News Archive - Oct. 2004


Oct. 29th

  • Cure playing live in Italy on Nov. 18th:

  • "Just a short note for all Italian fans who live in Rome. The MTV Italian channel said that The Cure will perform live with lots of Italian (Elisa and Carmen Consoli) and International guest stars in a show that will be aired the same day of the MTV Europe Music Awards. (18/11/2004)."

    Updates: "Hi, I've called the Mtv Infoline this morning and a gentle girl told me that The Cure will play with other artists in the afternoon 18th before
    the real MTV Awards ceremony. It will be a free concert and they still don't know the place (it will be a square)."

    "MTV LIVE IN ROME (18 nov 2004 Roma, Colosseo) there will be a free concert with many bands and The Cure too!"

    (Thanks Cristiano, Carmine and Roberta)


  • More talk of Robert on Billy Corgan's solo album: 

  • "Saw billy corgan on dennis millers show last night. He talked a little about his new solo album. When asked if he wrote everything on the album billy replied that yes he wrote everything except for one song which he and Robert Smith wrote. And apparently Robert sings on it with corgan as well,"

    (Thanks James)


  • Happy Birthday and Best Wishes to Roger O'Donnell. Cheers! 


  • 'alt.end' drops one spot to #6 on the US single sales chart

  • (Thanks Andrew)


  • Looking for a Fender Bass VI?

  • "I have something for sale on ebay in the UK cure fans might be interested in - an original Fender VI bass. Very rare in the UK!"

    (Thanks Phil)



  • Curespotting:

  • "I'm not sure of you've been informed about this or not, but you can vote for your favourite album at www.mtv2europe.com
    - Disintegration and Boy's Don'y Cry are on the list.

    (Thanks Damien)


    Oct. 28th

  • Reports about last night's appearance on the Tim Lovejoy show: 

  • "There was a short 3 minute interview with Robert, nothing interesting came out of it only that Tim Lovejoy said 'you're going to be playing you're new single' before correcting himself 'sorry its a track from the new album, Never'. He also commented on Robert being the only person to perform on the same Top of the Pops show with two different bands. They closed the show with Never and I can honestly say the sound was absolutely awful. And Robert must of had a cold or something cause his vocals were almost spoken throughout and there was no passionate ending like on the album version of the song. Disappointing after last weeks Jools Holland performance which was perfection."

    (Thanks Tom)


    "Just got back from watching the Tim Lovejoy show.
     
    The Cure played "Never" live and then played a cracking version of 10.15 Saturday Night after the show had finished.
     
    Just wanted to let you know a few things..
     
    - after 22 years of watching them live I finally got to shake Roberts hand!
     
    - I spoke to Perry who said that they are "pencilled in" for a gig in the UK at the start of December. He said he honestly didn't know where or when!
     
    - I also spoke to Jason who said he didn't know when they would play in the UK next.
     
    - I also chattted to Tim Lovejoy and got the impression that many people were unhappy about the fact that they played Never as they were expecting either Taking off or Boys Don't Cry.
     
    - The band didn't come to the after show for some reason.
     
    - Robert was also interviewed and came across really well. He seemed happy but told a few of us that he was embarrased by the whole thing!!!"
     
    (Thanks Anonymous)



  • Robert on Billy Corgan's solo album?  

  • "Just wanted to let you know that when Billy Corgan was in Seattle yesterday, he mentioned on the local radio station 1077 The End that Robert will be appearing on one track of his solo album.  No mention of what the song was called though, sorry!"
     
    (Thanks Eric)



  • Looks like the Black Session will air on Dec. 6th: 

  • "I just found this on the website from French radio station where THE CURE recorded a 'Black Session' a few weeks ago:

    http://www.radiofrance.fr/chaines/france-inter01/emissions/lenoir/

    BLACK SESSION ____ 06.déc.'04 20h > 22h ____
    C'est Lenoir créait l'événement musical du mois d'octobre en recevant The Cure pour une black session exceptionnelle à plus d'un titre...Enregistrée à la Maison de Radio France le vendredi 15 octobre à 18h30, elle sera diffusée le lundi 6 décembre de 20h à 22h."

    (Thanks Fabien G and Dennis)


  • In case you missed it the first time, or want to hear it again, The Cure's XFM session is on-line: 

  • The Cure Live In Session
    Legends of rare stature, The Cure are truly timeless. With their new, self-titled album winning them a new generation of fans, the five-piece brought their fiery, profound and influential music to the Xfm studios. To hear the Xfm live session, go to: http://www.xfm.co.uk/Article.asp?b=multimedia&id=45228


    (Thanks Nina)


  • 'Taking Off' has entered the Italian singles chart at #21. 

  • (Thanks Yohichi)


  • Abbey gets more well deserved praise for her lighting designs: 

  • "There is a feature article on Abbey Rosen Holmes (The Cure's lighting designer) in the October edition of Lighting Dimensions magazine.  It focuses on the lighting design for the Trilogy and Curiosa shows.  Includes 8 full stage color photos of the band performing durring some of the more impressive lighting/projection effects."  

    Anyone have scans of the article/photos?

    (Thanks Joe)



  • An update from David about his book "After The Rain...": 

  • "My name is David Fargier. As you may know, I’ve just written a book about The Cure, called « After the rain… ». The ideas that motivated me to carry this project through were independence and sharing with fans.

    Independence because I wanted total freedom to choose not only the texts but also pictures and graphics. To convince myself that it was possible, I couldn’t have found a better example to follow then The Cure themselves

    Sharing, because after being assured by a few people that my work could be of interest to others, I wanted to have the book translated into other languages and to distribute it via the Internet worldwide to enable the greatest number of people to have easy access to it.

    After a few thousand of hours of work, a lot of discussions, hundreds of emails exchanged with other people who share my passion, a real international team was build up to help me reach my aim.

    We’re not at the end of the road yet, because we can only publish a translated copy of the book if we get minimum number of orders, but we’re full of hope. To take that kind of financial risk, we need you to support our project and help spread the information widely. That’s why we now kindly appeal you to help us make this book known.

    « After the rain… » Editions Vents d’Orage. 140 coloured pages, 23,5 X 23,5 cm , rigid cover. Contains a complete biography from 1979 to nowadays, review of every album, selection of the best French press articles, portrait of the lead-singer Robert Smith, enlightened by about sixty photos, rare or unreleased. Released in French, English, German, Portuguese, Spanish and Italian, via the Internet site www.after-the-rain.com (pre orders by cheques or Paypal system)"


    (Thanks David)


  • More info on the National guitars: 

  • "Just had to mail you about the incorrect identification of those national guitars on your news page. Ok I've been collecting national guitars for 15 or so years and own 12 of them(different models of course!). Robert Smith bought his national from Fat Rick in denmark street in about 88. He used to work in Vintage and Rare from where I have bought many guitars. Robert did indeed have one requirement when buying guitars 'it's gotta be black!'. Anyway the guitar on ebay right now is a wooden bodied National Westwood 77 which is one of the most common nationals and probably the least valuable.  Robert Smith's guitar he bought in 88 is a modified(different bridge and tuners to make it more stable) reso-glass 1963 National Val-Pro 88 also known as a Newport 88. A much rarer and more valuable guitar all together. I have the exact same guitar and paid £1000 for it from music ground in 1990. There is no such thing as a '1960's National Val Pro black "Glenwood 99'  Glenwoods are totally different shaped guitar, never came in black (they were green red or white) and had a tremolo arm. 100% not what Robert plays. If anyone wants to learn about Nationals this is a pretty good webpage with all the models explained including the unique bridge transducer. http://www.provide.net/~cfh/national.html "
     
    (Thanks Phil)



  • Curespotting: 

  • "Taking off video had its debut in MTV Brazil yesterday. They had this brief Cure bio stuff before the video, with the usual "influenced by"
    (Bowie, Siouxsie, Joy) influenced who (a few brazilian bands, Pumpkins, Hot Hot Heat) and the "definitive album" (head on the door!). In the end, the VJ just sighed out loud... an approval?"
     
    (Thanks BACO)



    Oct. 27th

  • Happy Birthday and Best Wishes to Daryl Bamonte. Cheers! 


  • Here's the Rhino press release for the 3IB remastered cd: 

  • WHO NEEDS FLU SHOTS WHEN RHINO HAS THE CURE!

    Highly Anticipated Cure Reissue Campaign Begins With Expanded, Remastered THREE IMAGINARY BOYS December 7

    LOS ANGELES - Twenty-five years after The Cure began their global pop invasion with their debut disc, THREE IMAGINARY BOYS, Rhino Records gives the album its first-ever U.S. domestic release with a deluxe two-disc edition loaded with previously unreleased tracks. THREE IMAGINARY BOYS will be available December 7 at all retail outlets and at www.rhino.com for a suggested retail price of $18.98.

    The album marks the kickoff to Rhino Records' revitalization of The Cure catalog. Each title will receive a sonic upgrade and be released as a
    deluxe double-disc set featuring the original album on one CD and numerous rarities on the other. In addition, each release will come with a 16-page
    booklet filled with photos and tour memorabilia from the personal archives of vocalist Robert Smith, as well as a track-by-track commentary and notes by U.K. music scribe Johnny Black.

    Cure fans have long clamored for THREE IMAGINARY BOYS, an energetic 1979 U.K. debut which features "10:15 Saturday Night," "Grinding Halt," "Fire In Cairo," and a quirky rendition of Jimi Hendrix's "Foxy Lady." The band's debut U.S. album, Boys Don't Cry, featured many of the songs on THREE IMAGINARY BOYS along with singles like "Jumping Someone Else's Train" and "Boys Don't Cry." The Rhino reissue offers the original U.K. album with an added previously unreleased instrumental ("The Weedy Burton"), as well as a 20-track bonus disc which includes the additional tracks from Boys Don't Cry, previously unreleased studio and home demo versions, live renditions, and other curiosities. In total the package includes six previously unreleased songs, eight previously unreleased versions of songs, and 17 tracks never before available on CD.

    Johnny Black's liner notes, which make use of extensive and exclusive interviews with Robert Smith, provide fascinating insight into the making
    of this classic album. One interesting story tells how The Cure managed to get the album recorded with virtually no budget: they simply snuck into
    Morgan Studios at night once the Jam had finished their sessions, and, using the Jam's gear, recorded through the night till dawn.

