Alone (Four Tet remix)

Interview with Reeves

“It’s a special kind of moment when you hit that first note of a solo and you literally get nothing.” He’s played with David Bowie and the Cure, but Reeves Gabrels says things don’t always go right, even for the pros."

"That’s what makes live shows so extraordinary," the guitarist says. "You’re always on the high wire”

Read the interview at Guitar Player.

Robert's signed Secret 7' found

From Piccadilly Records:

Look who found the signed by Robert Smith The Cure Secret 7".

Andy Vella interview

From BBC News:

'People show me their intimate tattoos of my album art'

Author: Tim Stokes

Designer Andy Vella has been creating album covers for more than 40 years, with his work to be found in millions of homes around the world.

"The weird thing I get is whenever I design a new album or a new logo for The Cure someone sends me a tattoo that they've just had done of it," he explains.

"I've seen pictures of Robert Smith's silhouette from Boys Don't Cry on people's backs, on their arses, on their legs, on their arms.

"I met [comedian] Greg Davies and he said, 'Did you do Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me?' and he got on his knees and bowed to me. I was so embarrassed and he just said: 'Oh my God, I grew up with that on my wall.'"

For his latest record sleeve, Vella has used his much-lauded design skills for a project run by the charity War Child, as part of its fundraising efforts to help children caught up in conflict zones.

Vella's career in design has seen him work with various musicians and authors over the years, from Jeff Buckley to Margaret Atwood, but it is his work with acclaimed goth rockers The Cure, often in collaboration with lead singer Robert Smith, for which he is best known.

It is also where his career began, soon after the band formed in Crawley in the 1970s.

While still studying at art school, Vella was approached by on-off Cure guitarist Porl Thompson who wanted him to photograph another group he was playing in.

"He said, 'You've got a reputation at the college that you're really good at photography'... and by chance he showed Robert my work and then suddenly at the age of 18 I was being asked to design a record sleeve [for The Cure]," he says.

That record was the band's doom-laden third album Faith. Vella would later return to create the covers for some of The Cure's most iconic records, including the 1989's Disintegration, The Head on the Door from 1985 and last year's chart-topping Songs of a Lost World.

"With Robert, his lyrics are so inspiring... All you have to do is read one line quite often and suddenly you've got the start of something really great."

It was this and the expansive brooding sound of Songs of a Lost World which saw Vella and Smith hit upon the design for the record, which features a stone statue head lying on its side.

"The Cure sounded just as brilliant and massive as they did back in the 80s... so the album had to have something large, something incredibly poignant and solid to represent that," Vella says.

Even so, he admits the final look of a record can come about from something unexpected, as happened with the cover for 1987's Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me.

As the band were on tour in Brazil, Vella was asked to fly out to Rio de Janeiro to get his design for the new album approved - despite the fact he was still working on it.

With the photo of a pair of heavily painted lips decided upon and the handwritten lettering printed on a separate sheet of clear plastic, he was experimenting with the layout in a taxi on the way to the airport when "we went over this sleeping policeman [speed bump] and the acetate just jumped to the middle of the sleeve".

"Now I would always say don't put type in the middle of the sleeve, and especially the top, but it just stuck in place so I stuck it down with Sellotape thinking, 'well it's an option'," he says.

"I showed it to Robert when I got to Rio and he said: 'I love that, that's brilliant! I love the way you've placed the type.'

"You can be really arty-farty about things but I think sometimes it's quite nice to let the universe take over," Vella adds with a laugh.

For his latest record sleeve, Vella has created a cover for War Child's Secret 7" project.

It sees 700 creatives, such as designer Sir Paul Smith, sculptor Antony Gormley and Radiohead artist Stanley Donwood, all forming one-of-a-kind untitled record sleeves for a song by one of seven different artists - this year including Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Cure, Gregory Porter and Scissor Sisters.

The 700 records are then put on display at London's NOW Gallery, in Greenwich Peninsula until the start of June when they are auctioned off, with all the proceeds going to charity.

It is only when the sale is over that buyers discover the song that they've purchased and which designer was behind the cover.

It is not the first time Vella has taken part in Secret 7" having previously created record sleeves for the likes of The Rolling Stones, St Vincent and The Chemical Brothers.

However, it still left him a little stressed.

