Cure #6 in Best Live Acts of 2012 poll

The Cure came in at #6 on Slicing Up Eyeballs' Readers Poll 2012: Best Live Acts of the Year.

Cure Reading 2012 highlights on BBC 2 tonight

Highlights from The Cure at Reading Festival 2012 on BBC Two at 2:40am late tonight. (Thanks @AaronLaw92)

Robert thanks the Bee Gees

Robert Smith thanks The Bee Gees in the liner notes of the Bee Gees compilation album 'Mythology'. (Thanks Brad)

TheXplodingBoys play Portland on Jan. 19th

TheXplodingBoys play The Lovecraft Bar in Portland, OR on Jan. 19th at 8pm. (Thanks April)

The Kiss (SummerCure 2012)

The Cure - The Kiss (SummerCure 2012)
(Thanks George)

Robert's original notes for WCIBY video

Tim Pope has posted some of Robert's original notes for the Why Can't I Be You? video. (Thanks @timpopedirector)

Also, "@timpopedirector: Smithy and I went to the pub before this; you'd never guess"

Merry Christmas!

Joyeux Noël and the happiest of holidays to you all!


The Cure - Merry Christmas Everybody 
(Wembley Arena - Dec. 9th, 1987)


Siouxsie & the Banshees - Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant 
(Dec. 15th, 1982)  

Originally posted at Thecure.com (Dec. 2001)







"I don't believe in religions. Instead, I believe in Father Christmas and fairies in the woods!" - Robert Smith 2012

Help with Wild Mood Swings toys?

Can anyone help @moggieboy with this?
"contemplating buying this as late Xmas pressie. Is it legit?"

I remember someone posting a bit of history about these toys a few years back, and also someone posting a place that sold some of the toys much cheaper than EIL does. If you can help, please post or email me. Thanks!

Update: Found the post from 2010 about buying some of these at Jesters, and they still have the clown and panda.

Christmas Eve with The Cure

German tv station ZDFKultur will air 65 minutes of The Cure at Hurricane Festival 2012 on Dec. 24th from 19:10 - 20:15. Should be able to watch online, too. (Thanks Sasa)

Adjustments delayed SA tour announcement

This article (English) says it was some adjustments to the tour that caused the delay in announcing the dates and ticket details yesterday. (Thanks Cure Rarities)

Tim Pope is up to something

This may be nothing Cure related at all, but Tim Pope posted this on Twitter today - "@timpopedirector: Things are afoot; me lips are sealed."

Do we know anyone who insists on secrecy for any and all projects? Who loves his mysteries and dropping clues occasionally? Nope, I can't think of anyone. :)

That Dec. 21st announcement...

Three things on this:

1. The Cure never said there would be an announcement today. That came from the South America media & the promoters. And as a friend said last time we went through this, never trust anything a SA promoter says. :) So if nothing happens today, blame promoter hype, not the band.

2. There might have been a misunderstanding in the media on just what was to be announced today. The Biggest Festival In The World did have a countdown clock to their big (and very underwhelming for a festival with that name) announcement, and did reveal part of their lineup today. However, their servers crashed, there was much confusion & disappointment, but so far, nothing about The Cure playing there or anywhere else in SA. But they HAVE added a 2nd day for the festival, with no bands listed as of yet.

3. Don't get all worked up or worried about this. If there's any official, confirmed news to be posted, it will be at the official site, official Facebook, or official Twitter. And I'll let you know within 5-10 minutes of that happening. Also, if nothing happens today, it doesn't mean they're not coming. No need to get upset. The world will not end. :)

Cure article in UltraBrit magazine

Robert cover & Cure article in the new issue of UltraBrit magazine, out next week in Argentina. I think the caption is something like "The Band that everyone wants to see before they die". (Thanks Cure Rarities)

Cure booked for Argentina in April or May?

"Just writing you to let you know that a TV journalist and musician from Argentina called Camilo Garcia has announced on twitter that TC have signed for playing at River Plate Stadium in April or May. And he seems pretty sure about it. Of course I know that it is not official until the band announces it but he appears to be quite sure!

27 nov @camilogarcia - Bueno ahí va: Primicia Mundial, entre abril y mayo The Cure en River!
(Ok, here it goes: worldwide news: between April and May The Cure at River Stadium)

27 nov @camilogarcia - "@lacocasinlolas: @camilogarcia de verdad? The cure?"/ Si totalmente The Cure ya firmó para abril o mayo en River, Confirmadísimo (Really? The Cure? - yes, totally! The Cure has signed for April or May. Totally confirmed)" (Thanks Emilia)

Obviously, this is in no way confirmed or official, just the start of what will likely be the usual flood of live show rumors for the new year. I almost hate posting this, as South American fans have been let down so many times in the past. But with Robert saying there are plans for a South American tour in Spring 2013, maybe, just maybe, this will be the time that the rumors actually come true. Fingers crossed for you! And for North America, too.

Update (12-12-12): Cronista (English) is running a story about this today. They seem to be guessing the date is April 3rd and I think they are saying it's a festival with a bunch of other bands? Also looks like they think an anouncement will be made Dec. 21st? Can anyone help me out with this? Thanks!
(Thanks to Gary from @TheCureheads)
Yeah, the above is correct. Thanks to Z for this translation of the article.

Update (12-15-12): La Nacion (English) is also running a story, mainly about the Chile concert, but also about the Argentina show. Again, all of this is supposed to be officially announced on Dec. 21st.

Update (12-18-12): This La Nacion (English) article says that while The Cure are still expected to play Argentina next April, they will NOT be part of that "mega festival".(Thanks Pablo)

South America media reports

Just in case anyone is interested, here's a roundup of recent media reports about The Cure playing in South America next year - Publimetro, I Love Chile, Terra, Starmedia, La Republica, Peru21, Nacion, Rocknvivo, Latercera, CNN Chile, Cronista, La Nacion. (Thanks David)

The official announcement about all of this is said to be happening on Dec. 21st.