    It's been almost three decades since a 17-year-old Smith formed The Easy Cure in Crawley, England. Despite various lineup changes, The Cure have
    forged an ongoing career highlighted by an astonishing run of artistic and commercial successes, including chart-topping hit singles, gold and
    platinum records, countless awards, critical acclaim, and an international fan base that follows the band with religious fervor. They have secured
    their place in music history by shaping modern rock as we know it today.

    #####

    THREE IMAGINARY BOYS

    DISC ONE
    1. 10:15 Saturday Night
    2. Accuracy
    3. Grinding Halt
    4. Another Day
    5. Object
    6. Subway Song
    7. Foxy Lady
    8. Meathook
    9. So What
    10. Fire In Cairo
    11. It's Not You
    12. Three Imaginary Boys
    13. The Weedy Burton *

    DISC TWO
    1. I Want To Be Old (SAV Studio Demo 10/77) *
    2. I'm Cold (SAV Studio Demo 11/77) **
    3. Heroin Face (Live In The Rocket 12/77)
    4. I Just Need Myself (PSL Studio Demo 1/78) *
    5. 10:15 Saturday Night (Home Demo 2/78) **
    6. The Cocktail Party (Group Home Demo 3/78) *
    7. Grinding Halt (Group Home Demo 4/78) **
    8. Boys Don't Cry (Chestnut Studio Demo 5/78)
    9. It's Not You (Chestnut Studio Demo 5/78) **
    10. 10:15 Saturday Night (Chestnut Studio Demo 5/78) **
    11. Fire In Cairo (Chestnut Studio Demo 5/78) **
    12. Winter (THREE IMAGINARY BOYS Studio Out-Take Cassette 10/78) *
    13. Faded Smiles (aka I Don't Know) (THREE IMAGINARY BOYS Studio Out-Take
    Cassette 10/78) *
    14. Play With Me (THREE IMAGINARY BOYS Studio Out-Take Cassette 10/78) *
    15. World War (on early copies of BOYS DON'T CRY album 1979)
    16. Boys Don't Cry (Single‹also on BOYS DON'T CRY album 1979)
    17. Jumping Someone Else's Train (Single-also on BOYS DON'T CRY album 1979)
    18. Subway Song (Live In Nottingham 10/79)
    19. Accuracy (Live In Nottingham 10/79) **
    20. 10:15 Saturday Night (Live In Nottingham 10/79) **

    * Previously Unreleased Song / Instrumental
    ** Previously Unreleased Version

    Still no mention of 'Killing An Arab', though it could just be unlisted, for obvious reasons. You can see the Sell Sheet for 3IB at The Ideal Copy.

    (Thanks Jason and Chris)



  • Cure special on Trio

  • "I don't know if everyone is aware of this, but I came across what looks like a Cure special on my TiVo.  It is a half an hour program titled "Cure: The End of the World" and it is on a music station that I am not so familiar with called Trio.  I am from Orange County, CA.  This show is scheduled to air on 11/2 at 4:30 p.m."

    I'm guessing this will just be the Making of TEOTW video from MTV.

    (Thanks Shauna)


  • And a Cure special on MuchMoreMusic: 

  • "The canadian music chanel 'much more music' is going to air the cure "mmm bio" at 10pm this friday. there will be a repeat of the show the following
    sunday at 2pm. this is what the website has to say about the band:

    "The Story of...The Cure
    The Cure has gone on to be one of the most enduring and popular bands that emerged in the immediate aftermath of punk rock in the late '70s. Led
    through numerous incarnations by guitarist/vocalist Robert Smith, the band became notorious for easily bouncing between their slow, gloomy dirges to
    some of pop's most catchiest songs. With 2004 marking the 25th anniversary for the alt-rock legends, MMM offers up The Story of...The Cure - featuring Bill Welychka's exclusive interview with Robert Smith, and containing rare and archival footage."

    all of this is a repeat i believe. they've been showing this 'bio' back before they even had a 'bio' segment and it was called 'the story of'. but i'm happy because the vhs i had it on was eaten. so happy cure friday everyone."

    (Thanks Velvetcure, Iqbal, Kathy)



  • Cure featured on new 99X cd: 

  • "In case you haven't heard from anyone yet.  99X in Atlanta is releasing a new Live X CD.  Robert Smith did the cover art and there is a live version of Taking Off on the album.  You can get more info at 99X.com"

    Actually, it's a solo version of 'Taking Off' that Robert did in his home studio.

    (Thanks Rebekah)



  • 'Taking Off' has entered the official UK singles chart at #39. 

  • (Thanks Stephen, David, Marco, Brandon)


  • DotMusic reviews 'Taking Off': 

  • The Cure - 'Taking Off'
    (Tuesday October 26, 2004 4:26 PM )
     
    Released on 18/10/2004
    Label: Geffen
     
    It’s poppy, and it’s romantic, but it’s no "Friday I’m In Love"; it’s not even one of latest album "The Cure"'s standout tracks, so it’s hard to see what purpose this crow’s-footed, jangle-by-numbers single fulfills other than a contractual obligation designed to draw the HMV-frequenting masses to the far more intriguing long player.
     
    As a brisk tempo is set by the featherlight drums and cheery 80s synths, in comes the familiar swirly, echo-chamber guitar like a long-lost college mate doing his infamous windmill dance while holding a pint of snakebite, followed by dear old Robert Smith, sounding more than ever like Angela Lansbury.
     
    You suspect he’d much rather be pontificating about mortality, existentialism and the pensions crisis than “Tonight I climb with you/Tonight/So high with you/Tonight/Oh I’m so alive with you” yet he does so with a grim determination as if to prove rumours about him going to bed at 10.30pm with a Daphne Du Maurier novel are wholly unfounded.

    6/10     by Anna Britten


    (Thanks Andrew)


  • Cure covers: 

  • "From the same label that brought us "15 Imaginary Songs," Equinoxe is set to release a brand new Cure tribute called "Our Voices." The release
    date is expected to be in October, and the track list is:

    01. Lizard Smile - Burn
    02. ShamRain - Charlotte Sometimes
    03. Silvery - Other Voices
    04. Sanguis et Cinis - Friday I'm In Love
    05. Floodland - A Forest
    06. [f.e.v.e.r.] - Disintegration
    07. Bloodflowerz - Inbetween Days
    08. EverEve - Cold
    09. The Unpleasant - Plastic Passion
    10. The Fair S. - The Walk
    11. One Last Fix (ex-Meridian) - Lovesong
    12. Cine Muerte - Close To Me
    13. Stereoskop - Primary
    14. Prayers For Rain - Just Like Heaven
    15. Second Skin - Pictures Of You
    16. Volstad feat. Fernando Ribeiro (Moonspell) - Apart
    17. Marina Sirtis - Wailing Wall

    CD 2:

    01. Tanzwut - Lovesong
    02. Violet - Kyoto Song
    03. Unto Ashes - The Drowning Man
    04. The Escape - Seventeen Seconds
    05. Neon Dream - The Caterpillar
    06. Illuminate - A Night Like This
    07. Curious - Siamese Twins
    08. Ikon - A Strange Day
    09. Lethargy - Pictures Of You
    10. Psyche - Faith
    11. Celluloide - Three Imaginary Boys
    12. Final Selection - One Hundred Years
    13. FGFC820 feat. Rexx Arkana (Bruderschaft) - The Hanging Garden
    14. Sjukdom - Kyoto Song
    15. Terminal Choice - Boys Don't Cry
    16. Icon Of Coil - Killing An Arab
    17. Midnight Configuration - The Hanging Garden.

    Wait a minute...Troi from Star Trek:TNG is doing a cover of Wailing Wall? I've GOT to hear that! : )

    (Thanks Rust)



  • Curespotting: 

  • "FYI - the November edition of the German edition of Rolling Stone Magazine comes with a "Top 500 records of all time" special.

    The Cure get five mentions (each spot comes with a mini-review of the album in question)

    #164 "Seventeen Seconds"
    # 184 "Disintegration"
    # 373 "Pornography"
    # 416 "The Cure" (what? ;-))
    # 467 "Head On The Door"

    the only acts who have more records in the Top 500 are The Beatles, Led Zep (six each), REM, Rolling Stones (seven each), Elvis Costello, Neil
    Young (eight each), Bob Dylan (ten)."


    (Thanks Carsten)

    "Couple things from launch at yahoo; charlotte sometiemes video was ranked number 21 on their 25 scariest videos list. you can also watch
    and vote for alt.end on this weeks "dig it or dis it" poll."
     
    (Thanks Elyse)


    "I caught the acoustic version of 'A Forest' during the Dave Ramsey talk show yesterday. In the last few months, they've played 'Friday I'm in Love' and 'High'. "

    (Thanks Patrick)

    "Just a bit of a quote from Billy Corgan in an article about his new poetry book in the 10/26 Ottawa Citizen:

    "The Cure, look at what's going on with the Cure now. The Cure have been so good for so long that at some point people go, 'OK, you're great.' And all those years of Robert (Smith) being made fun of in interviews, it's all going away now. It's all done. So it's all adding up, and for me it's kind of the same thing. The work at some point surpasses the wild Billy, pain-in-the-ass-caricature that at some point I turned into."

    (Thanks Lenore)


    "From the October 2004 issue of Men's Health (a US magazine) an article about how women are increasingly choosing to raise a family with or
    without a husband:

    "...I don't want to be with someone who isn't into watching 'The Big Lebowski' [a Coen Brothers movie, starring Jeff Bridges] for the fourth time, who has no idea that Johnny Cash and the Cure are cool all over again."

    (Thanks Bevon)




    Oct. 26th

  • Very sad news today, as legendary DJ (and so much more) John Peel has died: 

  • http://uk.news.yahoo.com/041026/325/f5bhp.html
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/3955289.stm

    "John was a huge musical influence on my life. Robert recently said that he was a 'life blood' So, I'm remembering the years from 1978 onwards that I used to listen to the radio in the dark on a school night in my bedroom, walls covered in posters of the bands that he was playing on the radio, from 10pm - 12 each night. Hoping my parents wouldn't hear me as I recorded such great 'Peel' sessions broadcast by the likes of The Cure, SLF, The Smiths, The Clash, The Ruts, Joy Division, The Undertones, Siouxsie, Bauhaus, Altered Images, Slowdive and so many more great and important bands. From Punk, Alternative, Indie....it's impossible to name them all.
    I was lucky enough to meet him about 10 years ago whilst in the South of France at a music conference. He was drinking a can of lager at 10am and I told him that he was a huge influence on my life. He thanked me and took another swig of lager!

