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The Cure

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Band Timeline

1976

Formation of The Cure

The Cure originated in Crawley, England, in 1976, initially formed by Robert Smith and Lol Tolhurst. The band evolved through early names such as Malice and Easy Cure, with Smith eventually taking the role of vocalist and guitarist. Early performances and initial recordings set the foundation for their career, marking the beginning of a journey that would influence post-punk and gothic rock genres.
1979

Release of Debut Album 'Three Imaginary Boys'

In 1979, The Cure released their debut album, 'Three Imaginary Boys,' which positioned them at the forefront of the post-punk and new wave movements in the UK. The album's style was more aligned with early punk and new wave sounds, setting them apart as an emerging influential band. This release marked their entrance into the music industry spotlight.
1980-1982

Shift to Gothic Rock with Albums 'Seventeen Seconds', 'Faith', and 'Pornography'

Between 1980 and 1982, The Cure released 'Seventeen Seconds' (1980), 'Faith' (1981), and 'Pornography' (1982). These albums featured a darker, more atmospheric sound that would strongly influence gothic rock and the goth subculture. 'Pornography' marked a critical point with Smith introducing more pop elements, leading the band towards mainstream success while solidifying their distinctive style.
1987

Commercial Peak with 'Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me'

The release of 'Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me' in 1987 marked a commercial peak for The Cure. This album showcased a diverse range of musical styles, combining pop, rock, and gothic influences. It brought significant commercial success and expanded their international audience, with memorable singles that remain influential in their repertoire.
1989

Critical and Commercial Success with 'Disintegration'

'Disintegration,' released in 1989, is often cited as The Cure's masterpiece, combining lush, expansive soundscapes with poignant lyrics. It received critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide, reinforcing the band's status as leaders of alternative and gothic rock. The album's immersive style has had a lasting impact on both fans and musicians.
1992

United Kingdom Number One Album 'Wish'

In 1992, The Cure released 'Wish,' which became their only UK number one album. The work incorporated accessible pop elements while maintaining their signature darker tones. It debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200, further solidifying the band's international popularity. The album features hits that remain essential to the band's legacy.
1996

Release of 'Wild Mood Swings' and Continued Evolution

The Cure released 'Wild Mood Swings' in 1996, continuing to experiment with diverse sounds and moods. While it did not reach the commercial heights of its predecessors, it indicated the band's willingness to evolve artistically and explore new territories within rock music, maintaining their relevance in the changing musical landscape.
2000-2008

Later Albums 'Bloodflowers', 'The Cure', and '4:13 Dream'

From 2000 to 2008, The Cure released three albums: 'Bloodflowers' (2000), 'The Cure' (2004), and '4:13 Dream' (2008). These albums had mixed commercial success but demonstrated the band's enduring presence and ability to produce new material across decades. They continued to develop their sound while retaining core elements cherished by longtime fans.
2019

Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 2019, The Cure was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in recognition of their significant influence on alternative music, their longevity, and their contributions to rock and gothic genres. This honor cemented their legacy as one of the most important and influential rock bands of their era.
2024

Return with Fourteenth Studio Album 'Songs of a Lost World'

After a 16-year hiatus from releasing new material, The Cure released their fourteenth studio album, 'Songs of a Lost World,' in 2024. The album received widespread critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching number one in the UK and topping charts in multiple countries. This marked a triumphant return, reaffirming their relevance and enduring appeal in contemporary music.

Albums

the-cure_1st_album
Three Imaginary Boys
13 tracks
1979
the-cure_2nd_album
Seventeen Seconds
10 tracks
1980
the-cure_3rd_album
Faith
8 tracks
1981
the-cure_4th_album
Pornography
8 tracks
1982
the-cure_5th_album
The Top
10 tracks
1984
the-cure_6th_album
The Head on the Door
10 tracks
1985
the-cure_7th_album
Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me
17 tracks
1987
the-cure_8th_album
Disintegration
10 tracks
1989
the-cure_9th_album
Wish
12 tracks
1992
the-cure_10th_album
Wild Mood Swings
14 tracks
1996
the-cure_11th_album
Bloodflowers
10 tracks
2000
the-cure_12th_album
The Cure
14 tracks
2004
the-cure_13th_album
4:13 Dream
13 tracks
2008
the-cure_14th_album
Songs of a Lost World
8 tracks
2024
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Robert Smith

1976

Lead vocals

Jason Cooper

1995

Simon Gallup

1985

Roger O’Donnell

2011

Robert Smith

1976

Electric guitar

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Porl Thompson

1976
1978

Simon Gallup

1979
1982

Matthieu Hartley

1979
1980

Boris Williams

1985
1993

Phil Thornalley

1983
1984

Andy Anderson

1983
1984

Drums (drum set)

Michael Dempsey

1977
1979

Roger O’Donnell

1995
2005

Lol Tolhurst

1977
1989

Porl Thompson

2005
2009

Perry Bamonte

1990
2004

Porl Thompson

1984
1993

Roger O’Donnell

1987
1989

Story of The Cure

The Cure, the iconic English rock band, emerged from Crawley in 1976, founded by the inimitable Robert Smith (vocals, guitar) and Lol Tolhurst (drums). While Smith remains the sole constant member through numerous lineup shifts – including notable stints with Porl Thompson (guitar) and Boris Williams (drums) – the current iteration features Smith alongside Perry Bamonte (guitar), Reeves Gabrels (guitar), Simon Gallup (bass – absent for only a brief six years!), Roger O`Donnell (keyboards), and Jason Cooper (drums).

Their 1979 debut, Three Imaginary Boys, along with early singles, catapulted them to the forefront of the burgeoning post-punk and new wave scenes in the UK. A dramatic shift towards a darker, more tormented sound began with Seventeen Seconds (1980), influencing the nascent gothic rock genre and its burgeoning subculture, a style further amplified by Smith`s distinctive fashion. Pornography (1982), a move towards a more pop-infused sound, propelled them to international acclaim. Commercial zenith arrived with Disintegration (1989) and Wish (1992).

The Cure`s legacy is undeniable: 14 studio albums, two EPs, and over 40 singles have sold over 30 million copies globally. Their 1986 singles compilation, Standing on a Beach, alone shifted 4 million copies by 1989. Their impact on music history was formally recognized with their 2019 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

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