death, I stumbled on to part 1 of this. I'm so glad I did, cause I've always wanted to know more about this Era of C.O.F. R.I.P. Stuart........
Thx mate, the plan is for more conversations. Les, Robin and Paul Ryan would be fantastic
Stuart had a massive impact on my guitar playing, I've always learn by ear and when I was about 14 to 16 those classic CoF albums and eps were my own extreme metal guitar education. I had never considered how much that stuff meant to him to have an impact through that work. To me what he did with flowing melodies and the guitar arrangements is beyond reproach, just an expert who did what was exactly perfect for the job in a role many have tried and found lacking at since.. It's a bit of a shock to only now hear his humility about his immense contribution to art that uniquely reshaped my perception at a formative age about what heavy metal guitar can do. I just saw him as some vague genius figure in my minds eye until now, which is a shame because its taken all this to see something of the awesome human being he was! Rip
41 year old cradle fan here, saw them in Melbourne back in the day. Old Cradle is best. Stuart you are missed!
Hi mate, was the MEL show all ages?
@@ScarsandGuitarspodcast I can't remember. It was in St KIlda, I know that.
Truely a gem of an interview. Found this by complete accident digging for classic CoF interviews, and like a kid finding that lost toy, or a black metal fan actually finding an black metal album on their to-get-list at a local records store, I couldn’t be happier to have stumbled upon this awesome two-parter.
Whatever the criticisms you may have gotten about your interview methodology, if it yields conversations like this one, I’d say they can be safely be ignored.
Humbled brother. And thank you. You’re the type of music appreciator I hoped these conversations would reach.
These two parts have been absolutely amazing. Many thanks.
Appreciate the support, thx heaps! 🙏
These interviews are gold mate, great to hear all the stories of the musicians who made me love this band!
Cheers mate 🍻
This was a great interview, the albums he played on are my favorite COF albums. So sad that he is gone.
RIP
Somewhere there's a folder containing material written for the follow-up to Cruelty 😞
Listening to this totally by chance exactly 1 year after Stuart's passing...eerie.
I'm a bit late to the party, but thank you so much for such a great interview. It's great finding this archive of chats that I've wanted to hear for ages. No one mines the history of these bands, and there are such important albums and key members that have insight into what I would say was the halycon era for so many of the bands like COF/Dimmu, etc. I'll be deep diving into all of the COF members post this one, but thank you again and Rest well Stuart, your legacy is appreciated.
if i could play with one person it would always be stuart ' i come back to these interviews constantly ' what a great bloke musician and craftsman ' such an irreplaceable loss
so glad i saw him and felt his amazing skills and power as a player and charisma close up
but wish i'd got to see more of him over the years
I've listened to this again for like the 10th time. I love it. A brilliant candid chat with two blokes who love metal.
i love it, great interview. thank you so much andrew for uploadingand sharing this with us. and thank you very very much for the music, stu. rip.
This interview was the first that I was compelled to listen to from start to finish. The length of time and depth of coverage this has with Stuart is amazing. I went from a Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder initiate to a Dusk & Cruelty zealot all the more from the insights, as well! Huge rekindling for Cradle of Filth for me having lost touch over the years. It's also nice to hear how much you and Stuart are into Morbid Angel and Trey, being a huge MA and Trey nerd myself. Thanks so much for this interview! Interviewers need to take notes here!
Kind of you to say that, and yes, I too, am a huge MA fan. Check out my chat with Trey's mum!
What a great interview
Amazing !
Awesome interview. Walked in at the beginning of part 2 as my Mrs was listening to it and was hooked. Will be checking out more in the future.
Thx Wayne, much appreciated mate
Thanks a lot! As well as some here, I am reviewing this wonderful interview not for the first time. It is a great gift to be able to listen to so many different interesting stories from a legendary musician!
It would be great if you invite Stuart again sometime. But would focus your conversation on studio recording and writing СoF music. Stuart participated in at least 4 studio sessions. I think that he has something to tell about how these songs were composed, about the contribution of each member in compositions or arrangements. For example, I was very interested in the contribution of Mike Exeter in production. And if Les and Robin don't want to talk about themselves, maybe Stuart could talk more about working with them and Nick.