     
    John Peel RIP."
     
    (Thanks Chris)


  • The Cure's Peel Session from 1978 was scheduled to be aired tonight on the John Peel Show. Don't know if they'll go ahead with it, but you'll want to listen to the show anyway. 11pm - 1am GMT on BBC1

  • (Thanks Pietro)



    Oct. 25th

  • Cure specials on MTV Australia: 

  • "Just a quick note to advise fans of the upcoming Cure specials on MTV (for Australian Foxtel & Optus subscribers)

    Sunday November 14th - MTV (times are EDST)
    ---------------------------------------------------
    12pm: MTV Icon - The Cure
    1pm: MTV Unplugged - The Cure
    2pm: MTV Live - The Cure
    2:30pm Making the Video - Taking Off
    3pm Collections - The Cure

    MTV Icon also plays on November 8th (11pm), 10th (7pm), 13th (5pm)

    (Thanks Dave and Zanna)



  • 'alt.end' enters US single sales chart at #5: 

  • "Check out this link : http://www.canoe.ca/JamMusicCharts/us_singles.html
    (This is purely sales from Nielsen Soundscan and not the Billboard Hot 100 which includes both sales and airplay)"


    (Thanks Andrew)


  • Cure tribute in Oklahoma City: 

  • "My band is playing a cure tribute show this Saturday, Oct 30th, at the Blue Note Lounge in OKC.  I was hoping you could post this link, http://www.thesilentissue.com/ and help us get the word out.  We are only a three piece, so we will be playing earlier material for the most part." 

    (Thanks George)



  • Curespotting: 

  • "Friday I'm in love has entered the UK itunes Music Store Top 100 songs chart at No.92."

    (Thanks Andrew)


    "WEA is releasing Jimmy Page & Robert Plant's "No Quarter: Unledded" on DVD this Tuesday. Robert Plant writes in the booklet: "With Hossam
    Ramzy's and Ed Shearmur's diligence in arrangement with the Egyptian Ensemble and London Metropolitan Orchestra respectively and Michael Lee, Charlie Jones and Porl Thompson providing the foundation, "No Quarter" proved to be an incredibly exciting and emotive adventure." Porl
    Thompson is featured in quite a few of the performances on the DVD."

    (Thanks Rust)



    Oct. 22nd

  • News about today's taping for the Taratata show in Germany: 

  • "The Cure appeared live at the 'Taratata' show playing 'Taking Off' and Boys Don't Cry'. The show will probably be aired on the 11th or 18th
    December on the German broadcasting station SAT.1. The Cure entered the show area already when the showmaster will still into a talk with Ronan Keating, and that was all the time interrupted with cheers and applause for the waiting Cure members, although the fans brought up a maximum of discipline not to spoil the interview; but of course that wasn't easy because 3/4 of the audience were Cure fans. Between the songs Robert was invited for a talk, too. Teh showmaster asked him questions like what he thought about newspaper articles saying every week that he has died. Robert replied that the most ridiculous death he was told to have died was jumping into an empty swimming pool. And that in former times he bet that he could get round a hotel only by climbing from one balcony to another. He admitted to really have done that. "But that was Robert number 1," he smiled, "he probably fell off the balcony."
    And he was asked what he did to make his nephews and nieces draw the pictures on "The Cure", e.g. if he begged or forced them to draw them.
    Robert replied smiling that he has got them in a little dark room at home.
     
    There was a rumor that he might sing "Nothing Compares To You" in a duet together with Dolores O'Riordan, but it remained a rumor. At the end of
    the show, the band appeared on stage for the 'final' together with all the other artists."
     
    (Thanks Christian H.)


    "Sascha, Friend of mine, was at the "Taratat" taping today and told me via Phone Cure played "Taking off" and "Boys don't Cry" there."

    (Thanks to u-a-b-f at Cure Concerts)


    "I got info concerning the cure gig in the "taratata" show. The broadcast is scheduled for December this year. Unfortunately I don't know when, but as soon the TV Show Magazine is out, we will know it.
    It should be something special, then the show (a french one) is famous for the exeptional Live Performance of each Band/Singer."

    (Thanks Reto)



  • The Cure's appearance on the Tim Lovejoy show (on Sky One) has been rescheduled for Oct. 27th. 


  • If you missed Robert filling in for John Peel last night, you can now listen to it at the BBC website and see his playlist. Also, you can listen to the Razor Cuts interview from Oct. 17th at Virgin Radio

  • (Thanks Federica)


  • The Daily Record has a review of 'Taking Off'. 


  • Anybody looking for a National

  • Update: "In response to Dave's 10/22 mail.
     
    Sorry to say that Dave, you mislead us with this red (beautiful though) National "Newport 88 "...
     
    Here is the real thing if you really want to ape Robert Smith : a 1960's National Val Pro black "Glenwood 99". You'll note the price difference
    (these model were National's top-of-the-ladder).
     
    National guitars are pretty difficult to identify, and even if the one shown in the link below is considered by the seller as a "Newport 88", this is something I totally disagree with. But who cares ? This IS the REAL thing !!! Here are the facts :
     
    A good Cure fan should always remember what P. DUBREUILLE - a French luthier who made guitars for Robert and Porl - said about Robert's
    guitars : "if they are not black, he sends them back to the factory...". You may see one of these guitars on the DVD "Making The Cure" : in fact
    it's the one Robert uses on "The Promise". To give you more details and proofs about Robert's black guitars, also remember Robert used a red
    Gretsch "Tennesse Roses" (WMS-era) before choosing Grestsch black "Silver Falcons" (Bloodflowers-era).
     
    As for this National (see link below), I'm quite sure Robert would have a go for this one especially because it's the exact clone of the one he's been using for 15 years (since Disintegration, as far as I remember). You may admire this model on the "Trilogy" DVD, and it will give you a better idea...
     
    Only remaining trouble : I wouldn't write all this if I could buy it (I'd better keep my mouth shut... These are rare bloody models, especially in this perfect shape !). But my banker won't agree this time (At least he was kind when I bought a white one about 10 years ago) !
     
    Sorry to get technical, but these might be useful guidelines, were you interested in getting one of these :
     
    1) Never forget that National Val Pro didn't use trussrods, and that the neck may have warped during the last 40 years... which make them case
    unplayable guitars and surely worth nothing but leaning in a collector's glass cabinet. Be careful if you want to invest and make sure the neck is straight !
     
    2) These guitars' bodies were made of Reso-Glass, not wood. You might be surprised (or even disappointed) if you expect them to sound like a
    usual Fender or Gibson.
     
    3) Never buy a National without it's original case. These case are just as beautiful as the guitar they held... it would be a shame to miss it !
     
    Enjoy the picture !
     
    http://www.gbase.com/gearlist/guitar_picture.asp?guitar=555083"
     
    (Thanks Dave and Lina)


  • 'Taking Off' video on Australian tv: 

  • "Rage (ABC) will be airing the video for 'Taking Off' tonight (22/10) just before midnight - EST."

    (Thanks Zanna)



  • Cure specials on MTV Portugal: 

  • "MTV Portugal will be showing, next Sunday 24th, starting at 2 pm, many Cure specials, including Fanography, All Eyes on The cure, MTV Icon,
    Rockumentary, Making a video and MTV Live."

    (Thanks Claudio)



  • More pre-order links for 3IB: 

  • CD ON - Eur 23.95
    CD Wow (Germany) - Eur 17.99
    CD Wow (UK) - £10.99
    Play (UK)
    £12.99
    Amazon (Canada) - CDN $25.99

    (Thanks Dennis, Jan, Andrea and Iqbal)


  • Cure party in Spain: 

  • "This is IVAN VALLS (aka. spanishcure), as i told you in an old e-mail, our Forum (in spanish), HISPACURE.TK is now the NEW OFFICIAL THE CURE FAN CLUB in SPAIN supported by UNIVERSAL MUSIC SPAIN.

    Next saturday 23th October we'll have a really special THE CURE Party in Valencia (Spain), in a disco Called REPUBLICCA.

    In this party we'll present the new singles and videos TAKING OFF and ALT. END and we'll have a really special contest to win many exclusive
    the cure promotional stuff (t-shirts, cd singles, stickers, posters, etc.).

    The party will start at 0.30 am and we'll have the collaboration of the official spanish DEPECHE MODE FAN CLUB (LOSTMYSELF DM FAN-CLUB), they will present the new DEPECHE MODE REMIXES ALBUM (1981 - 2004), So we'll have a really special THE CURE VS. DEPECHE MODE PARTY !!!

    And one more thing: the people who print this flyer will have FREE ENTRANCE at the disco's door . . . so it's a perfect moment to celebrate
    our new official fan club (hispacure.tk) in a great disco with the best music, gifts and all Totally FREE . . .

    More info: www.hispacure.tk

    and

    www.iespana.es/spanishcure/republicca.htm "

    (Thanks Ivan)



  • Curespotting: 

  • "Robert is quoted on an article today on italian national Newspaper Repubblica about the U2 new album being available on new special edition's Ipod: "Non verremo fuori dalla crisi se non cominceremo a rendere disponili le nostre canzoni via internet a prezzi popolari", ci aveva detto Robert Smith dei Cure alla presentazione del nuovo album della band, appena qualche mese fa. http://www.repubblica.it/2004/j/sezioni/spettacoli_e_cultura/u2ipod/u2ipod/u2ipod.html"

    (Thanks Federica)


    Oct. 21st

  • The Cure recorded their appearance for the Later with Jools Holland show on Oct. 19th. They did 'Taking Off' and 'Boys Don't Cry'. The show will air on BBC2 tomorrow night (Oct. 22nd) at 11:30pm. 

  • Update - They also did 'alt.end'.

    (Thanks Andrew, Chris, Cherry Tree and Stephan)


  • Cure cover: 

  • "Kirk McLeod has done a solo piano and vocal version of "Boys Don't Cry" on his album "So Piano." It's quite a nice reading, and very different
    than the usual pop-punk versions that you come across frequently."

    (Thanks Rust)



  • Curespotting: 

  • "THE A.M. is said to be between the glamour of ROXY MUSIC and the new wave of THE CURE by Les Inrocks, while CLOVER seems to be closer to THE CURE and THE CRANBERRIES for Longueur d'Ondes, two music magazines here in France."