Love & thoughts to Sean of The Cureheads

From Gary of The Cureheads: "if you know Sean from The Cureheads please please please think about him now.... he needs your love and will and best wishes.... please do it... He is the only real friend I have... I need him to stay on this planet...."

All of my love & positive thoughts to you, Sean. Please get better soon. Lots of fun Cure stuff ahead, and you are NOT going to miss them!

Update: Gary has updated his condition here. Sean is doing better, but still not out of the woods yet.

Cure in Chile on April 12th?

CNN Chile (English), Nacion (English) and Latercera (English) are reporting that The Cure are confirmed to play National Stadium in Chile on April 12th. The big announcement is said to be happening on Dec. 21st. As always, not confirmed until you hear it from the band, but things are certainly looking good at this point. (Thanks Leo and Solardark)

Chris White on BBC 6 Music

Very nice to hear @chriswhite65 on BBC 6 Music (starts at 51:30) yesterday, and he picked a Cure song ('Doing the Unstuck') for his Good Day track.

The Cureheads - Dizzy Christmas

"Thank you to Cure fans everywhere that dragged us around the world and made 2012 amazing...here's a little stocking filler for you. Recorded today in one take.... We wrote it and recorded it..so you may take it free as a present for Cure fans everywhere..." (Thanks Gary)

Kevin Vanbergen working on Cure project

From Kevin Vanbergen's Facebook on Nov. 21st: "Working with The Cure this week! Get in!" 
On Nov. 28th: "Rendering video... 3 days now... Boooring!!!!"
On Dec. 7th: "Week three on the cure almost done. Mammoth job!"
And when someone replied, asking if it was one of the deluxe editions, this was his reply: "Can't say on Facebook. A new project. Exciting times." (Thanks Dan)

Hmm, Reflections or SummerCure DVD/Blu-Ray? Who knows! Well, Robert does, but he's not saying just yet. :)  But very good to know work is being done on something. 

Update: Kevin has now deletd these posts. Guess he wasn't supposed to say anything. :)

3 to 5 Cure shows in Brazil?

"Now a brazilian music journalist for UOL says that The Cure have 3 to 5 dates booked in Brazil. The official announcement is expected to happen in the following days." (Thanks Leo)

Read the story here (English). And at this point it should go without saying, but none of these rumored shows have been confirmed by the band. If it's really happening, it will be posted on the official site or Facebook or Twitter. Until then, fingers & toes crossed for our South American friends.

The Cure officially on Twitter!

Finally! Just announced on the band's Facebook, The Cure are officially on Twitter now, though not verified as of this posting. Follow them @thecure.

Steve Severin on The Glove remastered vocals

"I had a chance to speak with former Banshees bassist Steven Severin for a few minutes after his live performance of a surreal and atmospheric soundtrack for Jean Cocteau's 'Le Sang d'un poète' (The Blood of a Poet) on November 11, 2012 at the Market Arcade Film & Arts Centre in Buffalo, NY.
I asked him about the oft-repeated rumor that Robert recorded new vocals for the demos on the bonus disc of the remaster of The Glove's 'Blue Sunshine'. Instead of dispelling said rumors as I figured that he would, Steven confirmed them with a qualification, saying that Robert recorded new vocals for some of the demos, but that some of those present were indeed recorded during the original sessions, and that the new vocals that were recorded were done because Robert wanted to take the opportunity since he hadn't had the chance during the original sessions due to contractual restrictions. He also stated that what's on the remaster is all that was recorded, and that there's nothing left over.

I hope that this will once and for all put this issue to rest." (Thanks Shawn)

SummerCure feature in French fanzine Twice

"the new issue #49 of the french fanzine Twice includes a long live report on the Summercure written by Pierre Olivelli, a fan who went to 3 key concerts through Europe (Barcelona, Milano, les Vieilles Charrues) and participated to the press conference. It's called 'The Hungry Ghosts', 8 page long, fully detailed and illustrated with exclusive photos.It's out, you can get it here."(Thanks Pierre)

Cure on UK Festival Awards shortlist

The Cure are finalists in the Headline Performance of the Year category for the UK Festival Awards. The winners will be announced on Dec. 3rd. Article about this at Gigwise. (Thanks Yanic and David)

Update: Via @BBC6MusicNews, New Order have won Best Headline Performance at tonight's UK Festival Awards, beating out The Cure.

Porl items up for auction

Julien's Auctions have several Porl Thompson items listed in their Icons & Idols 2012: Rock n Roll auction. The Porl items are lots #157-170, and include guitars, equipment, clothing and 1 piece of artwork. Auction starts on Dec. 1st at 10am PST.
(Thanks @curelive)

Update: Watch it live and bid here. And it's over. Hope you got what you wanted.

Just One Kiss (SummerCure 2012)

'Just One Kiss' (SummerCure 2012 - England/Italy/Spain)
(Thanks George)

Cure at Hurricane Festival on Palladia

Palladia is showing Hurricane Festival Hour 1, which should feature at least a song or two from The Cure, tonight at midnight eastern, and a few more times over the coming days. Check the schedule here. (Thanks L and @carollo41)

Update: "Lovesong, Friday I'm in love, Wrong Number. Shown in the last segment of the show. Pretty good audio and video." (Thanks Amazin' Jeffus) 

Cure in new Sonic Seducer

Robert Smith cover and a Cure article in the December issue of Sonic Seducer. (Thanks Adrienne)

'Trilogy' on Much Music Argentina

Much Music Argentina has been airing 'Trilogy' this month. The next airing is tonight (Nov. 23rd) at 10PM, and they'll air it a few more times in the coming days. Check here for the schedule. (Thanks Emilia)