Thx mate; yes I’m keen to chat with Mike Exeter. He would have some great insight 👍
What a great dude. The both of you actually. Stu is an asbolute class act in every way..
Thx brother 🙌
Such a great interview and interesting person. So sad he's gone too soon.
My man you are a fantastic host, I'm seriously impressed with your knowledge of metal, I know absolutely nothing outside of what I just like hearing in my headset, I don't go indepth like you clearly have, it's outstanding what you know, big respect, also Stuart sounds like a legend of a man, can't say I'd pick up the difference with how he plays and the way you describe it but of course I know the albums he was on, anyways thanks for the interview
No prob at all Dane! Thx for the very kind words 🙏🤘
@@ScarsandGuitarspodcast champ can I please ask you for help name on the song Stuart mentioned with the following lyrics, hope I get this right, "you can't appreciate the sun till you see it outside a school for the blind" hope I heard him correctly
@@BigD123749 Good question, I cant recall either. Did a Google search and the lyrics don't come up. Could be a folk tune or something
@@ScarsandGuitarspodcast no stress at all champ I'll go listen to it again and I'll catch it there
@dane herbst "...And you have never been in love until you've seen the dawn rise behind the home for the blind..." Morrissey. The song is called First of the Gang to Die. It's on the album You Are The Quarry. Great stuff and highly recommend! People either seem to love him or hate him. I fall into the love him camp. I've seen him live twice and I'd see him again in a heartbeat. Hope this helps. Cheers!
I ve always been looking for interviews with Cradle's ex members, and this is pure gold. I ve always been curious about "behind the scenes" stuff about songwriting, and all other details and dinamics between band members. Why don t you do something similar with Dimmu' s ex members? In particular Mustis...would be really interesting since he went off radars after being fired. Same as Vortex. Or even Nagash or Astennu (this last one being Australian). Thanks for the dedication man.
I’d like to chat with the Dimmu members but I must say, I’m not a huge fan. Great band though, just never truly got into them
Incredible interview and exquisite answers from stuart.I believe the guy to be an unsung hero and overlooked by far too many.He is to me an excellent guitarist.I met him briefly in 97 at milwaukee metalfest (had no idea he passed out after the show lol) but bloody hell it was a hot one that night..Would be incredible if you could do a part 3 and ask specifically about his working with david wayne from metal church and if anything was recorded or released or being held for future release??? CHEERS!!
There's always the potential for a Pt3, I'd certainly be up for it!
29:10 I'm the guy who worked with Stuart on the Within You cover song and we are still working on it. Stuart blew my mind with what he did. He truly is such a master of his craft. The band's he was trying to remember were Veil of Anguish and Lamort. Both pretty generic names I agree.
That answers that! Glad you mentioned it. “Within You” is an overlooked Bowie classic so it’ll be great to hear it when it’s released
@@ScarsandGuitarspodcast I was debating for a loooong time whether or not I should mention it but it is such a great tribute track to bowie that Stuart but his iconic touch on that I figured why not. He mentions me in the first interview also as the "mate in geelong" and yes, I was a mad as fuck CoF nut since principal but more so when I heard Vempire for the first time, I already had an established band by then but my whole guitar style, sound, the works, we rocked when I first heard Mr. Anstis making sounds I'd never heard before! So yeah. If there is anything at all you need with assistance with your Cradle book I'd be more than happy to help mate! As a Sydney lad, no doubt you've heard of the Amenta? Ever tried to talk to the super elusive Erik from that band? He, and Tim to be fair, really use guitars in some insane ways. Anyway love your work mate and look forward to so much more! I so prefer it on this platform than the other to listen too. The first time I heard this interview it was a band mate who told me I was mentioned in the interview and I didn't believe him. Haha. He was right.
Hole you're safe and well friend and look forward to chatting in the future maybe!
Chris McManus.