    (Thanks
    Fabien G)

    "Just wanted to let you know that The University of Penn's Philadelphia station 88.5 XPN recently had a list of the Top 885 songs of all time.
    Anyway, The Cure made the list with at least two songs that I know of; at #414 with Pictures Of You and at #203 with Boys Don't Cry."

    (Thanks Andrew)


    "This is interesting. I'm not sure I've ever heard any of the Manics mention The Cure at all before. http://www.manics.co.uk/04/lists/james.php"

    (Thanks Kitti)


    "Found a little write up about Micheal Dempsey in the December 2004 issue of Guitar World's Bass Guitar magazine (with Sid Vicious on the cover).  In an article called "50 Greatest Punk Rock Bass Lines".
     
    "36. "Killing An Arab"
    The Cure
    Bassist:  Micheal Dempsey
    Album:  Boys Don't Cry
     
    Dempsey's bass line makes this song about killing a random stranger seem both catchy and meanacing.  The Cure's first single, "Killing An Arab"
    reveals how the band's yin-yang tendency to swing between gloomy dirges and pop sensibilities were present from the start.  Dempsey left the Cure shortly after completing their first album to join the Associates.  His replacement, Simon Gallup, is still in the band."
     
    (Thanks Amy)


    "I'm a teacher - and the kids watch this kids-news station called Channel 1 - its a closed circuit tv program provided at most public schools.  We watch it during homeroom.
     
    Anyway - they always have music playing throughout the program - and before and after commercials.  They played the intro to alt end leading out to a commercial break!  HA!
     
    I was sitting at my desk grading papers and heard that - and was like - did I just hear that?  Too funny.  Well, they are TRYING to reach the kids....  the kids had no clue of course though."
     
    (Thanks Christina)



  • Not at all Cure related, but I'll never pass up a chance to promote Rilo Kiley. Just saw them last night here in New Orleans, and they were excellent! Jenny Lewis is just the best! Do yourself a favor and go see them if they're playing close to you. Here's their remaining tour dates: 

  • 10.21.04 Houston, TX The Engine Room
    10.22.04 Austin, TX Emo's
    10.23.04 Dallas, TX Good Records (in-store)
    10.23.04 Denton, TX Hailey's
    10.26.04 Tucson, AZ Club Congress
    10.27.04 Phoenix, AZ Rhythm Room
    10.29.04 San Diego, CA Epicentre
    10.30.04 Pomona, CA The Glass House
    10.31.04 Los Angeles, CA The Mayan (Special Halloween show with costume contest)



    Oct. 19th

  • VH1 has posted the 'alt.end' video. And now the Geffen site has it too. 

  • (Thanks killingtime aka Kristy and Lenore)


  • Photo and audio of The Cure & Placebo doing 'If Only Tonight We Could Sleep' at the Canal + 20th anniversary show: 



  • (Thanks to Alf! at the Bionic Forum and Andreas)
     

  • Another new Robert interview: 

  • "Hi.  Just to report on a short interview i caught on sunday, if you haven't had a run-down yet.  This was on UK tv (Channel 4) and was a promo for the new single.  Robert was on his own and looking typically uncomfortable but talked happily enough about the US tour and the bands involved, and the process of creating albums and music with The Cure.
     
    Highlight was the response to the question about hobbies outside of making music (in response to him saying that the mian reason the output of The Cure had slowed over the years was that he had developed a life outside the band).  Astronomy was Robert's big interest and he explained that he had moved out of london 10 years ago in order to get a clearer view of the night sky.  He also lives very close to the famous astronomer-type Patrick Moore and shares the same curry-house (they can squint at each other across the restaurant)!   Quite amusing when the female presenter asked him if he was therefore into star-signs, and Robert pointed out that no, that was astrology..."
     
    (Thanks Rich)


  • The 'Taking Off' single has been delayed until Dec. for Germany: 

  • "Taking off has been pushed back until begin of december (www.thecure.de). No exact release date yet, no reason why :-(

    Also there is an interview with Robert in the german (only interview) magazine "Galore". Nothing new as it happened in May this year. Unfortunately I don´t have a scanner."

    (Thanks Guido)



  • Curespotting: 

  • "Robert was on an MTV2 commercial last night. The screen just read Robert Smith "labels," with him saying: "You see, I'm so anti-label culture. It really is one of the things that drives me around the bend. Clothes have become like a defining thing. Clothes are rubbish. Designers are idiots. I'd rather be dead than wear a designer label. I honestly think that people who wear designer clothes are just fools. They really are. And the whole thing, to encourage people ... looking like everyone else, wearing what everyone else is wearing, is the antithesis to everything that you should aspire to. You should just buy [or try] to be an individual, not to wear the same as everyone else."

    This was on during Subterranean with Interpol as guests (repeated tonight at 1 a.m. CST). Host Jim Shearer asked: You guys did Curiosa this summer, handpicked by Robert Smith. Was it a good time?
    Paul Banks: It was a great time. It really was a lot of fun.
    JS: Did you get to hang out with him at all?
    PB: Yeah, we did, we played poker with him. (Another band member adds, "Poker and blackjack.") 'Cause he taught me how to play poker. (Someone says, "He's a shark!") 2-card draw poker which is like an easier way if you're going to play with 10 people. We had a big card party a couple of occasions.
    JS: So with 10 people, who would all play?
    PB: It was us, some of the guys from Mogwai, him, the manager from The Cure, a few other people. (Someone says, "Michael, his bodyguard.")
    JS to Carlos D: Did you play because I heard you don't gamble?
    C: I watched, I didn't participate. Robert actually did try to get me to play on several occasions. He tried really hard.
    PB: Robert really wanted you to participate.
    C: I was really trying to convey to him just how sad it made me that he was trying to get me to do something that I was staunchly opposed to. Because it's Robert Smith, so I think many people would compromise their morals for Robert Smith, but I wasn't prepared to, but it hurt nonetheless that I wasn't able to do that."

    (Thanks Lenore)

    "According to NME the Cure feature on the cover of a new NME special edition magazine 'Goth'. Apparently in the shops now although I've yet
    to see it. More at http://www.nmeoriginals.com/archive.php?show=1097708400"
     
    (Thanks Ian)



    Oct. 18th

  • Toronto Curiosa show now online: 

  • "The Sympatico high-speed broadcast of the Toronto Curiosa show is up.Try http://speed.sympatico.ca/msn/startcast/music/concerttour/index.html#   It does say 'member exclusive' for Sympatico high-speed customers, I'm not sure if others can hack it or not, but it's certainly interesting for those customers. I'm watching it as I type this, it's streaming at 500k and is very high quality!"

    Update: "You can see the entire show opening this url (http://events.startcast.com/events/10/B0028/code/media/asx.asp?part=13&bitrate=500_v)
    with windows media player. "

    (Thanks Francisco, heather the buzzard and Jen)


  • Report from Olivier Hartmann on The Cure events in Paris: 

  • Two Days with The Cure in Paris
     
    Le Grand Journal
     
    The Cure's visit to Paris started on Thursday 14th with the taping of Le Grand Journal TV show at 2 PM at Canal+ studios.  I couldn't attend but
    got reports from a couple of people and just watched a tape of the show which aired last night.  The show is usually live but this particular one was taped to accommodate the two guests: Robert and 60s/70s French singer Sylvie Vartan.  Robert was wearing a nice black suit that looked very much like the one he wore in the Cut Here video.  Among the usual trivia and recurring questions, the most interesting statement was that "possibly after Christmas" the band would start touring Europe (believe it or not).  And now we know that Robert's favorite French wine is Meursault.  (No pun intended?)  After the show he was as usual very nice and stayed for a long time chatting with fans and signing autographs.
     
    Les 20 ans de Canal+
     
    Canal+ was the very first privately held TV channel to be launched in France on Nov. 4th, 1984.  With the exception of a couple of free daily shows at lunch and dinner time, you need to own a box and pay a monthly fee to watch their programs.  So they refer to their viewers as "subscribers".  To celebrate their 20th anniversary, they had rented out Le Zénith in Paris on Thursday evening and invited 4,000 of their subscribers to a private show with lots of special guests and the entire staff and TV stars that had gone through the station for the past twenty years.  Gates opened at 7 PM sharp.  Those without a ticket had no trouble finding one for a few bucks or even for free.  The audience was seated except for maybe 100 of us standing next to the set (which took up most of the pit).  We had to go through a two-hour(!) documentary on the history of the channel played on five giant screens before the show started at 9 with Placebo.  Among the rest of the performers: Les Rita Mitsouko & Vanessa Paradis, Juliette Greco & Feist, Calogero & Passi, Henri Salvador, Youssou'Ndour & Neneh Cheery, Keziah Jones, Rachid Taha, Saian Supa Crew, Mickey 3D & Jane Birkin and IAM.  They usually played only one song, some of them two, with six duets in all.
     
    The Cure came in a little before 11 and started with Taking Off.  Robert was still wearing his suit and I believe that Roger and Perry were also wearing theirs.  We knew what was coming next because Robert had already mentioned it (off-camera) to the fans at the Grand Journal taping but it
    was still stunning to see Placebo come and join them on stage for a version of If Only Tonight We Could Sleep...  with three guitars, two basses, one keyboard, a drum set and one tambourine!  Robert and Brian Molko started with alternated singing and joined voices for the end of the song.  I'm sure it happened other times but the only time I can remember seeing The Cure playing with another band on stage was with the Cranes in 1992, I think in Liévin, France, when Alison was sick and Robert played her vocal parts with his guitar.  Anyway, the Canal+ show will air on Nov. 4th for subscribers only and there should be a rerun for us non-subscribers sometime around Christmas.
     
    Black Session chez Lenoir (Friday)
     
    Jeez, what a mess!  I knew it would be quite a challenge getting in without an invitation but I never imagined there would be so much adrenalin in the air before the show.  The lucky winners of the France Inter radio station draw had been told to come at 5:30 PM for a show scheduled to start an hour later so I showed up at the Maison de Radio-France at 4 and found about thirty people already there, including one guy that had been there since 10 AM and had started a waiting list he intended to hand over to security once all of the rightful guests had been allowed in.  I dutifully registered.  However, one stern woman clearly in charge of the whole thing repeatedly came outside to tell us that there was no chance whatsoever that anyone not invited would get in the 250-seat studio and please go home now.
     