'Disintegration' one of Ian Rankin's fave albums

From The Quietus: Author Ian Rankin picks 'Disintegration' as one of his 13 favorite albums.
"It's the only album with lyrics that I can write to. It's a great album, but it took me a while to get it. In the early days of The Cure… I tried the early days of The Cure, and thought it was fine, though I loved 'A Forest', I thought that was an amazing track, but the albums didn't always do it for me. I found them a bit cold, there was something quite dry about the sound. But then you get to Disintegration and it's got so much emotion, it's got all these washes of sound. For an album that's quite bleak at its heart, it's insanely beautiful. I think that Robert Smith is completely in control of his material. He knows how he wants this album to sound, he knows how he wants it to look, he really feels the lyrics as he's singing them. It's a completely immersive experience. Again there's a film playing in my head as I listen to it."
(Thanks fmjews and Hugh)

The Cure at Le Bataclan (Paris Nov. 6th, 1996)

The Cure at Le Bataclan in Paris (Nov. 6th, 1996 complete show)

From Sven (Curevideo): "Complex plan..aehhh plan complex"

16 years ago I attended my first The Cure club gig at the "le bataclan" in Paris. I still remember the call of my friend, telling me that there will be a "special" show in the city, which had hosted  a great concert in the Palais d`Omnissports just 2-3 weeks ago. Without any hesitation we decided to get there again by car, which is quite a distance from Northern Germany. Arriving there was pretty surreal: By luck it took us only 5min!! to get tickets for the show - thanks to the help of some special friends:) After that we then went to the backstage entrance listening to the soundcheck. A truly moving moment with lots of chicken skin as the band rehearsed "Funeral Party" and "Hanging Garden".  Songs I haven´t heard before live.

Needless to say that the gig itself was a very special one. However next to the unusual venue, fan(t)a(s)tic Cure fans ("Roberrrrt, Roberrrt. Roberrrt") and many rare songs played there the gig had also its downs :It was incredible hot in there with water running down the walls. Indeed the humidity destroyed the video camera of my friend attending the show with me. Thank goodness he was somehow able to capture that special show, which you now can watch on youtube.
The conditions in the venue apparently also had an impact on the band - especially Robert, getting tired, or nearly exhausted to the end of the show. A friend of mine told me that there was not enough water served to the band.
However, despite that it was a unique experience and definitely worth the trip. Hope you enjoy the videos?" (Thanks Sven)

PLAYLIST: The Cure

The staff at Spectrum Culture pick the best Cure songs, but they can only pick 1 song per album. (Thanks Eric)

Crystal Castles' new album inspired by Robert

Ethan Kath from Crystal Castles tells KOvideo how Robert partially inspired them on their new album. (Thanks David)

Cure on French radio tonight

One hour of The Cure at Roskilde 2012 and a 100% Cure playlist tonight on the LLP radio show on Le Mouv' at 22:00. Listen online here. (Thanks @guillaumegrivaz)

Reflections London...one year later

Charlie at Impressions of Sounds posted a couple of new videos from the 'Reflections' London show - 'At Night', 'In Your House', and one of my favorites from those shows, 'Other Voices'.
(Thanks Perfect.Murder)

Interview with Gary Biddles

Missed this last year, but our old friend DJ Scribbles did an interview with Gary Biddles (Cure roadie/Fools Dance/Presence). (Thanks Joy)

Cure People - Marc Smith

Cure People - Marc Smith
The first in a series of interviews with die-hard Cure fans from Scott Witter's Cure People project. (Thanks Scott)

When winger Robert had no Cure for defeat

The Crawley Observer has this photo (Robert in back, on the left) and story of young Robert's time with the Wasps football team. (Thanks Monghi)

Robert picks 'Low' as Greatest Record Ever

Robert picked David Bowie's 'Low' as the Greatest Record Ever Made. From NME:
“David Bowie’s 'Low'. I bought it on cassette and the same day I went to a garden centre with my mum. I’d ordered it from the local record shop, and Paul, who was in the band, and is my brother-in-law, had dropped it through the letterbox. It’s like one of those weird days. I walked home from school, there was the cassette and we had a cassette player in the car. I went with her to a garden centre, and I listened to 'Low' while she went and did whatever mums do in garden centres, and I was like utterly, my whole perception of sound was changed. Just how something could sound completely different, like 'Breaking Glass', everything on there in fact, 'Sound And Vision', everything on there, everything I heard was astonishing, really astonishing. When I put it on now the sound, dunk dunk, everything is just fucking genius! There are other albums that I love much more, like viscerally much more, like 'Axis: Bold As Love', or 'Five Leaves Left', albums that I can cry to, but 'Low' was the album that had a huge impact on me, just how I saw sound. No other album has done that to me.” (Thanks Jorge)

Porl painting on ebay

"Just wanted to let you know there is a painting from Porl Thompson up on ebay. It recently sold at auction for 260 GBP and is now up for 2000 GBP." (Thanks Leo)

Reeves Gabrels interview

Not much talk of his time on the SummerCure tour (what little there is starts at the 22 minute mark, and a clip of 'Wrong Number' from Les Eurockeennes 2012 at 40 minutes in), but here's a new interview with Reeves. (Thanks thesmudge)

Tim Pope's 'Elephunts'

From Tim Pope on Twitter: "Elephunts... I like elephunts... 'phunts"... the B-side recorded with The Cure & Tim Pope. NEW VIDEO!!! See it here."

"This is one of the finest recordings of The Cure and a career highlight for Tim Pope.
It's the catchy B-side to the "I Want To Be a Tree" 45. Love the crackles and scratches from the original vinyl. I played all keyboards on this one, and sang; Robert Smith made noises; Porl Thompson played freaky echo guitar and sax; Andy Anderson played drums. Chris Parry was in the producer's chair. Recorded at Olympic Studios, Barnes." (Thanks Jenny)

Cure in Martin House Hospice auction

From Facebook: "Some of the biggest names in music donate to charity auction for Martin House Children's Hospice. Bidding commences after the festival."
(Thanks @AaronLaw92)

Update (Oct. 4th): The Cure have donated a signed Leeds setlist and vinyl to the auction. Bidding starts on Oct. 5th. More info here, here and here. (Thanks David)

Here's the link to the auction, which runs until Oct. 12th.