@@chrisvoa RE The Amenta, I had a chat with Tim Pope for the podcast, what a cool fella. Love that band!
Appreciate your very kind words btw. VIC is nuts right now with lockdowns, police violence and earthquakes. Hope you're keeping well through it all. I'd love to hear the final version of the Bowie cut!
this has been great. I'd love to hear that interview with Dani you keep referencing to Stuart. Any plans to upload it?
RIP Stuart Anstis x
I could write an essai on how much I enjoyed the two parts with Stuart! You are a great interviewer, and I was amazed on how similar his and your views reached mine, I would have listened several hours more! Wow... 🤘🏻
Appreciate the kind words! Yes I hope Stuart and I can reconnect again one day. It’s been 4 years since that chat so I’ve had plenty of time to develop new insight into his contribution
Now I just hope for him, Barker and Les to make the album they never finished! That would be a damn good piece of art for sure!
I think it's awesome the way you talk to the artists frankly about yourself and engage conversation genuinely. It makes them feel comfortable and want to talk honestly in respect of yours. Please don't listen to anyone that says; you talk too much, as it's obvious the artists appreciate your organic manner/conversation. Stuart had such high levels of talent and honour, the world is a worse place without him.
Thx for the very kind and thoughtful comment. And you definitely get it. By showing empathy and sharing experiences it opens up the dialogue. Glad you see it. Thx again 🙏
@@ScarsandGuitarspodcast Thank you brother.
Andrew, that was a fantastic listen congrats. So sad to hear Stuart isn't used to any level of praise but seems a great guy.
I love hearing things about past bands that mean alot to me, especially thru high level water periods. Thanks for doing these and will check out more
Thx heaps Matt. I’m trying to get in touch with all of the 90s members and I’d love to write their book. 🤞
@@ScarsandGuitarspodcast Good luck with the book, I certainly would purchase it.
I have 2 personal stories of brushing shoulders with Cradle...
The question you put to Nick about "it's not loud enough, it's not clicky enough" was from an old producer called Mark Harwood at Springvale studios, which my band recorded 2 demos there and would bump into the Cradle guys occasionally.
The other is I auditioned for a band and used the drum kit from the Cradle to Enslave music video, literally the following day, it still had the fake cob webs all over it!!!
Took me three days but Ive listened to the whole thing sounded like a great guy .. would love to hear hes post COF stuff
В юности была у меня майка .Cradle of filth. и на спине фото группы, и Stuart Anstis там был как на заставке этого видео, Stuart в белой рубахе, это был альбом Vempire or dark faerytales in Phallustein '1996. самый мой любимый EP. Cradle of filth. упакой твою душу.
Беларусь.г.Орша 08.09.2022.
anyone ever hear this version of the bathory aria? ua-cam.com/video/O2JJetXZioM/v-deo.html
it's an "unfinished" mix that somehow got on a not for resale promo cd of cruelty.
Excellent chat fellas, really enjoyed that and RIP Stuart. Did he ever release that material he was talking to you about near the end of the chat? I could find one Ninepence song and the Ozzy reference to his vocal style was real.
Never knew there was this kind of politics or drama behind the band.
And now that I think about it, Dusk and Her Embrace was the 1st song I heard of Cradle...I was 14, I was blown away, it had everything I was looking for subconsciously that I couldn't find anywhere else!
Cheers from California.
Thx mate, glad you enjoyed it!
he transmits magic with his aliveness and passion for life. no wonder dusk and cruelty move us in such way...when life is put into something, people can't let go of it...
truely sad he's gone and that potential with him....I don't wanna sound overly dramatic but COF dies with him....