    Meanwhile, the crowd started gathering very slowly and since rehearsals were not over, although the band had been there since 3:30, the doors
    opened late.  Security let people in only five at a time and checked their names against a list (which started out being incomplete but was rectified later, causing more confusion) based on national ID cards or passports.  One poor guy that had only a social security card (not a photo ID) was rejected and sent home.  I went in just in case I was on the guest list (apparently wasn't but I never knew for sure) and went back in line.  The process took forever and the show had already started even though there still were winners being checked in.  At some point the woman in charge came back outside and asked for the last winners to come in.  Once they had been through, she counted a dozen extra people, including lucky me, and let them in the building, bypassing the lengthy check in and wristband process, and directed them to the studio.
     
    There was more security there, asking those with a backpack to go check them at the cloakroom.  I had one so I had to, while others were getting
    in to the sound of the End of the World.  Just when I came back and was about to enter the studio, the fire department decided that the place was packed enough already and that they would not allow anyone else inside as per safety regulations.  We were eight or nine in that situation, right outside the door, hearing the muffled sound of the band playing.  Someone alerted that same woman and she came over and discussed it with the head of security and then had to apologetically ask us to leave!  One guy lost it then and started yelling that he had an invitation and had just been stalled at the cloakroom and that this was just the most messy thing he had ever seen (nobody denied that) and just stormed out.  The others were politely asked to leave again.  So they did.
     
    I told the woman that I had friends inside and was there anywhere I could stay and wait for them and she motherly told me, as I was the only one left (never ever give in), that I could just wait right there outside the studio door.  After maybe five minutes some girl came out, went to the cloakroom and simply left.  I asked if I could maybe just get in instead, please?  One friendly security guy asked me to wait a while and in the end ushered me in.  I was shocked to see that at least three or four seats were empty.  But I had finally gotten in after missing (only) 30 minutes of a 90 minute show!  I won't complain in any way for myself -how could I?- but what about the folks that were asked to leave when they were right outside the door of the studio?  That's got to be the most heartbreaking thing to ask a fan, especially after having been led to believe that you had gotten in at last.
     
    Well, I entered the studio during Taking Off, settled down and then enjoyed the show with glee.  I had not witnessed the problems with The End of the World (they had to start over three times until they got it right! - Robert's fault, he said himself) but the rest of the show seemed pretty tight to me, with a great rendition of Primary.  The studio was shaped like a small college indoor square amphitheater (if that makes any sense) which you entered at the top of very steep stairs.  I was told that right before the beginning of the show, Robert had climbed those stairs up from the stage while people were still getting in late and just surveyed the whole place from the top while bewildered fans passed him by on their way down, wondering whether this was a very well-done clone or the real thing.  He looked amused, smiled, and got back down to start playing.
     
    Here's the full setlist:
     
    Plainsong, High, A Night Like This, The End of the World (started three times), Charlotte Sometimes, Lovesong, Taking Off, Primary, Jupiter Crash, Us or Them, Closedown, Before Three, From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea, A Strange Day, alt.end, Disintegration
     
    Encore 1: (not played) M, Play for Today, A Forest
    Encore 2: (played) If Only Tonight We Could Sleep..., The Kiss
    Encore 3: (not played) Going Nowhere
     
    The show was 1 hour and 30 minutes.
     
    And I must add that The Kiss was simply brilliant.
     
    (Thanks Olivier)

     

  • And another review from the Le Grand Journal taping:

  • "My friend and I went to Canal + Studios with a friend of us to see Robert. Here is my testimony :

    Robert was absolutely GREAT  and on top form  !!!!!!!!!!!!! He wore an EXCELLENT BRIGHT BEAUTIFUL make up and his hair was like it was in the best days of The Cure carreer, like in 1991/1992. He was really slim, much more than in the 2004 pictures, he actually looked like he was in his best days. He even seemed younger than he used to be since 2000 !!!!!!

    I was really STUCK IN ADMIRATION (“just like the old days”). He was very vivacious, very funny. It was quite a delight to see and hear him
    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He was really cute !

    The emcee asked him what he thought about fashion. Robert answered that he wasn’t really into it, and that he would be more probably the opposite. He told “Look, i’m wearing the same old clothes i wear since 20 years  ...”

    The emcee tried to trap him saying The Cure brought a new fashion, its own. And that Curefans looks like him. Robert old “It depends on what you are meaning by “fashion”. I’ against stylist’s fashion. I think you’ve got to make your own style, to be original.”

    Later the emcee tried to provocate Robert, saying “ We will now see what will b fashion for the next summer, won’t we Robert ?”

    I booed with some others, the emcee.

    The emcee asked Robert why he said many times “this is the last album we’ll make” in inerviews for years. Robert answered he wants to think this is the one. He wants everybody in the group think it is too. As he don’t want people to consider one album as the one before the next. He wants veryone to consider a Cure album for what it is, not as a serial making.

    He added “This album is the best today. I hope the next will be good too”

    Aside by that he didn’t talk at all about the next album. Maybe she’s right, but i didn’t hear what Muriel heard, about Robert talking about waiting some more for the next album.

    Robert told about the tour. He told The Cure have made a US tour last summer and that they will probably make a european tour wth some dates
    in France but not before the 1st of january.

    When the broadcast programme was over, we all ran to Robert. I asked him an autograph and I told him “Robert ... I wanted to say that I completely agree with what you told about fashions” .

    He answered me “Thank you. It’s great ! But that’s something very dificult to say in Paris”

    (meaning Paris is one of the fashion cities)

    Robert was very calm. He took the time to talk with everyone, to listen to everyone. He was really WONDERFUL !!!!!!!!!

    The broadcast programme was really HORRIBLE !!! What Muriel told was true : Robert seemed to be really bored in it. He talked a few with
    Sylvie Vartan to kill the time, but they realy were from different worlds.

    The broadcast programme had very horrible and sexist humour. Really misogynist. When arrived la “minute Blonde” one of the most mysognist
    and stupide sequence i’ve ever saw in my life, many people booed it very strongly (my friend Noreleïs and I were two of them).  This kind of  bradcast programmes are really a shame for us all !

    I always knew TV was a piece of shit, and that Canal +  was more rotten than any other channels (althought each is realy dreadful ! ), i always had a very bad opinion about this false left channel, this overdesigned channel, marketing channel, falsy hype, completely conservative and reactionnary under a false appearance of avant-garde. All fake. I’ve had one more proof when i went there yesterday in  Le “Grand” Journal.

    I really understand why Robert hates to make TV appearances.
     
    (Thanks to Annydrin (Nico) from the Falling Angels Curezine)



  • New Robert interview in the Independent

  • (Thanks Lenore)


  • Robert now says he wants to do the solo album before another Cure album: 

  • "Saw this on Teletext today, and it has a few interesting things in it, so I typed it up.

    Taking off again by John Earls ('Planet Sound', Teletext p353, Oct 16th 2004)

    "It's a British-centric view to say we've had a grand comeback. We've never stopped doing the European festivals. I have to remind myself when I talk to British writers it's 'comeback time'"

    Thanks to the intense, joyous self titled new album and their Curiosa tour of the US with the likes of Muse and Interpol, The Cure are fashionable again, Not that they ever went away. Robert Smith tells Planet Sound of children, dreams and his terrible memory...

    2/8

    PS: You said after the Trilogy live DVD last year that there was no more Cure.

    RS: "The DVD was 25 years after we formed, and it felt like a good full stop. I didn't take into account how I'd feel about the band six months later.
    I began to have ideas for a new album. At the same time, friends were whispering in my ear that a lot of new bands were saying they loved us. Our producer, Ross Robinson, kept telling me I'd be mad not to build on all that love we'd suddenly been getting".

    3/8

    PS: Why did the album end up simply being called The Cure?

    RS: "Because, if you haven't heard a Cure album before, I wanted this to be the one you could start with. It's got the poppier songs, it's got intensity, it's the ideal introduction to what we do.
    It's the quickest we've ever made an album. I know all bands say this, but it was the most fun we've ever had in the studio. Was I worried it was going too easily? You're bloody joking, I'm making the most of it!"

    4/8

    PS: How did your nieces and nephews come to do the album and single artwork?

    RS: "I asked them to do a drawing, of a bad or good dream. The drawings were all over our studio. I thought 'Why bother with designers? These are perfect.'
    'When kids draw, there's no concept of cool or that they're making art. I try to get that immediacy in our music. Oddly, the figure who cropped up most in their drawings was Lol Tolhurst, my brother-in-law. I don't quite know what to make of that."

    5/8

    PS: Why ask your nieces and nephews to draw dreams? Are dreams important to you?

    RS: "Three years ago, I tried to finish some short stories for a book I'm writing, and I got interested in lucid dreaming. I felt I was cheating my subconscious, so I stopped. I've had recurring bad dreams for years, which go back to when I was I'll with measles as a boy. My parents thought I might die. One of them is, I wake up, only I'm not really awake - a cheesy horror film dream. I actually enjoy it when I dream it now."

    6/8

    PS: The immediacy you feel in your music - does that apply when you're onstage?

    RS: "Absolutely. I lost in what I'm singing, so I often forget anyone else is there. I'll finish a song, and suddenly remember I'm in front of a crowd - 'Why are you lot there?'
    I despise any band who use lyric sheets on stage, it's as bad as miming. How can they ever feel any passion doing that? I usually have a bad memory, but I remember lyrics. A large part of my brain has nothing but The Cure in it."

    7/8

    PS: Have Cure fans changed much since Three Imaginary Boys in 1979?

    RS: "I don't think so. Cure fans tend to be quiet, gentle people, very passionate about music. Good people, you know? As for bands who say they like us, I usually like those too, particularly ones who namechecked us when it wasn't so fashionable to do so. I think that's natural. If they've picked up on us, they have to be pretty hopeless to take an aspect of our character and end up the antithesis of what we're about."

    8/8

    PS: What's next? Another Cure album?

    RS: "I want to finish my solo album first. I started it in 1998. I wanted to be free to use or not use any instruments - if I don't have any bass on a song, Simon will be very bored in the studio.
    It might be totally instrumental. It started out as fairly regular songs, but now I think thay sound better without any words. And, yes, I know my voice is my trademark. I'd like it to be instrumental, but to have a lyric sheet so fans can sing along anyway!"


