Ministry’s Al Jourgensen on revisiting ‘With Sympathy’

40 years after disavowing the debut album that traumatized him so much he burned the two-inch tapes, the Ministry frontman exclusively reveals to Yahoo Entertainment’s Lyndsey Parker his plans re-record and perform some of cult album’s tracks.

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[springsource]

With Sympathy is one of the greatest New Wave albums ever made.

[lindalu]

What an amazing show in Seattle last night! ! Thank you, thank you for making my birthday dreams come true.

You guys were the brightest, sparkling and most brilliant ever! Us 80' kids love you AL and all the growth you've gone through all these years! 🙏 ❤

[inphiknit]

Okay also go read Al's autobiography. It is Fantastic. After reading it I am amazed to see him doing so well and being so relevant. Personally I am so happy to see this. Keep making that magic Al. You are brilliant

[Rae]

This is one of the best interviews I have ever seen on the real workings of the music industry. I grew up in Chicago and loved Ministry. I love Al even more after hearing him speak here.

[Sacrifice-Loyalty]

Just saw the Ministry Show in Toronto May 2025 and it was a great time it seems for the fans and the band having big time fun and appreciation for all elements of the Ministry journey...thanks Al for bringing this back!

[christopherbell]

Same Old Madness would be a cool addition to the live set imo ⚡🤘😎

[genetrosper]

The BEST interview with uncle Al I have watched in perhaps ever. Congrats to Lyndsey for pulling it off! I also dig the black goblet. Now I'm searching the interwebs for one. Gotta keep my goth creds current!

[jclancy]

I truly appreciate how nice he always is

[ronarmstrong]

Been a Ministry fan since 87. This is great. I never new much about him. He is legendary. I expected him to be a train wreck. He seems way healthier than his younger persona. Very cool!

[johnnyb]

Fast forward to now...The Squirrely Years...absolutely loving it!!! Long Live Ministry!!!

[mkr]

It's interesting listening to this interview today after i watched the toronto stop of the with sympathy and twitch tour a few days ago. I have to say it's totally amazing that Al has come full circle and playing these songs again. songs that i might add are absolute goth industrial bangers. The show was so damn good. The crowd was super into it. I'm still buzzing from that performance.

[brannonmcclure]

Thanks. You host. And you Al. 🧑‍🎨♾️🎸🎤🎹

[daviscameron]

I believe the pressure & relationship with the record company at the time formed his attitude to the album. It’s great that AL has come back to it & give it some air 🤙✌️

[NYyazoofan]

This was a great watch. With Sympathy and Twitch remain my favorite Ministry albums.

[kh]

Old Guy here. I remember seeing Al & Gang playing "revenge" live back in 82. They were signed to Arista 1-2 yrs later. His version of the story, now with claims that he was (erroneously?) given sole songwriting credits... The math doesn't math 🤔

[dahlx]

Saw Ministry last night in Mpls and they were great! I saw Ministry on the tour BEFORE "With Sympathy" at First Avenue in 1982, then I saw the "With Sympathy" tour twice -- once in Wash DC at the 930 Club and again in Mpls at First Ave, summer of 1983. I've done my pilgrimage to Wax Trax in Chicago (picked up a KMFDM EP and Bauhaus poster). Every song on "With Sympathy" is a banger!

[rubaidaallen]

Love With Sympathy. Probably my fave Ministry album.

[bonessixtyone]

Just got The Squirrely years in the mail today. Exactly what I thought it would be. The perfect blend of the original pop synth sounds with the heavier guitar driven sound. Uncle Al you did it good!

[colinrussell]

Great interview! Going to see them live in a few weeks with TTK and Die Krupps!

[MISCchout]

I wish he gave more specific examples of lyrics and ideas that weren’t his in the making of With Sympathy.