, a name in the metal hall of fame...R.I.P. Stuart
Great conversations you've had! Stuart really needs to release the music he composed for the follow up of Cruelty. Midian wasnt bad but for me the last cradle album with memorable songs. I hope Stuart finds the right People. Maybe to start hook up with Barker.;)
Thx Mark! Yes I agree, the ‘Clive Barker’ concept album will be a thing of beauty should it ever see light of day
It was truly a pleasure to listen to this interview, thanks a lot for it. Although I am a but younger than you I had roughly the same relationship to CoF, Dusk and Cruelty are absolute masterpieces that changed the world of a 12-year-old kid in 1998 who only listened to Iron Maiden, Motörhead, and AC-DC. I quit listening to CoF already with From the Cradle to Enslave, it was an ok ep but nothing special in my personal view. Midian was the point when I decided that, yeah, it isn't the same band and now I understand that Stuart is the main reason why. Cruelty and Dusk are among my favourite albums ever. Not just metal, it is simply one of the best music I have ever heard. As you and Stuart said, CoF was first and foremost a heavy metal band, not specifically black metal. Still, it initiated me into the genre (the trve kvlt crowd is already fainting over this blasphemy) and I am a huge black metal fan to this day. After Midian I had no idea what the guys from the "classic line-up" went to do, besides Dani's ridiculous shenanigans on TV, etc. It was very sad that I only "rediscovered" Stuart by the time of his passing a couple of months ago. It also saddens me that I only got to listen to this interview after his death. It was truly a pleasure to hear, I deeply thank you for this!
And please do write that book about CoF's first years, I would definitely buy it!!
Thank you very much for your kind words. Looking back, I’m just so grateful that the conversation could happen as it unfolded. It’s there for good now, and people can gain a good insight into Stu. I think Stu’s legacy will continue to grow as more people discover dusk and also cruelty.
@@tiagosilva729 I really hope it happens but with Stu gone, it’s gonna be difficult
What a great guy
Dude gotta ask but have you had any luck getting to talk to les ? Watched this episode now like 3/4 times 😅 absoloute great stuff man, always thought he was the coolest member of cof but really did give them a unique sound in my oppinion. Would be really cool though to hear some of the funnys from that era !
Gday Chris, I’ve hit Les up a bunch of times but I’m thinking he must be reluctant. The reason is nowadays he is a tour manager and has done work with Dani and CoF. I suppose it’s just not something he wants to cover ‘cause it could affect his livelihood, which I understand completely. Hopefully in the years ahead that changes. Thx for the support too! 🍺
Ah makes sence i guess. Anyway keep up the good work dude and have a good'n !
Damn! So no Les means no book?
🔥
_I wish Nick, Stuart, Robin, Lester, & Sarah..._
_Would come back and work on,_
_...A New Black Metal Album!_
Me too!
I agree about those 2 cradle records there 2 of the best. To compare them to the old Metallica cruelty and dusk r right up there atleast 2 me I'm sure some will disagree.
Rip Stuar Antis...
'cruelty' is the top 5, if not best metal album of all time. you bet you ass i listened to the 4 hours, even if at least 1 hour of that was just personal opinions about different bands 😴😎 i always had put gian on a pedestal and the fact had nothing to do with writing that album is funny as fuck 😆
well i take my hat off to you good sir...the finest riff writing that set an atmosphere i have ever experienced. more that 20 years of listening to that album and its impact never relents. i feel priviledged to know i am of a few that can really appreciate its mastery and conviction of true organic artistry....of an epoch of human imagination. a talent that doesn't exist in generations after. unless you born of the era where there was the shift from bedtime fairytales and mythology to technology saturation, you probably will never understand 🙏🤷🏻♂️
It’s April 2024 and have only just found this interview. I started with Nicks interview first but cannot thank you enough for doing these.
It’s 2024 so my question is “Did you manage to interview all 3 for the potential book?”
Well done Andrew 🎉
Unfortunately, with Stuart ‘s death, the book is all but impossible. One of the trio needed to be editor to ensure factual accuracy but I’m just not sure it can happen now that he’s gone.
FARK!!! You’ve done extremely well to open the door of questions with many responses from COF. Wouldn’t have happened if you didn’t open the first door. Well done. 👍🏻
This morning in the suburbs of Melbourne the music morning kicked off with To Eve The Art Of Witchcraft and then Funeral In Carpathia.
It just reminded me how fucking good that 90’s era was. 🤘🏼🔥🤘🏼