    (Thanks Tom)


  • Toronto Curiosa show now online: 

  • "The Sympatico high-speed broadcast of the Toronto Curiosa show is up.Try http://speed.sympatico.ca/msn/startcast/music/concerttour/index.html# and try http://memberservices.sympatico.ca/cgi-bin/hts.exe?Hit:x=25916&y=899&z=154983843.  It does say 'member exclusive' for Sympatico high-speed customers, I'm not sure if others can hack it or not, but it's certainly interesting for those customers. I'm watching it as I type this, it's streaming at 500k and is very high quality!"

    (Thanks heather the buzzard and Jen)



  • The Mirror has a short review of 'Taking Off'. 

  • (Thanks Lenore)


  • Cure Wish Tour Jacket on Ebay

  • (Thanks Ange)


  • Cure covers: 

  • "There is a cover of "The Drowning Man" on Unwoman's CD, "Knowledge Scars." It's a very strange, haunting reading of the song with piano and
    electronica."

    (Thanks Rust)

    "Taken from www.psyche-hq.de

    Look out also for Psyche's cover version of The Cure's "Faith" on Equinoxe Records."

    (Thanks Dennis)



  • Curespotting: 
  • Village Voice

    http://www.villagevoice.com/issues/0441/wood.php


    Nü Romantiques from Nü York resuscitate fading sounds of life by goosing grooves slow

    (Thanks Tempest)



    Oct. 15th

  • Setlist from the Black Session tonight in Paris: 

  • Plainsong, High, A Night like this, End of the world, Charlotte Sometimes, Lovesong, Taking Off, Primary, Jupiter Crash, Us or Them, Closedown, Before Three, From the edge of the deep green sea, A Strange Day, alt.end, Disintegration

    Encore : If only tonight we could sleep, The kiss

    (Thanks Phil)


  • A report from last night's Canal + 20th anniversary concert in Paris: 

  • "Well, here's the "setlist": Taking Off and If Only Tonight We Could Sleep...

    The interesting thing is that they played If Only Tonight We Could Sleep...not only as a duet with Robert and Brian Molko singing but with both bands
    on stage: The Cure and Placebo (8 musicians)!"

    (Thanks Olivier)



  • And a report from yesterday's taping for "Le Grand Journal", which will be broadcast tonight: 

  • "I just came back from the recording of the show "Le grand journal" in Paris which will be broadcasted on Canal Plus Friday evening (7 pm,
    Paris time, I think).
    Robert was the main guest with Sylvie Vartan (an old french pop star, who had her glorious moments in the 60s and the 70s ;-)). Quite a strange reunion !
    There were a few awkward moments... But Robert and Sylvie seemed to get along, they chatted during ad breaks ;-)
    And some funny moments with Cure fans in the audience too. Robert miming "shush" in a funny way to some fans waving at him was one of them.
    But most of the time, you could see that Robert was not feeling very confortable with this kind of talk-show.  Anyway, he didn't talk much, the questions were the same old ones, pretty stupid, like "you said several times that The Cure was over, blablah"... "Are you a dictator, etc".
    Nothing really new. About the european tour ? maybe after Christmas. New album soon ? Robert says that he has the "desire" and the "ambition"
    to do it. But it's gonna wait a little while, because "The Cure" is by far the best that they've ever done."

    (Thanks Muriel)



  • Another media appearance for the band: 

  • Oct. 22nd

    "The Cure will be on Later ... with Jules Holland (BBC2) next Friday, the 22nd at 11:30pm. More info at www.bbc.co.uk/later/."

    (Thanks Stephan and Nathan)


  • Looks like the Oct. 19th XFM session will just be a replay of the session from Sept. 29th: 

  • "Just found out that the Claire Sturgess show is going to repeat the live sessions (part of it) that the Cure did at Xfm a couple of weeks ago.
    They are not actually going to be in studio that night."
     
    (Thanks Fede)




    Oct. 14th

  • A report on the Tim Lovejoy show in the UK last night: 

  • "Just watched tim lovejoy and he said the cure were supposed to be playing tonight but could not get back from paris in time. they did have an "interview" with robert but it was more a comedy sketch as robert did not say a word and had to listen to the guy go on and on"
     
    (Thanks John)



  • A couple of impressions/reviews of the 'alt.end' single: 

  • "I just wanted to comment on the alt.end single. i think the b-sides, as always, are brilliant. however, i think that "your god is fear" is exceptional. despite the fact that the subject is ambiguous, the song is absolutely beautiful. one of my favorites from this album."

    (Thanks Chad)

    "I found the alt.end single at Rasputin Music next to UC Berkeley (Berkeley, CA).

    The new alt.end version shaves 90 seconds off the original song. You might not notice if you listen without paying attention but there is a lot of stuff taken out. I wonder if this will get radio play.

    I didn’t think it would, but Why Can’t I Be Me? Actually does sound like Why Can’t I Be You? Except slower, but around the middle of the song it
    seems to have a more unique feel. It starts off sounding pretty similar to the latter but slower, and Robert even does some “doo doo doo doo” and it’s a great song.

    Your God is Fear is beautiful and makes me wish these B-sides were on the main album. Pretty good stuff.

    I was hoping for some 7-minute pieces but the two B-sides were only around 4-5 minutes.

    Also, the alt.end single’s cover sleeve is nonexistent, just a sheet of paper for the front cover and pure white behind it. It would have been nice to have the lyrics. Maybe the Taking Off single will have it."

    (Thanks Nik D)

    "Just dropping a note letting you know that I was able to buy Alt.End at Tower Records on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, CA.
     
    A couple of notes.. there are none for one.. hehe.. no lyrics included this time around.  The insert has no info on the inside.  The actual CD is color printed with the CD art.. pretty..(I love the cover art)
     
    As for the Bsides, single remix.. I cant tell much difference in the single version of Alt.End.  Running Time 3:00
     
    I havent had too longt to listen to the b sides, so I wont get too in depth.   They are both slow, mid tempo songs.  This surprised me, as I expected Why Cant I Be Me to be a peppy upbeat continuation of Why Cant I Be Me... its more like the Antithesis of Why Cant I Be Me..   Its a strange listen as the chorus is the familiar Why ...Cant... I .. Be..  over a slow drum beat, and great, soaring guitar.  It switches from Why Cant I be Me to Why Cant I Believe.  The song is growing on me..  Running time 4:15
     
    Your God is Fear is a solid song.. I swear though, one of the guitar/bass lines sounds lifted right off of 'Where the Birds Always Sing'  ...so I guess if it could call into a category of Cure history.. Bloodflowers would have to be it.  Impassioned vocals abound.. I really like this song alot.. but theguitar/six string bass.. (which ever it is) that is all too familiar is a bit distracting b/c it is just a bit too close to 'birds' Running time 5:05
     
    The b sides seem a better match to Alt.End than to Taking Off... since they are on the darker side I think..  I dont know why.. anyway...
     
    Any day I get two new Cure songs, is a good day! ... so now I want to see the video!!"


    (Thanks Trent)


  • Lyrics for 'Why Can't I Be Me?' : 

  • I try so hard to be just for you
    Careful what I want to know and what I do
    Make my second nature all you ever see
    You're sure it's the only way to be
    Never go too far or ever stay too late
    Worry what I think about and what I say
    Make this second nature all I ever show
    You're sure it's the only one to know
    You're sure it's the only way to go

    But why?
    Can't I...
    Why?
    Can't I...
    Believe
    Believe
    Why can't I believe?

    I don't want to break it down with you
    When and if I ever did is never who
    Take my second nature all you ever need
    You're sure it's the only way to feel
    Always running back before I really should
    Thin-lipped sorry every time to make it good
    Take this second nature all I ever play
    You're sure it's the only one to stay
    You're sure it's the only way

    But why?
    Can't I...
    Why?
    Can't I...
    Why Can't I...
    Why Can't I...
    Why? Why? Why...
    Can't I be me?


    <whispered> Simply inelegant

    (Thanks to Simon, Elizabeth, Ingmar and Zach for help with them)


  • And the lyrics for 'Your God Is Fear'. Anyone else hear a bit of  'Where The Birds Always Sing' in there? I love this song! Just more proof that 'The Cure' could have been an excellent album: 

  • Your God is fear
    That all you are
    Is all there is
    Your God is fear
    There's nothing more
    Than all of this
    Your God is fear
    Of been and gone
    In the blink of an eye

    Fear of ever breathing
    Fear of ever leaving
    Fear of ever changing
    Forever, for now
    Your God is fear
    Your God is fear
    Your God is fear

    Your God is fear
    That all you are
    Is all there is
    Your God is fear
    Of nothing more
    Than all of this
    Your God is fear
    Of been and gone
    In the blink of an eye

    Fear of ever chosing it
    Fear of ever losing it
    Fear of ever playing(?)
    Forever, for now
    Your God is fear
    Your God is fear
    Your God is fear

    Just for a moment
    Feel it inside
    Feel it a lie
    Feel your desire
    Feel it catch fire
    Feel it inspire
    Oh know all you are
    Is all there is
    Nothing ever more
    Than any of this
    Open your mind
    Step out of time
    Let yourself die

    And your God is
    Your God is
    Your God




    Oct. 12th

  • The all-out media assault continues. This time on radio: 

  • Oct. 17th

    "Robert is going to be tallking to Virgin Radio on the Razor Cuts program on Sunday night."

    Oct. 19th

    "The Cure Live in Session for Xfm
    X-Posure Presented by Claire Sturgess and new music guru John Kennedy, X-Posure is Xfm's showcase for all that's cutting edge. The show covers the best singles, live cuts and album tracks that the alternative underground has to offer.
    Monday - Thursday 21:00-23:00 + 23:00-01:00
    Coming Up: The Cure, 19 Oct
    For the full story, go to: http://www.xfm.co.uk/Article.asp?id=5358"


    (Thanks AHiorns and Nina)


  • Some press articles about the 3IB remastered cd: 

  • NME
    Pitchfork


    (Thanks Ange and Maciek)


  • Another pre-order link for 3IB: 

  • CD Box (Italy) - EUR 31.20

    (Thanks Max)



    Oct. 11th

  • More upcoming TV/Radio appearances: 

  • Oct. 13th

    "Just a quick note to let you know that the Cure are scheduled to appear on the Tim Lovejoy show on Sky one in the UK, Wednesday at ten."
     