Secret 7" update

The prizes are finally on their way! Here's the update from @Secret7s: "We had some trouble matching The Cure winners' address to their design, but 95% will be in tomorrow's post! The other 5% should have an email asking for help matching. Robert used a very fancy silver pen for his signature. :)"

Would love to see a photo of your prize when you get it.

Update: Here's the signed sleeves for Zach 1 - 2,  Erin 1 - 2,  Steve, @cookiepusher, @guillaumegrivaz 1 - 2 - 3, Gilles, Ville, @835_, and @Marsworld 1 - 2.

Cure at Roskilde 2012 on PureFM Sunday

One hour of The Cure at Roskilde 2012 will air on Belgian radio station PureFM on Sunday night (Sept. 30th) at 23:00.
(Thanks Eric)

Songs broadcast: The End of the World, Lovesong, Push, Inbetween Days, Just Like Heaven, From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea, Trust, Want, Shake Dog Shake, The Hungry Ghost, Wrong Number.

MP3 / FLAC 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 (Thanks Andreas)

Cure at Southside 2012 on EinsPlus Sunday

German tv station EinsPlus (available on Astra 19,2e) will air 45 minutes of The Cure at Southside Festival on Sept. 30th from 23.45pm-0.30am. (Thanks Dennis)

Update: Songs broadcast tonight - High, The End of the World, Lovesong, Push, Inbetween Days, Just Like Heaven, A Forest*, Primary*, The Hungry Ghost*, Wrong Number*
*=new, weren't a part of the live webcast
(Thanks Charlotte Sometimes)

Up on DIME / MP4 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 / MP3 / FLAC 1 - 2 - 3
(Thanks Charlotte Sometimes & Andreas)

Cure tribute party in Toulouse Sept. 29th

"A BIG CURE TRIBUTE PARTY is organized at "CONNEXION LIVE" in TOULOUSE, in south of FRANCE, on saturday 29th of september : 9 bands will cover songs from THE CURE (T Teen, Abberline, The deserteurs, Clone Clowns, Face B, The Ruby Cube, Fancy Dress Contest, My Imaginery Loves, Alone with Everybody)...my band FANCY DRESS CONTEST will cover PICTURES OF YOU...then 2 DJ's (MR BARNES + DJ POPISSIMO) will mix 80' songs...it will be a BIG CURE TRIBUTE PARTY, Up to 500 persons are expected. More info here. (Thanks Sebastien)

Cure party in Cologne, Germany Sept. 29th

A NIGHT LIKE THIS- THE CURE PARTY!
Saturday, 29/09/12
@blue shell, Luxemburgerstr. 32, cologne, germany
doors 23:00, entrance fee 5 euro.
Facebook event page (Thanks Mike)

Love and Other Tragedies

From Roger on Facebook: "Some news for December, yes I know its June but you have to plan ahead. Julia Kent and I will be releasing an album together called Love and Other Tragedies. It consists of our versions of classical love stories each in three movements.

We will be performing the album in its entirety in London, New York and Paris in December with hopefully members from her all cello group Rasputina.

We will of course film at least one of the performances... The album will be released in December at the same time as the performances in vinyl and digital download only.

I think Julia is the single most talented musician I have ever worked with and I am very very proud of our work together, its truly an honour to play with her." (Thanks Johan)

Update (Sept. 5th): From Roger on Facebook - "Love and Other Tragedies" is finished! I finished writing it yesterday and have sent the new pieces to Julia to record in NYC. Im just listening to the 3 tracks we have recorded already and its so so beautiful. We are talking about playing shows in December. But you'd better bring tissues hahaha its very very sad..."

Update (Sept. 28th): From Roger on Facebook - "For many reasons the release of Love and Other Tragedies has been put back until February 14th next year. Good news is Jo Quail will be playing with Julia Kent and I at the release show with two other guest cellists. There will only be one show and that will be in London at the end of February, hopefully at St Leonards.... See you there!"

Original 35mm prints of In Orange & more found

Forgot to post this last month. From Tim Pope's website:
"Great news, look what I just found in the storage place! Original 35mm prints, all... many others, too... I was one of the few directors ever to work on 35mm film through to the end stages. Most people, even then, worked on video. So, all these years later, they cannot show their films as intended, due to changes in format and digital decay. Can you imagine Close To Me on a big screen??? Or Inbetween Days? Or The Cure In Orange? And others? It's possible! !" (Thanks Alan)

Maybe Tim hasn't heard that the Alamo Drafthouse Ritz has shown 'In Orange' in 35mm three times recently. And 92YTribeca has shown it at least once. No need to imagine, Tim. :) But a more widespread release would be very welcome! As would a Blu-ray release.

Robert covers 'Witchcraft' for 'Frankenweenie'

From Disney Music Alert: Robert Smith contributes 'Witchcraft' to Tim Burton's 'Frankenweenie Unleashed!' album, which will be released in North America on Sept. 25th. (Thanks Brad)

No idea yet if this is an original song or not, but just guessing it will be a cover of the old Frank Sinatra classic. At least I'm hoping it is, as I'd love to hear Robert's take on it. Much like his cover of 'Very Good Advice' on Tim's 'Almost Alice', this could be great fun!

See the glow in the dark album cover at Rolling Stone.

Update (Sept. 6th): It IS a cover of the Sinatra classic. Has a slow, big band/jazz combo feel to it. But not in the traditional sense. It is very slow, almost dirge-like. Imagine Tim Burton/David Lynch conducting the band. :) It's a bit jazzy, with a little swing, and a touch of the weird. Love the little piano bit. Hope that's Robert playing it. And really love his singing style! Reaction to it should be interesting. :)

Update (Sept. 25th): Now available in the US at Amazon and iTunes. Also, Amazon will have an exclusive vinyl version of the album, and that will be out on Oct. 30th.
For European (and other) fans who can't buy it yet, take a listen to it here. (Thanks hg)

The Cure's Facebook has been updated with news of today's release, yet once again, no mention of it on http://thecure.com . Somebody save the official site!

Anyone need The Word in Toronto?

