Wombats cover Friday

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Robert to Curate Teenage Cancer Trust shows in 2026

From Yahoo News:

The Cure’s Robert Smith is to take over from Roger Daltrey as curator of the Teenage Cancer Trust’s Royal Albert Hall concerts for 2026.

It comes after The Who frontman announced he would be stepping down from the role after more than 20 years, following the 2025 events, which include performances from Daltrey’s band, The Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter and The Corrs.

Speaking about taking on the role, Smith, 65, said: “Teenage Cancer Trust does the most fantastic work, and it is a great honour – and a real thrill – to be asked to curate the 2026 shows at the Royal Albert Hall.

“I can promise it will be a very memorable week.”

The concerts were founded in 2000 by Daltrey, who stepped back from figurehead duties in 2024, but remains an honorary patron of the charity.

Speaking about being replaced by Smith, the 81-year-old said: “It has not been easy to find the right curator for the week of concerts in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall, but it’s with great excitement that I can announce that Robert Smith has signed up for 2026.

“With The Cure’s long and outstanding support for Teenage Cancer Trust, Robert appreciates the vital work this charity does.

“The concerts have become an essential fixture in the music calendar, featuring some of the world’s greatest artists.

“It has been a challenge to find the right person to take them on – but Robert, a true musical great, is the perfect curator for the 2026 concerts.”

As lead singer of The Cure, Smith has achieved four UK top 10 singles and two UK number one albums, they are best known for songs such as The Lovecats, In Between Days and Friday I’m In Love, as well as the album Disintegration (1989).

The goth group recently topped the charts with Songs Of A Lost World, their 14th studio album, which was released in November 2024.

Jamie Johnson, head of music and entertainment at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “Robert has been a dedicated supporter of Teenage Cancer Trust for many years, and his involvement will bring extraordinary performances to this iconic week while helping us raise essential funds.

“These funds ensure we can continue to provide vital specialist services for young people facing cancer within the NHS.

“You only get one chance at being young, and cancer threatens to turn lives upside down. Without the right support, the impact can be devastating. We cannot thank Robert enough for helping us make sure that no young person faces cancer alone.”

Teenage Cancer Trust has also announced a day of music curated by independent record label Erased Tapes for Saturday, March 29, which will replace a planned GK Barry live show.

The event will see Penguin Cafe, Daniel Brandt, Douglas Dare and Hatis Noit perform, with tickets on sale from Wednesday, March 19.

Speaking about the new addition, Daltrey said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances the planned Teenage Cancer Trust event on the Saturday 29th had to be postponed.

“So I can’t thank Penguin Cafe enough for stepping up for the charity at such short notice. Erased Tapes will be curating the rest of the line-up for the evening so this is going to be a very special night of independent music at the Royal Albert Hall. Don’t miss it.”

Shake Dog Shake artwork auction

From The Cure:

.@soundwaves_art are auctioning one of the last artworks from the 'Shake Dog Shake' collection, The artwork is hand-signed by Robert to support @warchilduk who work to protect, educate, and provide psychosocial support to children in war zones across the world. 

https://soundwavesartfoundation.com/collections/auctions/products/auction-the-cure-shake-dog-shake-signed-artist-proof

New album from Roger in September

From Roger:

Mixing in Dolby Atmos at Metropolis last week can't wait to hear the results. Still not sure about Atmos but my new record, Projections is all electronic and if anything works in this format it's that. Dont worry it will also be available in 180gm red vinyl. Coming in September.

Secret 7" tickets now available

EXHIBITION TICKETS ARE LIVE 🚨

You can now book tickets to War Child presents Secret 7” at @NOWGallery

Book your visit at https://nowgallery.co.uk/exhibitions/war-child-present-secret-7-at-greenwich-peninsula

11 April - 1 June 2025

NOW Gallery, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0SQ

Lost World certified gold in UK

From BRIT Awards:

'Songs of a Lost World', the album by The Cure, is now #BRITcertified Gold

Four Tet remix of Alone for RSD

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BRIT Awards tonight

Update:

Sam Fender wins Alternative/Rock Act

Ezra Collective wins Group of the Year

Charli XCX wins Album of the Year 

Cure go 0-3 on the night. Congratulations to Charli, Sam and Ezra Collective 

Good luck to The Cure at The BRIT Awards tonight, where they're nominated in 3 categories:

Album of the Year
Group of the Year
Alternative/Rock Act

You can watch the show on ITV1 & ITVX in the UK and on YouTube everywhere. 
https://www.youtube.com/live/sVrWn-dHvv4?si=I7gA4Y8qgepA66Jx

Boris interview

New audio interview with Boris Williams.