    (Thanks Deathlessspell)



    Oct. 15th

    "Robert Smith will be a guest of "Le Grand Journal" on Canal +, on the 15th of October, but the program will be recorded the day before at 2pm (French time). You may get invitations by calling 01 41 11 33 33
    See the following link for information: http://www.canalplus.fr/emissions/grandjournal/index.html"

    (Thanks Sylvia and O.L.I.V.)


    Oct. 22nd

    "Just a short note for all german fans who live in the cologne area. The Cure will perform live in a new german TV show called TARATATA on channel SAT1 on friday 22.10.2004. The show will be recorded in Koln/Hurth and tickets cost 15 euros plus 2 Euros fee and are available here http://tvtickets.de/termine.php?show=Tarata or via telephone 0049 2233 96346432. tickets are limited to 4 per person.

    (Thanks Jorg)



    Nov. 8th

    "The Cure's Sessions@AOL from earlier this year will be broadcast on FUSE tv on Nov. 8th at 7pm."

    (Thanks Jim and Lenore)



  • Billboard has a story about the 3IB remastered cd. 

  • (Thanks Tempest)


  • More pre-order links for 3IB: 

  • Amazon (US) $24.98

    Barnes & Noble $15.18

    Media Play $24.98

    Sam Goody $24.98

    Circuit City $24.99

    Best Buy $24.99

    (Thanks Natalie)



  • Cure cover: 

  • "I am a huge fan and although I am not a Cure Tribute band, I did cover Just Like Heaven on my new album. So far, the Cure fans like it, so that makes me happy.  I'm trying to get it out there so if you like it, maybe you could help spread the word on your site!  Here's a link to one place where you can hear it for free: http://www.myspace.com/charlottesummer"
     
    (Thanks Charlotte)


  • Curespotting: 

  • "FTV Latin America (cable) will broadcast a program called 'One Day With...' ("With...PutaSuperModel'snamehere") as they do every day.
     
    The curiosa stuff here is that the model they choose went with a cure shirt to the 'Coca Cola Live' show in Milano, Italy (2004.06.23 -  COCA COLA
    LIVE MTV Piazza del Cannone, Milano, Italy) with a camera to register that special part of her day. The program will be aired the 10.17.2004, 21 hs (Argentina, GTM-3).
     
    (Thanks to Javier and Beto)



    Oct. 8th

  • Robert interview on OuiFM tonight: 

  • "Robert Smith interview this evening in France on OuiFM radio station between 8pm and 11pm...This interview seems to be a recording from the last MTV Icon show in London..."

    (Thanks Bill)



  • MTV specials on MTV Italy: 

  • "The two specials "fanography" and "all eyes on" will be aired also on  MTV Italy. Respectively:
    Fanography: Sunday 10/10 at 22:30
    All eyes on: Monday 11/10 at 23:30 (and Wednesday 13/10 at 01:00 am)"
     
    (Thanks Pietro)

    "...15th October 2004 on MTV BRAND:NEW ITALY (Sky channel 706) 'Making of the video for TAKING OFF'  21h 00 (to be repeated on 17th Oct at 17h).."
     
    (Thanks Marcello)



  • 'Taking off' review from Music Week (Oct. 9th), and mention of a UK tour(???): 

  • The Cure
    Taking Off (Fiction 9864491)
    After a remarkable year that has seen the goth veterans receive more critical praise than in their heyday, Robert Smith and gang release the second single from their current album. Although not likely to be huge radio hit, excitement around the band's UK tour is sure to get their fanbase motivated to ensure a strong first-week sales tally.


    (Thanks Lenore)


  • Some pre-order links for the 3IB remastered cd: 

  • HMV  £19.99
    Amazon (UK) £14.99
    Amazon (France) EUR 19.93
    Amazon (Germany) EUR 28.99

    (Thanks Dennis)


  • NME has the full list of nominees for the MTV Europe Music Awards. The Cure will be up against Jay-Z, Outkast, The Streets and The White Stripes for Best Video. 

  • (Thanks Steven)


  • Curespotting: 

  • "From a business story, "Many artists singing out against threat of litigation," in The Financial Times of London here-- http://news.ft.com/cms/s/3d662db6-18c6-11d9-8963-00000e2511c8.html, there's this:

    But Robert Smith, lead singer of The Cure, said last week: "The internet is the means of distribution everyone's been dreaming of and it's been turned into this horrible war between a few majors that are threatening individuals with lawsuits and putting the fear of God into everyone else."


    (Thanks Lenore)


    Oct. 7th

  • More info on the Oct. 15th Black Session in Paris: 

  • "The french radio "France Inter" organise a "Black session" special The Cure on friday 15th october - Paris - Maison de Radio France - 18H30
    (and a few days later the show will be played on the radio). Inscriptions by e-mail. More details here :
    http://www.radiofrance.fr/chaines/france-inter01/emissions/lenoir/invitsbs_cure.php"


    Update: "Do not use the link given by Mygghal. France Inter will not open the contest until monday 10/11. It's useless to send any application before monday 9 o'clock (GMT+1). Bernard Lenoir said that every earlier application would be void. Good luck, though. I guess their E-mail box is gonna burst next monday !!!"
     
    (Thanks Myghaal and Lina)


  • 3IB remater delayed again? 

  • "Rhino/WSM told us (The Ideal Copy) today that their release of the Three Imaginary Boys reissue will be December 7th."

    Update: "I was able to confirm the delay. The US Version will be out on December 7th.  IdealCopy.com is offering a FREE PROMO POSTER to the first 100 customers who preorder the US version. 

    http://idealcopy.american-data.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=IC&Product_Code=MU-CURE-THREE-02

    We don't have details yet on the poster except that it's a Cure Three Imaginary Boys Deluxe Edition promo poster that's only available in the
    United States. The cover art/packaging will vary slightly from the UK version, since Rhino/Warner Brothers is releasing this in the US, and Universal is releasing it worldwide.

    The European Version will be out a week earlier, but with import shipping time, it doesn't mean people will receive it a week earlier, probably a day
    or two earlier at the most.   That version is also now available for pre-order (without promo poster).

    http://idealcopy.american-data.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=IC&Product_Code=MU-CURE-THREE-03"


    (Thanks Chris)


  • Another article from Mexico. This time from Provincia (see the scan here): 

  • LET WOMEN RULE!

    Mexico.- “Let women rule and may there be no religions”, said Smith who in 1979 started his carreer writing existentialist lyrics and who to date is how he is, with the ornament of messed up hair, red lipstick, eyeliner and pale skin, that turn him into the image of melancholy dissolved in romanticism.

    His name is Robert Smith and he is the singer for a band called The Cure, that will play for the first time in mexico city today, ever since the english band started in that same year with the album “three imaginary boys”, in a show that has reinvented concert history in Mexico.

    And in a press conference five hours before performing their most recent production “The cure”, Smith offered a 10 minute chat that was originally planned for 30, where he talked about despair for the current global situation, ruled out marijuana as a drug, and awaked desires saying there might be a song that mentions Mexico in the future.

    “Time will tell if the song should be sad or happy”, said Smith who´s look got lost as he listened to the questions in spanish as if he understood the language or like deep down he was really thinking of something else, in something he forgot.

    And a surprised and shy Smith who answered 13 questions of all different subjects, who has the cuality of answering a question when
    already two or more have been made, and who none the less hides someone intelligent.

    -Give us three reasons to buy your album when the economic situation in mexico isn´t the best.

    “I don´t understand. I can give you more reasons to listen to the album, but not to buy it. What you want to know is why albums are so expensive in Mexico and I can´t answer that; and I would ask you: Why does anybody need to buy albums?”.

    Being a legend? He doesn´t really care and all he would leave behind for future generations would be albums and songs, and maybe “keep on doing things his own way”.

    From a strong body even though a bit overweighted, he talked about his good physical conservation over the years, he said it was sad to see those who stay behind with the same things and consuming the same stuff: “but I tell you, marijuana isn´t a drug”.

    Then came the talk about despair, the answer of a guy influenced by Albert Camus.

    “I don´t feel strange in my country but in the world. Everything has turned fundamentalist, there's no dialogue, either your with me or against me, and the world isn´t like that; we should all go back to living in the woods. There is no reason for voting, in the end cockroaches will rule”.

    “This situation has been going on for thousands of years, the only hope we have is that religions no longer exist and for women to rule... that year we would all be saying, what a wonderfull year we had!”.

    -PROVINCIA NEWSPAPER SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 5TH 2004.

    SUBMITTED AND TRANSLATED BY CONRADO.

    (Thanks Conrado)
     


    Oct. 6th

  • The BBC Radio 1 website has posted yesterday's interview and live session, along with some photos. 

  • (Thanks Lenore)


  • MTV Nordic aired the Icon show last night, and here's a review: 

  • "MTV Icon was aired yesterday night on MTV Nordic. If one takes TV ads out, the show was about 40 min. long. I saw the show they dedicated to Aerosmith and Metallica and at that time I thought it was interesting, even though I am not a big fan of these two bands. Maybe it’s because I’m so much more into The Cure, but I think that this time the show was boring. They didn’t say almost anything about the history of the band and the development of their music, they were much more interested in saying how Robert gets his hair done and why fans dress like he does. All the groups saying how they were inspired by The Cure sounded fake and so did Marilyn Manson. The performances were quite heavy but nice, the best was the one by the Deftones. The best part of the show? 10:15 played by Robert & co.!!! Well, in the end I am happy. I never thought or hoped that The Cure would fit into MTV’s commercial frame and they didn’t."

    (Thanks Mauro)


  • Some info on the upcoming Oct. 15th Black Session in Paris: 

  • "I am writing for a webzine called in-scene. here is a short version of the news I posted there :
    http://www.in-scene.com/newstotalnews.php3?id=1045

    I phoned the label in France today to know where the Black Session of October 15th would be.

    The guy said it will be, as usual, in a studio in Radio France. This means that the attendance will be around 300 people, may be more if it takes place
    in the large studio but this didn't happened since 1998. For your information, Interpol did a Black Session in a regular venue 2 weeks ago, so many people here were hoping The Cure would play outside Radio France.

    This also means that the show should last one hour, may be a little more as bands often play an encore after the live airing is done.