"There's just too much pressure! One year I was in there and I was next to [father of British pop art] Peter Blake," he says.

"It's a really amazing cause and you want to create something brilliant so that you raise a load of money for War Child."

The charity started up in response to the Bosnian genocide. The Help Album, which it released in 1995, featured artists including Oasis, Radiohead, Suede and Portishead. War Child now works in more than a dozen countries helping children living in warzones.

Describing the process of putting together his creation, Vella says it involved "going through the painstaking thing of creating about 20 iterations, all crap", before "suddenly you have that amazing Eureka moment".

That Eureka moment led to a cover he considers to be "quite deep" and "very meaningful" - although of course he won't reveal which song he created it for.

Vella says the project is something he's proud to be part of.

"It's such an amazing, powerful cause, helping children in war-torn countries. It just shows you as well how music and art can bring people together."

Secret 7" is on display at NOW Gallery, Greenwich Peninsula until 1 June with the 700 record sleeves then being sold in a global online auction on the project website in aid of War Child.

Great news from Roger!

From Roger on Bluesky:

I try not to make this too personal or public but so many people have been so kind..anyway all my tests came back great,all bloods normal. Spend a moment thinking about people who are scared or in the middle of all this AND if you are suspicious get CHECKED

Win a bookshelf speaker signed by Robert

From Record Store Day UK:

You could be in with a chance of one of these exclusive #RSD25 wrapped @BowersWilkins award-winning 607 S3 bookshelf speakers, signed by #RSD25 Ambassador @samfendermusic, @RobertSmith of @thecure and @suggsgmcpherson of @MadnessNews ⭐

Each entry is only £5, and you can enter as many times as you like! And it’s all for an excellent cause as all proceeds raised will be in aid of our official charity partner @WarChildUK.

Ready to elevate your RSD listening experience? Enter below👀

Sam Fender: bit.ly/3Ra4Bjj

Robert Smith: bit.ly/3R9kvdI

Suggs: bit.ly/42Aca8i

The competition will close at 12pm on May 2nd, 2025.

Please note, this competition is open to UK residents only.

GOOD LUCK! 🍀

Secret 7" auction is open

https://uk.givergy.com/Secret7/?controller=home

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by War Child UK (@warchilduk)

Virtual Book Club Event with Lol

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bob Dylan Center (@bobdylancenter)

Troxy London photos

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by PHOEBE FOX 🦊 (@shotbyphox)

Interview with Al Robinson

Al Robinson’s expansive career as a guitar tech has seen him collaborate with a vast array of artists, from Sheryl Crow and Texas to The Jesus and Mary Chain and New York Dolls. For years, he has remained the trusted right-hand man to one of the guitar world’s finest: Reeves Gabrels. But few players have a rig—or an approach to gear—quite like Gabrels. This endlessly inventive virtuoso is a true connoisseur of guitar effects, as heard in his groundbreaking work with David Bowie, Tin Machine, and now The Cure. In this exclusive interview, Robinson takes us deep inside Gabrels’ expansive stompbox collection, explains why the guitarist is “the best tech you’ll ever meet,” and shares tales of BOSS tattoos. Oh, and one more thing—always respect the chain!

Read the interview at BOSS.

HotD 40th pic disc reminder

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alex Transistor (@alextransistor)

Lauren Mayberry talks about her friendship with Robert

Lauren Mayberry WFUV Live Session & Interview.

Lauren plays Oh Mother, Anywhere But Dancing, and Something in the Air.

She also talks about her friendship with Robert Smith.

https://wfuv.org/content/lauren-mayberry-2025

Lauren talks about Robert at 29: 23.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2LaKiBGmUTD5StRxQLPmJD

Wombats cover Friday

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BBC Radio 2 (@bbcradio2)

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Cure (@thecure)

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Frensham Heights Events (@frenshamheightsevents)

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

Lola Young covers Close to Me

J Mascis covers Breathe

J Mascis has released a digital cover of The Cure’s deep cut, “Breathe.” In a recent interview Mascis did for Uncut about The Cure, he shared: “Robert Smith’s guitars have a washy sort of sound that encompasses you, and his voice has a great pure tone. I related to the music. It made me feel “Oh yeah, this is where I’m at, this guy’s out there feeling the same thing, it comforted me.”  

Get it on Bandcamp or Sub Pop.