"So, if any Torontonians want an issue of "The Word" (with Robert on the cover and interview), there was 1 left last Tuesday after I bought my copy at Maison de la Presse at 99 Yorkville Ave. The owner said she had only gotten 3 copies and I'm assuming that was a while ago, so it might not be popular and might still be there. It cost me around $15." (Thanks Muldfeld)

Andy Anderson joins The Cureheads

"The cureheads are proud to announce the appointment of a brand new drummer.............

Please join us in welcoming Andy Anderson, an amazing musician who has played with Hawkwind, The Glove, The Cure, Iggy pop, Levinhurst to name just a few wonderful collaborations.

After rehearsals he will join us for our London venue Show on Oct 26th then Sunderland, Stockton and then on our South American Tour in November.

We are obviously very very happy to be joined by such a rare talent who was instrumental in the creation of the albums Japanese Whispers, The Top, and Concert in addition to the singles Love Cats and The Caterpillar, not to mention The Glove.

We also welcome back Sean Flude to international Pseudo-Gallup bass duties after a 2 year break.

The rest of The cureheads are currently busy upping their game to feel worthy of being in the same rehearsal room as Andy.   Tour dates released as they are confirmed @ www.thecureheads.com" (Thanks Gary)

Roger's video for 'Sometimes Never'

New video from Roger for 'Sometimes Never' off of his 2009 Charlie Crow EP, 'Trains on Bridges'.

'Just Like Heaven' #69 on CoS Top 100 Songs

'Just Like Heaven' comes in at #69 on Consequence of Sound's Top 100 Songs Ever list. Here's what they say: “Just Like Heaven” sounds like Samantha Baker and Jake Ryan. It sounds like first kisses and milkshakes with two straws. It’s the tune frontman Robert Smith considers to be The Cure’s best pop song, and the biggest from 1987’s Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me. It was inspired by a day on the sea shore with Smith’s wife, which, with lyrics like “Spinning on the dizzy edge/ I kissed her face and kissed her head/ And dreamed of all the ways I had to make her glow,” makes her one lucky lady. The song was recorded at a vineyard in the south of France, and the descending guitar riff dancing with the ‘80s keys and jumping drums make it sound just as happy as the title suggests. -Amanda Koellner (Thanks @JodieSometimes)

The Cure & Orbital at Electric Picnic 2012

Orbital posted this on their Facebook. (Thanks Lisa J)

NME's 50 Beautifully Sad Songs

'Pictures of You' is one of NME's 50 Beautifully Sad Songs.  And a mention of 'From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea' in this post about the songs that make you cry. (Thanks Pom)

Russian Cure fans - 'Close To Me'

Most of you have seen this by now, but for those who haven't, here's a wonderful video made by Russian Cure fans. Love them! The Moscow show was a true highlight of the SummerCure tour. Let's hope we see many more Cure shows in Russia.

Reeves in Nashville on Sept. 29th

Reeves Gabrels & His Imaginary Fr13ends play The Family Wash in Nashville, TN on Sept. 29th. Facebook event page.
(Thanks @Pjotrke)

'In Orange' VCD for sale

From @crispypumpkins: "just wanted to get the word out that i put up Cure in Orange vcd up on ebay! Also considering selling the myspace show poster!"

Help Gary raise money for cancer nurses

"During the Cureheads tour break this October I will be raising money for cancer nurses... I will be wearing a custom designed jersey & shorts with Cureheads logos.....

I have entered the Penines etap cycling sportiff race. its the hardest in the UK climbing over 5k of elevation. I am pledged to make £250 for Marie Currie cancer nurses who support the last months of terminally ill people who otherwise are just like you and me. I am training hard and I can do this. Please...if you care donate a pound or two. If everyone on twitter or facebook gave a pound it would raise £2000 which would pay for 100 hours of nursing care.

Our government has spent our money on things we dont want..so unfortunately you and I are the only way this charity can raise the readys...
PLEASE guys go and donate a quid or two by going to

http://www.justgiving.com/GaryJohnClarke
https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/446437345395735

If you have a band or a cure related website you want to publicise you can buy logo space on my shorts or jersey for a £10 donation and you will recieve photos of the event and your logos in action."

(Thanks Gary)

Cure guitar/bass parts instructional videos

From Brian of The Curse: "I recently started a Youtube account for The Cure's guitar and bass parts to go along with my Cure tablature site. I'm trying to make these videos as instructional as possible with a good view of the fingering on the frets. Check it out!"

Robert meets with Attitude Is Everything CEO

Robert met with the CEO of Attitude Is Everything, who work to improve deaf & disabled people's access to live music, at the Reading Festival. (Thanks @MasterWinser)

Cure back in the UK Top 100 album chart

The Cure's 'Greatest Hits' re-entered the UK's Top 100 chart last week at #85, and has jumped to #72 this week. Guess some of the kids were impressed with the Reading & Leeds shows. :)
(Thanks Aaron)

Update: And 'Greatest Hits' is #13 in the Top 100 Irish Albums chart. (Thanks crawleyrocket)

Lullaby at Electric Picnic

The Cure - Lullaby (Electric Picnic 2012)

This was recorded for the band by Mark McCabe and his company. Tim asked him about the shoot, and here's his reply: "video was for band only. Think they plan to release an online best of summer tour or highlights. it was shot by my company for the band. We managed to score an "exclusive" clip as a result. DVD/online same thing!"(Thanks Tim)

As Robert mentioned in the Hot Press interview, he's working on a SummerCure DVD (RS: "I've been mixing all the live shows for a DVD of this Summer"), so this would probably be a part of it.

