On May 10, 2016, I had the chance to see The Cure in concert for the fourth time. For as long as I can remember, The Cure has been more than just a band to me—they’ve been a source of comfort, catharsis, and joy. Their music, often misunderstood as depressing, has always felt hopeful to me. Whether delving into the depths of despair on Pornography or celebrating love on tracks like “Friday I’m in Love”, The Cure’s ability to explore emotions with honesty and depth has made them a constant companion in my life.
After shows at the UNO Lakefront Arena in 1992 (Wish Tour), the Saenger Theatre (Bloodflowers Tour), and Voodoo Fest in 2013, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this new tour. Being the first night, no one had any idea what the setlist would look like. But as the lights dimmed and the band took the stage, it was clear this was going to be a special night.
A Fan’s Dream: A Night of Deep Cuts
The Cure opened with “Open” and “alt.end” before diving deep into their catalogue with “All I Want” from Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me. Hearing this song for the first time since the Kiss Me tour was a surreal experience. The lyrics, with lines like “I want to hold you like a dog,” remain as intriguingly ambiguous as ever—sweet or menacing, depending on how you interpret them.
When they followed with “Push”, my all-time favorite Cure song, I was ecstatic. The long guitar intro layered with intricate riffs set a tone of urgency, while Robert Smith’s timeless voice, still powerful after all these years, carried the song’s emotional weight. Hearing “Push” live reminded me why Smith deserves more credit as a guitarist—his ability to create mood and emotion through intricate, layered melodies is unparalleled.
A Blend of Hits and New Songs
The middle of the set featured a mix of hits, deep cuts, and even new material. Among the highlights:
- “Lovesong”: A timeless classic that remains the perfect wedding song.
- “Just Like Heaven”: Better with every listen, its perfection rivals the best tracks from Pet Sounds or Revolver.
- “Want”: A reminder that The Cure is a phenomenal guitar band, with its decibel-shattering live performance proving they’re more than just mood music.
- “Burn”: This track from The Crow soundtrack has become a staple of their live shows since its debut at Voodoo Fest in 2013.
The new song, “It Can Never Be the Same”, made its live debut that night. If this track is any indication of what’s to come, The Cure’s next album will be worth the wait.
Encores for the Dedicated Fans
For fans who came to hear the hits, the encores may have been unexpected. Instead of focusing on chart-toppers, The Cure leaned into their roots, delivering songs for the die-hard fans.
First Encore: Seventeen Seconds
The first encore featured tracks from Seventeen Seconds, reminding everyone that The Cure has been masters of atmosphere since their early days. “Play for Today” was a special moment, with the crowd singing along to the synthesizer melody, just like in the legendary concert film The Cure in Orange. They closed this encore with “A Forest”, driven by Simon Gallup’s unforgettable bassline that had the entire crowd clapping along.
Second Encore: The Top
The second encore took us deep into The Top, The Cure’s most experimental album. Hearing “Piggy in the Mirror” live for the first time was a personal highlight. As someone who’s watched The Cure in Orange countless times, I couldn’t help but mimic Robert Smith’s dance moves during the song.
Final Encores
The final encores featured two one-song performances. First came “Burn”, with its dark, brooding energy. The night ended with the new song “It Can Never Be the Same”, leaving the audience eager for more.
The Cure’s Versatility in Concert
What makes The Cure in concert so special is their ability to balance light and dark. While I missed hearing “Friday I’m in Love” or “Mint Car,” their absence only highlighted the emotional depth of their darker tracks. It’s this contrast—the ability to create both pure pop masterpieces and grand, atmospheric epics—that defines The Cure’s unique sound.
The night leaned heavily on deep cuts, with no songs from Faith or Bloodflowers, and only one from Disintegration. Still, the performance was a testament to The Cure’s enduring legacy and their ability to surprise even the most devoted fans.
Final Thoughts
Seeing The Cure in concert is more than just a nostalgic trip—it’s a reminder of why their music continues to resonate with fans across generations. Robert Smith’s voice remains as strong as ever, and the band’s ability to create an atmosphere that pulls you into their world is unparalleled.
While this wasn’t a “perfect” Cure show, it was a deeply rewarding one. For those who love The Cure, their blend of hits, deep cuts, and new material offered something truly special. And knowing I had another night to see them made it all the more exciting.
And the next night, they played another great set.
If you ever get the chance to see The Cure live, don’t hesitate. Their music is timeless, their performances unforgettable, and their ability to connect with their audience is unmatched.
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