200 Greatest Goth Albums

This magazine is on sale now. Also available to buy online. Photos from James Tansley and Aaron Law.

Facebook fakes

From The Cure on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/share/18UKyDbMhD/

Lol at NAMM today

From Lol on Instagram:

If you're at NAMM today at 10AM I'm helping demo the new V 71 module and the VQD 106 at The Roland stage...

Songs of a Live World indie exclusive vinyl

From Amoeba Music:

The Cure are releasing "Songs Of A Live World: Troxy London MMXXIV" on indie exclusive vinyl February 28th! This album captures The Cure's live performance of their first new album in 16 years "Songs of a Lost World" in London last year.

Pre-order here: bit.ly/4h0W65g

Cure nominated for 3 Brit Awards

From The Cure:

The Cure have been nominated for Group of the Year, Best Alt/Rock Act, & Album of the Year for 'Songs of A Lost World' at this year's BRIT Awards.

Fans can vote for the Best Alt/Rock Act once a day for 2 weeks, starting Jan 31 via @BRITs WhatsApp channel- brits.co.uk/vote

Robert leaves Twitter

19TH JANUARY 2025. 

TIME TO GO. 

ANY OTHER ACCOUNT ON TWITTER CLAIMING TO BE ME IS A LIE. 

I MAY FROM TIME TO TIME BE HERE: 

https://bsky.app/profile/robert.thecure.com

OR HERE:  instagram.com/robertsmith/ 

OR HERE: https://universeodon.com/@RobertSmith...

OTHERWISE I WILL LIKELY BE OUTSIDE. 

ONWARDS...

RSX

Lol in Big Sur on March 1st

From Lol Tolhurst:

An Evening of conversation and music with LOL TOLHURST and very special guest Mary Lattimore

Henry Miller Memorial Library

Very intimate Indoor show of only 40 seats

March 1, 2025

Gates 7pm / Show 8pm

Tickets $114.42

Warsong: Troxy Live 2024 for Secret 7″ 2025

From NME:

The Cure, Jessie Ware, Scissor Sisters and more for Secret 7″ 2025

The charity initiative will see 700 records auctioned up, each with a different sleeve design by an anonymous artist

By Laura Molloy

Tracks by The Cure, Jessie Ware, Scissor Sisters and more will be featured on ‘War Child Presents Secret 7”.

The charity initiative, which first launched in 2012, takes seven tracks by seven musicians and presses each one to seven inch vinyl 100 times, creating 700 records.

The sleeves for each are then designed by 700 creatives, ranging from renowned artists to newcomers. All sleeves will then be available to purchase via auction after the exhibition. However, the designer’s identity is only revealed after the record is sold.

Alongside the aforementioned names, Frank Turner, Gregory Porter, Keane and Sophie Ellis-Bextor have also contributed songs to this year’s edition of the initiative. You can find a full tracklist further below.

All money raised from the auction will support War Child’s work to provide protection, eduction and specialist mental health support to children affected by conflict around the world.

War Child Secret 7″ 2025 artists:

The Cure – ‘Warsong: Troxy Live 2024’

Frank Turner – ‘Be More Kind’

Gregory Porter – ‘Merchant of Paradise’

Jessie Ware – ‘Beautiful People’

Keane – ‘Black Rain’

Scissor Sisters – ‘Return to Oz’

Sophie Ellis-Bextor – ‘Devotion’ (Brand New Song, Exclusive to War Child’s Secret 7″)

Last year, ‘Secret 7″‘ returned for the first time since 2021 and included tracks from Paul McCartney, Aurora, The Chemical Brothers and more. Among the 700 designers announced following the auction were Jamie Hewlett and Paul Smith.

Charlotte Nimmo, Fundraising Engagement Director at War Child UK says: “We at War Child are so pleased to announce the start of another Secret 7”’s, marking the continuation of a beautifully creative endeavour. Every year, some of the best artists from around the world come together to create 700 truly one-of-a-kind records, to raise funds which enable us to protect, educate and support children whose lives have been affected by wars they didn’t start.

“This year has been horrendous for children caught up in conflict, but the money raised here will help us provide immediate emergency aid, and specialist long term support where it’s needed most,” she continued. “We pride ourselves on working with the best in music and creative arts to create something brilliant that ultimately changes the lives of some of the most vulnerable children around the world, and we can’t wait for everyone to see, and hear, what has been created this year for Secret 7”. We are so grateful to the artists, both musical and visual, for supporting our work, and to everyone that donates to help us do what we do.”