'A Forest' voted best song of the 80s

Dutch Radio 2 listeners were asked to vote for the Top 88 best songs of the 80s, and 'A Forest' came in at #1. Story here, and the entire list of songs here. (Thanks Jamal and Ferd)

Orbital want to work with Robert

From RTE: "Orbital played last night following The Cure's historic three-hour long set on the main stage and said they would love to work with Robert Smith. "We're always trying to nail him down," they added." (Thanks David)

Cure show on Couleur 3 today

Swiss radio station Couleur 3 (English) will be airing a Cure show on Sunday, Aug. 26th at 22:00. Not sure what this will be, maybe some of Paleo Festival? (Thanks Nicolas)

Update (Aug. 28th):  Yes, it was Paleo. Listen to the show here. It was mixed?/selected? by Robert. Can be download here and on iTunes. (Thanks Andreas)

Update (Sept. 5th): The Cure on Facebook mentioned it today: "SPEND AN HOUR WITH THE CURE AT PALEO 2012"

Electric Picnic broadcast still available

The RTE 2FM Electric Picnic broadcast is still available to listen to/record here. Cure start around 4:50:00. (Thanks thesmudge)

Three Imaginary Boys at Bilbao BBK 2012

In gorgeous B&W: Robert Smith - Three Imaginary Boys (Bilbao BBK Live 2012) (Thanks Martin)

Cure In Orange at Alamo Ritz in Austin,TX

My favorite movie theatre, the Alamo Drafthouse Ritz in Austin, TX, will once again be showing The Cure 'In Orange' on Sept. 3rd at 10:30PM.

Thank you!

What a great end to a fantastic tour! Thank you, Robert, Simon, Jason, Roger, and Reeves! Thank you, The Cure! Haven't enjoyed a tour this much since the Dream Tour.

And THANK YOU to everyone of you who helped with the SummerCure coverage. It wouldn't have been possible without the help you guys provided. I've said it before, and I'll say it until I die, Cure fans are some of the nicest, most helpful & supportive people you will ever know. So thank you again for making this tour so much fun and helping me out with whatever I needed. Let's do it all again, very soon. :)

The Cure at Electric Picnic 2012

Setlist: Plainsong, Open, High, The End of the World, Lovesong, Sleep When I'm Dead, Push, Inbetween Days, Just Like Heaven, From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea, Pictures of You, Lullaby, The Caterpillar, Bananafishbones, The Walk, Mint Car, Friday I'm In Love, Doing the Unstuck, Trust, Want, Just One Kiss, Let's Go To Bed, Play For Today, A Forest, Primary, Shake Dog Shake, The Hungry Ghost, Wrong Number, One Hundred Years, End, Disintegration

1st encore: The Same Deep Water As You
2nd encore: Dressing Up, The Lovecats, Close To Me, Why Can't I Be You?, Boys Don't Cry, 10:15 Saturday Night, Killing An Arab.

Huge Thank You to Tim (@is_maith_liom) & Rowan (@Rowan_Manahan) for getting the setlist out tonight. And thank you also to Shellheart who was trying her hardest. You guys are the best!

Reviews: Independent.ie / Entertainment.IE / Irish Times

Photos: Thomas Levins 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 / Gaelle Beri 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 / Kieran Frost / Ciara Drennan / Strangelove1981 / Cluzardi / Matthew North / Daily Edge / Ciara D / Carrie Davenport 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 / AU Magazine 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 / Electric Picnic / RTE2FM

Audio: 2FM (SummerCure blog) / 2FM (missing PoY) / 2FM (M4A)

Video: Plainsong 1 - 2 / Lovesong 1 - 2 / Pictures of You / Lullaby 1 (pro-shot) - 2 / Bananafishbones / The Walk / Inbetween Days 1 - 2 / Friday I'm in Love 1 - 2 - 3 / Let's Go To Bed 1 - 2 - 3 / Play For Today 1 - 2 / A Forest 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 / Disintegration / Lovecats - Close To Me / Close To Me 1 - 2 / Boys Don't Cry / Same Deep Water As You / Dressing Up - Lovecats - Close to Me - Why Can't I Be You? - Boys Don't Cry - 10:15 Saturday Night - Killing an Arab / Lovecats - Close To Me - Why Can't I Be You? -Boys Don't Cry - 10:15 Saturday Night /

Cure parties

Sept. 2nd, 2012 - Tokyo, Japan - The Cure Night 6 16:00-22:00 at Be Wave 03-5292-0853. (Photo)

Sept. 7th, 2012 - London, England - A NIGHT LIKE THIS at Purple Turtle Camden Town. Facebook event page.

(Thanks @100heads and @thomas_leesmith)

Cure article in Vive le Rock

Cure article in the new issue of Vive le Rock. Scans here, buy it here.
(Thanks Perfect.Murder)

Cure at Reading on BBC Three Red Button

From The Cure on Facebook: "WATCH 67 GLORIOUS MINUTES OF THE CURE AT READING ON THE BBC3 'RED BUTTON' ALL DAY TODAY (WEDNESDAY 29TH AUGUST)!!! AND CATCH 'FRIDAY I'M IN LOVE' AND 'BOYS DON'T CRY' IN THE BBC2 READING FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS PROGRAMME THIS FRIDAY NIGHT (31ST AUGUST)... SUMMERCURE INDEED!" (Thanks @AaronLaw92)

The Cure’s Influence Won’t Disintegrate

Article on 'Disintegration' at Pop'Stache. (Thanks David)

Stuart Braithwaite's 13 favorite albums

Stuart Braithwaite of Mogwai talks to The Quietus about his favorite albums, including The Cure's Pornography.
(Thanks fmjews)

The Blood at Primavera Sound 2012

The Cure - The Blood (Primavera Sound 2012)
Another great video from Sven. Thank you!

The Cure gets 3 hours at Electric Picnic!

Full schedule is out. The Cure play from 9 PM - midnight.
(Thanks @is_maith_liom)

Friday I’m In Love: Why The Cure Are Brilliant

Very nice article at DIY from Simone Scott Warren about her affection for The Cure. (Thanks David)

Vieilles Charrues 2012 highlights on ARTE

Highlights from Vieilles Charrues 2012, including The Cure, will be airing on French TV channel ARTE at 23:05 on Aug. 25th. ARTE Germany will also broadcast this on Aug. 25th from 22:35 - 23:50. (Thanks Geoffry and Andreas)

Update: 'Wrong Number' was the only Cure highlight shown tonight. (Thanks Lapsang Cure)
And here's the link to watch it. Cure at 23:22. (Thanks Russ)

Leeds Festival setlist

The Cure's setlist from Leeds Festival 2012. (Thanks Sian)

Reading & Leeds - Who Stole The Show?