Talking about his early years, recording with The Cure, his new band Vamberator, and lots more.

He also says Vamberator plan to play some live shows in Italy this Summer.

So good to hear from Boris again!

https://www.c86show.org/e/boris-williams-the-cure-vamberator/

Musicians for Fire Relief

Lol will be a part of this.

https://www.musiciansforfirerelief.com

Andy Vella: How I designed the artwork for Songs of a Lost World

When The Cure released Songs of a Lost World in November 2024, it topped the charts in 10 countries and was praised effusively by fans around the world. Designer and long-time Cure collaborator Andy Vella joins us with an overview of his creative approach to the visual concept, sleeve, campaign, and the impact it's had.

Read the article at Creative Boom.

Lol & Gray collaboration with Miki Berenyi

 From Miki Berenyi:

Ollie's been busy mixing a collab track we're doing with Lol and Gray Tolhurst for the EU tour - we'll be playing it live together and are looking forward to releasing it for your listening pleasure!

Tix at mikistuff.com/live

Pre-emptive answers to inevitable questions: 

• Sorry the tour is so short/narrow - we can only take limited time off work

• Yes - Lol is only playing with us on the EU dates

• We hope to have some exclusive merch but it's a proper ball-ache to organise because Brexit etc

Wyldest covers Lovesong

Making breakfast with The Cure's Roger O'Donnell

From Queen Kwong:

Making breakfast with The Cure's Roger O'Donnell

Real talk on tragic eggs and the relentless need to make music

Roger plays keyboards and synths in The Cure. He joined the band in 1987. Before that, he played with The Thomson Twins and The Psychedelic Furs. He’s currently working on his 8th solo record.

I’m very fortunate to call Roger a longtime friend. He’s supported my career for many years and has contributed keyboards on my albums. I’m recording the new Queen Kwong LP at his home studio now, and thought it would be a good time to use the Substack video feature to get his candid take on some of the things I’ve been writing about on this platform —rock music, the entertainment industry, being in a band, being a creative, etc.

Keyboard/Studio brush from Roger

From Roger O'Donnell on Bluesky:

Coming soon, the keyboard/studio brush from Roger O'Donnell and RAMAR Berlin. Signature limited edition in gloss black. You know you want one! You need one!!! I will donate all my side to Lymphoma Research.

Robert's Lost World prints available

 From Heart Research UK:

We’re beyond excited to announce a limited release of special edition A4 and A3 prints featuring artwork by Robert Smith, inspired by The Cure 's latest album #songsofalostworld!

These exclusive pieces are a must-have for any fan!

Shop now.

Head on the Door picture disc for RSD

From The Cure:

2025 MARKS THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF 'THE HEAD ON THE DOOR'. THE ALBUM HAS BEEN REMASTERED BY @RobertSmith  & WILL BE AVAILABLE ON PICTURE DISC FOR THE FIRST TIME FOR #RSD2025.

THE LTD EDITION ALBUM WILL BE RELEASED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH @WarChildUK ON APR 12 VIA INDIE RECORD STORES

Age of Loneliness on Vinyl & CD

Age of Loneliness, the debut album from Vamberator (Jem Tayle & Boris Williams) is now on blue Vinyl LP, gold CD, or as a limited edition LP / CD bundle (until the end of Feb 2025) from Maracash Records. Also available as a digital download on Bandcamp.

An Evening with Tim Pope

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BRITs vote

The Cure are nominated for 3 BRIT awards, including Best Alternative/Rock Act.

You can vote for them once a day until 14th February 11.59pm GMT via Whatsapp.

Info on voting: brits.co.uk/vote/

You can sign up for daily reminders here:

Email - TheCure.lnk.to/BRITsIF

Whatsapp - TheCure.lnk.to/BRITsReminders