The revealing of the tracklist also marks the opening of public submissions for artwork, with anyone invited to submit a design for a record sleeve. Hopefuls can send digital submissions here between January 13 to February 28.

The Cure’s contribution comes from their 2024 performance at Troxy, which took place on November 1 at London’s Troxy in front of 3000 fans, and was livestreamed for free on YouTube to more than a million people (you can still watch it here). The show coincided with the release of their most recent LP ‘Songs Of A Lost World’.

NME was also there, and noted: “The feel of ‘Songs Of A Lost World’ with its long introductions and heavy tapestry of sound felt so complete and natural for the band – landing live like an addition to the ‘dark trilogy’ of ‘Disintegration’, ‘Pornography’ and ‘Bloodflowers’. As Cooper’s shuddering and monolithic drums brought in ‘Endsong’ before Gabrels’ howling and epic guitar solo, the first set closed as one that will go down in history for fans of The Cure.”

The life-affirming misery of the Cure

From The Spectator:

The life-affirming misery of the Cure

No one does bleakness better than Robert Smith

By Tanith Carey

Watching the Cure’s live-streamed performance of their first album in 16 years, it was hard not to notice the toll time has taken on Robert Smith. At 65, his black spiky hair has long turned into a bedhead of fag-ash grey – a reminder to those of us who have grown up with him that none of us are as young as we used to be.

As the slow waltz of the first track of Songs of a Lost World kicked in, and Smith wailed ‘Where did it go?’, it was starting to look like a very gloomy evening indeed – even by the standards of a band hardly known for its cheeriness.

I’ll admit that as I started to watch the Troxy gig live from my sofa, even I, as a long-time Cure fan, worried how dark it was going to get. And sure enough, along came seven more songs covering the death of loved ones, ageing, regret and fear for the future.

Many of Smith’s fans have grown up with him – and now he speaks for those of us who are looking in the mirror also ‘wondering how I got so old’

But then, along the way, something else happened too. Despite all the lyrics about endings, goodbyes and losses, the momentum kept building, propelled by pounding drums and shimmering guitar cadences. By the three heartfelt ‘nothings’ of ‘Endsong’ that finally brought the record to a close, it all felt strangely cathartic. Radiant, even.

And it seems I’m not the only one who felt this way. After its release at the start of November, the undeniably bleak Songs of a Lost World became one of the fastest-selling albums of 2024, at one point outselling the entire rest of the top ten of the week combined. So how did the launch of this gloomy LP become one of the defining musical moments of the year?

For me, the power of Smith’s music lies in the fact that it manages to be just so gloriously miserable. Many of his fans have grown up with him – and now he speaks for those of us who are looking in the mirror also ‘wondering how I got so old’ when we don’t feel a day over 21. And as he – and his audience – grow older, stories of heartbreak of all kinds become even more heartfelt. We’ve known him long enough to trust him to be a comforting conduit for our sadness with tracks like ‘Plainsong’ and ‘From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea’. 

What is also poignant about this record is that if you close your eyes, Smith’s voice is as undiminished as when we first played cassette tapes of the Cure in our teenage bedrooms and sung along about being in love on Fridays. The songs themselves might not offer much by way of escapism, but that voice does.

There’s also something comforting about the fact that Smith, who released the first Cure record in 1979, remains resolutely un-rockstar-ish. While other musicians pronounce on world peace, when the Cure last headlined Glastonbury in 2019, Smith joked that he was going for the record for the frontman who said the least at the festival – and true to his word, he did nothing but sing for the first 45 minutes. He seems to have taken the ageing process in his stride and is happiest taking walks around his land to check on his sheep. He can’t even be bothered to own a phone, saying that the only reason he’s on social media is so no one else can pretend to be him.

So perhaps it could only be Robert Smith who could make the exact record we need at the crossroads we are facing at the start of 2025 – utterly bleak, oh yes, but beautiful and brilliant too. I believe the secret of the success of Songs of a Lost World is that after listening to it, some of us feel less alone with our worries. After all these years, no one does misery better – and there’s a comfort in that