NME poll: Reading & Leeds - Who Stole The Show? Vote for The Cure here. (Thanks @AaronLaw92)

You can also vote (bottom right of page) for The Cure in the Get Reading poll for Reading Festival Favorite. (Thanks @waswasere)
Update: Poll closed. The Cure finishes with 98% of the vote.

Preparing for Isaac

Just a note to explain the lack of updates in the next few days. Tropical Storm/Hurricane Isaac looks like he wants to pay us a visit for the 7th anniversary of the Hurricane Katrina hit, so I'm taking this time to get my evacuation plans in order, just in case I have to get out of here on Monday. Hoping this  won't be needed, and he heads east or west (sorry, friends in Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida), and I can stay right here. Will update when I can. Until then, just do a YouTube search for Cure videos from Leeds and stuff. Or if you have videos, pictures, photos, stories, whatever, do me a favor and post a link to them in the Cure at Leeds thread. Thanks! See you again soon. No way I'm missing the final SummerCure show. Hmm, maybe evacuate to Ireland? :)

Update (Aug. 28th, 2012):  Decided to play it safe and got out of NOLA for a few days. Isaac doesn't really look too bad at the moment, but flooding is always an issue & the loss of power for days is not fun in the heart of a NOLA Summer. I'll be back to updating today. Thank you so much for all of the well wishes. Really appreciate them. Please send those good wishes to New Orleans now.

The Cure at Leeds Festival 2012

Setlist: Tape/Open, High, The End of the World, Lovesong, Sleep When I'm Dead, Push, Inbetween Days, Just Like Heaven, Pictures of You, Lullaby, The Caterpillar, The Walk, Friday I'm in Love, Doing the Unstuck, Trust, From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea, Play For Today, A Forest, Bananafishbones, Primary, Want, The Hungry Ghost, Wrong Number, One Hundred Years, End

Encore: Dressing Up, The Lovecats, Close To Me, Just One Kiss, Let's Go To Bed, Why Can't I Be You?, Boys Don't Cry.

Huge thank you to Perfect.Murder, @object29, @sleazymartinez, @MrJohnLogan and everyone else who helped with the setlist & reports. Real team effort tonight.

Reviews: Leeds Festival / Music Scramble / The Guardian / Virtual Festivals / Drowned in Sound / NME / Ian / Crimson Tonight

Photos: BBC / Leonie Hatfield / Aaron Law / Danny Payne / Drowned In Sound / Safe Concerts / Gigwise / Gary Wolstenholme / Gary Stafford / Nick Pickles 1 - 2

Videos: NME talks with Cure fans / Tape & Open / Open / Sleep When I'm Dead / Inbetween Days / Just Like Heaven 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 / Pictures of You 1 - 2 / Lullaby 1 - 2 / The Caterpillar / Friday I'm in Love 1 - 2 / Trust / A Forest 1 - 2 / Bananafishbones / Dressing Up / The Lovecats / Close To Me / Just One Kiss / Why Can't I Be You? / Boys Don't Cry 1 - 2 - 3 /

Reeves Gabrels - Guitars on Tour

From Reeves on Facebook: "Starting today, I'll post about the instruments I'm playing with The Cure during this summer's festival tour in Europe, the UK, and Ireland." (Thanks Paul)

#1 - Reverend Reeves Gabrels II Signature Guitar (Orange RG2)
#2 - The Reverend "Reevito"
#3 - "The Tabby" Reverend Reeves Gabrels Signature Guitar (RG1), Modified
#4 - Fender VI

The Cure at Reading Festival 2012

Setlist:  Tape/Open, High, The End of the World, Lovesong, Sleep When I'm Dead, Push, Inbetween Days, Just Like Heaven, Pictures of You, Lullaby, The Caterpillar, The Walk, Friday I'm In Love, Doing the Unstuck, Trust, From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea, Bananafishbones, Play For Today, A Forest, Primary, Want, The Hungry Ghost, Wrong Number, One Hundred Years, End

Encore: Dressing Up, The Lovecats, Close To Me, Just One Kiss, Let's Go To Bed, Why Can't I Be You?, Boys Don't Cry.

Thanks to Perfect.Murder and Mark for the setlist updates.

Reviews: The Final Sound / Glamour / Virtual Festivals / Reading Chronicle / The Guardian / Spend Matters / Telegraph / DIY / Strictly Reading & Leeds / Metro / NME / Tralfamadore

Photos: On Nights Like This / Holy Moly 1 - 2 / Aaron Law / Gaelle Beri 1 - 2 - 3 / Zimbio 1 - 2 / Drowned in Sound / Mark Reed / Getty Images / Faye Tuesday / BBC /  NME 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 (Hayley of Paramore in Boys Don't Cry shirt)

Video (BBC broadcast): BBC3 Part 1 / DVD on DIME / The Story of The Cure / BroonSauce playlist / BBC3 Part 1 on YouTube / Open - High / High / The End of the World / The End of the World - Lovesong - Sleep When I'm Dead /  Lovesong / Push - Inbetween Days - Just Like Heaven / Push / Inbetween Days / Just Like Heaven / Pictures of You - Lullaby / Pictures of You / Lullaby / The Caterpillar - The Walk - Friday I'm In Love / The Caterpillar / The Walk / Friday I'm In Love 1 - 2 / Trust / A Forest / Boys Don't Cry

Video (fans): Lovesong 1 - 2 / Sleep When I'm Dead / Just Like Heaven / Pictures of You / Friday I'm In Love 1 - 2 / Dressing Up & The Lovecats / The Lovecats / Close To Me /

New Robert interview in Hot Press

Robert interview/Cure article in the new issue of Hot Press.You can buy a copy here.

Update: Posted some photos of this great interview here.


"There are now 3 half-albums on the go! We were going to record this week, but I've been mixing all the live shows for a DVD of this Summer. We'd love to do something with Reeves...there's a lot going on at the moment with The Cure, but it's all historic. I've been doing the Wish re-master for what seems like 15 years - Kevin Shields is my role model in that department! There's a compilation coming out and a Mixed Up 2 project. I've just done something for Tim Burton's Frankenweenie & I've a couple of other collaborations in the tray marked 'pending'. There's going to be a glut of Cure stuff when they all arrive at the finishing line at the same time.
Another Cure thing that's ongoing is a retrospective 4-hour DVD and accompanying book."

Amanda Palmer's fave albums - 'Disintegration'

Amanda Palmer lists 'Disintegration' as one of her favorite albums in this article at The Quietus. (Thanks @SoMuch2Answer4)

Porl's Gibson Blues King L-00 on ebay

"There is another item from the recent Porl Thompson auction up on ebay. This guitar sold at auction for 900,- GBP not so long ago. It is now up for 1295,- GBP." (Thanks Leo)

Robert interview with the Irish Times

The Irish Times have an interview with Robert. (Thanks Monghi)

How to watch The Cure at Reading on BBC3

As you know, BBC3 will be broadcasting the first hour of The Cure's set at Reading on Friday at 21:00. Problem is, if you're outside of the UK, you can't watch it online. So you will need a proxy/VPN. While there are other ways, the simplest way to set one up seems to be by downloading and installing Tunnel Bear. Have heard it worked very well during the London Olympics, and would expect it to be just as good for the Reading coverage, though there are no guarantees. This will be my first time trying it, so we'll see what happens.

If you want to try it, just go here, download the version that's right for you, install it, switch it on, set it for UK, go to the BBC Reading website, and try watching something that is live. You only have 500MB of free data, but do the Twitter promo and you can get an additional 1GB. That should be enough if you just want to watch The Cure's set on Friday.

After the 1st hour, The Cure's set is supposed to continue on the Red Button channel, though the BBC page doesn't mention this, only Radio Times. Then you can go back to BBC3 for highlights at 23:30.(Thanks to @rob_sheridan for the tip on this)

Update: "also expat shield works on the bbc" (Thanks Gary)

1993 Robert interview at The Guardian

The Guardian (via Rock's Backpages) have posted this Robert interview from 1993, in the run-up to this weekend's festival shows. (Thanks Alastair)

New Robert interview in this week's NME

 




Click here or here for larger image. (Thanks Hugh)

Cure at Reading on BBC3

"Radio Times lists two sections of The Cure's set at reading next Friday. It says BBC 3 will show an hour from 2100 bst (1600 eastern) and then more from 2330 bst combined with the Maccabees. But it suggests the whole of the show might be available on the red button!!" (Thanks Andy)

Full text from the Radio Times: "After the bonanza of Olympic coverage, the BBC returns its interactive service to what it now does second-best: providing extended coverage of music festivals. So while you can catch the first hour of an exhaustive set by Reading headliners the Cure on BBC3 from 9pm, press red at 10 to continue enjoying the pop goths’ triumphant return to a festival they haven’t played since 1979. If you’re a satellite or cable viewer, you’ll also be able to choose between bands on the main three stages.

BBC3 has lively Swedes the Hives and inexplicably popular US plodders Paramore at 8pm, plus more from the Cure at 11.30pm, and the Maccabees."

If anyone has any tips on recording from the Red Button, please let us know. :)

Update (Aug. 22nd, 2012): The BBC has put up a page with all of the various channel info here.

London Cure fan meetup

"Dear Cure fans from all around the world,

It's a great pleasure to invite you to a Cure Drink to celebrate the SummerCure gigs in Reading and Leeds.The event will take place on the 23rd of August from 7 pm to... who knows ?! @ :

The World's End
174 Camden High Street, Camden Town, London NW1 0NE

Just outside of the Tube station 'Camden Town' on Northern Line (black on maps, in every direction northbound and southbound). It's close to the amazing Camden Lock Market and Stables Market (New Rock shoes, punk/goth/alternative clothes and records, oldies, furniture...).

Feel free to spread the information widely. If you need to contact me, here's mobile phone # : 0033 6 62 11 28 82 ; and my email address : fargierdavid(at)yahoo(dot)fr .

See you there !

david after the rain / après la pluie / nach dem regen / despues de la lluvia / depois da chuva"

The Cure at Reading 1979

From @matt37797: "In honour of this weekend, uploaded The Cure at Reading Rock 1979 to YouTube. Audio recording with stills from the event (images from ukrockfestivals.com). This is a bad quality audience recording of The Cure at Reading Rock festival 1979, but the only one in existence! Probably done with a cassette player while sat in the field!"

Billy Corgan talks about The Cure

Billy Corgan talks about his life on BBC 6 Music. Talks about the Cure at 15:20 & they play Inbetween Days and 56:40 & they play Primary. (Thanks Benj)

Reading Festival Guide for Cure fans

From Warren: "I've put together a quick Reading Festival Guide for Cure fans. It's a work in progress. Tweet me on @waswasere if you're in town or have more questions."

Reading boss on securing The Cure

From NME: "The organiser of the Reading And Leeds Festivals has spoken about this year's event and how pleased he is to have secured The Cure and Foo Fighters as his headliners.

Speaking to NME in a video which you can see at the top of the page (Note: which in typical NME fashion, is actually at the bottom of the page), Melvin Benn has promised that The Cure will be "a real treat" and has said he regards securing them as a real coup.

Asked about booking Robert Smith and co, Benn said: "We're really pleased that we got The Cure to play. Robert Smith is not somebody who just wants to play for the sake of playing; it has to be the right time to play. They're a hugely important band to what has been British rock and roll music. It'll be a real treat."

Set times for Reading & Leeds

At Reading, The Cure starts at 21:00 and should play at least until 23:30 (Warren wants to remind the band that Reading is licensed for music until midnight :) ). At Leeds, they start at 20:30 and should play until 23:00.  (Thanks Jaime and Warren)