    Tickets are never sold for Black sessions, you have to register on the France Inter web site, the registration page is not online yet. "

    (Thanks Jean-Christophe Gé)



  • One ticket for the Oct. 14th Canal+ show on ebay

  • (Thanks Olivier)


  • The Cure are nominated for Best Video: 

  • "The Cure have been nominated for BEST VIDEO for the MTV EUROPE MUSIC AWARDS which will take place in Rome on 18th november 2004. Visit www.mtv.it and vote for The Cure!"

    (Thanks Roberta and Rolf)



  • Win an UltraCure guitar from Revolver magazine. 

  • (Thanks Johanna)




    Oct. 5th

  • Don't forget that The Cure are on the Zane Lowe show on BBC Radio One today, sometime between 7pm-9pm (BST).  

  • Update: They did live versions of 'TEOTW', 'Taking Off' and 'Boys Don't Cry'. When asked about future plans, Robert again mentioned a break between now and Christmas, possibly doing a UK show this year, but more likely after Christmas.




    Oct. 4th

  • The lineup for the Nov. 19th Europe 2 show in Lyon will be The Cure, Franz Ferdinand, Keane, No One Is Innocent, De Palmas, and Sinsemilia. Here's some more info on the show: 

  • "i've just phoned this morning "garances productions " to knwow exactly how long will be each show for the 19 th november in lyon.it seems ,that
    they will not have the answer before the end of the week.they confirm that for the moment , they can't say that the cure will play only 30 minutes.
    we have to wait ...."

    "The show in Lyon is a "Radio and TV show". The show will be broadcasted live on the French radio Europe 2 and on the French channel MCM. This is the 3rd edition in less than 1 year (Placebo, Ben Harper, etc. played on previous editions) and the first ones were sold out!
    In the previous editions there were 2 stages (one in front of the other) and it seems that the crowd was also divided in 2 parts!!!! The most amazing thing is that the radio which organize the show has NEVER played the new singles from The cure!!!!!!!!"


    (Thanks Chris, Nico and Olivier)



  • Icon weekend on MTV Nordic: 

  • "Looks like the show will now be aired this coming weekend (OCT. 9th and 10th) on MTV Nordic as part of the MTV ICON Weekend feat. The Cure. There will be two showings on Saturday and two on Sunday and they will also be showing a "Cure Videography". www.mtve.com"

    (Thanks Steven)



  • Fans in the UK will have to wait until Halloween for Icon and Fanography: 

  • Fanography 
    P: 31/10 @ 20:30 = 4 BB MTV UK
    R: 02/11 @ 09:30 = 4 BB MTV UK
    R: 06/11 @ 07:30 = 4 BB MTV UK
    R: 31/10 @ 2300 = 4 BB  MTV2  
    R: 03/11 @ 00:00 = 4 BB MTV2  
                  
    All Eyes on the Cure          
    P: 31/10 @ 2000 = 4 BB  MTV UK
    R: 02/11 @ 0900 = 4 BB  MTV UK
    R: 06/11 @ 0700 = 4 BB  MTV UK
    R: 31/10 @ 23:30 = 4 BB MTV2  
    R: 03/10 @ 00:30 = 4 BB MTV2  
                  
    MTV Icon Main Show            
    P: 31/10 @ 2100 = 6 BB  MTV UK
    R: 31/10 @ 2200 = 6 BB  MTV2  
    R: 03/11 @ 2300 = 6 BB  MTV2  
    R: 06/11 @ 2200 = 6 BB  MTV2  
    R: 15/11 @ 0100 = 6 BB  MTV UK


    (Thanks Chris)


  • New interview from Mexico (see the scan here): 

  • THE BEST OF TOP MAGAZZINE

    Robert Smith´s "top's”

    By Juan Carlos Garcia
     
                He does not beleive in life after death, his maximum drug is the adrenaline of living life intensely and beleives, aside from any religious preference, in faith for those who surround him and in the well intended human being.

                Robert Smith, age 45, radical, direct and doesn´t accept things half done.

                The Cure´s leader, one of the most representative glam goth and alternative rock bands, is like a magnet who won´t allow rejection from those near him and sucks them in, casts a spell on them, or repels them if they´re similar.

                Sitting on a couch in his Palm Beach dressing room, where the bands U.S tour kicks off, the Blackpool England musician talks about his life´s “top´s”.

                From religion and spiritual life to his eternal romance with wife Mary, Smith chats with a friendly mood, far from the untouchable image his fans and detractors have given him.

                An icon for many, the singer/author reflects, but for others a perfect stranger or just another mortal.

                “I think one of the most recent surprises, which I´ll never forget, is that I´ve seen young 18 to 25 year olds that are not from generations who followed The Cure in the 80´s with discs like Three imaginary boys or pornography.

                “That feeds the band´s ego and motivates it not to stay behind seeing that we´ve gone beyond generations and people our age are still with us, but new people have joined in, that´s just wonderfull! It has made me retake my surprise capacity, my passion for music”, says the artist.

                Today one of his priorities is to continue with the live presentation of the self titled album from the band he forms with Perry Bamonte, Jason Cooper, Roger O´Donnell and Simon Gallup, and where songs like “labyrinth”, “lost”, “the promise” and “us or them” stand out.

                He´s excited with our chat that has nothing to do with gossip, like one who hates show business, who dislikes today´s music and Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera. He´d rather portray his own self with phrases and definitions and aproach fans with his own reflections.

                “The Cure refers to a cure of the unthinkable, to cure the spirit, to alleviate. If I had to think of a cure for the world, on a social level, I think I would implore for a cure against cancer. I know diseases like aids exist, however, cancer was here first and that is how nature would dictate it”, he comments.

                Smith has still an incomparable image that includes messed up hair, polished nails and neatly colored lips with an intense red color. He does not lose composure even though it is really hot and noisy, none the less, staff inturuptions.

                He wont mention brands for the products he uses because he dislikes giving them free publicity, but the altarpiece nearby gives him away: there´s a white tube with a “black & white” logo, the hair gel he uses, and a couple of “viva la glam!” lipsticks from MAC.

                Even though that, he stresses, is triviality.

                He´d rather focus the chat on his “top” thoughts. This is the maximum for Robert Smith.

    >>LIFE AND DEATH

    “I dont beleive in life after death. What we live is our own heaven and hell. I dont see much more past a coffin. I doubt in the existance past this, I think this is how we are and we stay, we dont go anywhere else. Here we suffer and are happy.”   

    >>MUSIC

    “I still like Mogwai. Im fascinated by this band, their sound, their indie rock work that combines alternative with classical elements, it makes me enter trance. I think it is a modern day band with a well elaborated proposal marked with an idea. Stuart Braithewait (vocalist) is like a sound sorcerer”.   

    >>GUILTY PLEASURE

    “I felt so happy in Eurodisney I couldn´t beleive it, how bizzare! Isn´t it?, grown ups forget we have to be kids every now and then and not to take things so seriously”.

    >>IDOL

    “Without a doubt, David Bowie, I´ve been fascinated by his music and image ever since he started. He´s a guy to watch out for, because he´ll hook you up and wont let go. Through time I´ve discovered his music is very important in my own growth, it proposes, its creative, inovative, he has a well planned image, he´s a showman, does everything like a big star.. I like many artists but he´s the maximum”.

    >>WOMEN

    “My wife Mary. I love her, I adore her. I met her when I was 14 and we took a long time in coming together, giving us that chance, she´s my Cindy Crawford”

    >>DRUGS

    “The adrenaline of living...others are past now. My maximum drug is life, feeling the pleasure of perceptiveness”.

    >>RELIGION   

    “Im a man of faith in life, not in a beleif. Church is conformed of people and we all make mistakes. I think having faith is much more important than beleiving, faith is mistake proof. You lose credibility in two seconds, with a mistake you made without thinking, a few may forgive you.. with faith you can still trust and beleive”.

    >>PHOBIAS

    “More than phobias there fears. I´ve always been afraid of airplanes, flying isn´t my thing. Ive come to terms with it, but airplanes definitely have all my respect and the less I use them the better. Maybe its an irrational fear, If we look at statistics, there aren´t as many plane accidents as train wrecks, but it is possibly psychological, what am I going to do ?”.

    >>PERSONAL ACHEIVEMENT

    “Accepting myself for who I am not for what others wanted me to be”.

    >>SPORTS

    “I don´t practice it but soccer is everything, its a pleasure of gods”.

    - Translated and submitted by Conrado. Reforma Newspaper Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico. August 2004.


    (Thanks to Conrado)


  • Some scans from Velvet and Revolver.

  • (Thanks to Nadine-Soledad and Autumn at Pictures of You)


  • Win an autographed Cure guitar at The Celebrity Cafe

  • (Thanks Brian)


  • Curespotting:

  • "I thought fellow Londoners might like to know that Robert and Simon turned up at the Devonshire Arms (a goth pub in Camden) last night (Sept. 30th).  Apparently they came with three minders, stood at the bar for a quick drink, and left."

    (Thanks Gigi)


    "NME has just picked up the story of Robert hosting the Peel show : http://www.nme.com/news/110045.htm
    And Rockstar.it has written a news about the upcoming TIB remaster: http://www.rockstar.it/news.asp?ID=2909"
     
    (Thanks Pietro)



    Oct. 3rd

  • The recent XFM interview and 5 song session can be listened to at the XFM website. Anybody else happy about what seems to be a change in tone from Robert, with him downplaying the importance of Ross?

  • (Thanks Tempest)


  • Lyon show only 30 minutes: 

  • "It seems that show for Lyon (Europe 2) will be a 30 minutes show. No more info about that, only a person who contact Europe 2 directly."

    (Thanks Yan)



  • Cure specials on MTV France next saturday, Oct. 9th: 

  • "5:00 PM All eyes on The Cure
    5:30 PM Fanography The Cure (or 4:30 PM depending on which TV guide you check)
    6:00 PM MTV Icon

    Reruns:

    * Fanography The Cure (1/2h)

    October 6(???), 9:00 PM
    October 10, 11:30 AM

    * All eyes on The Cure (1/2h)

    October 10, 12:00 noon
    October 13, 9:00 PM

    * MTV Icon (1h)

    October 10, 8:00 PM
    October 11 evening, midnight
    October 17, 10:30 AM

    (Thanks Olivier)



  • Some more pre-order links for the new singles: 

  • 'alt.end'

    Amazon (US) - $4.98

    Amazon (Canada) - CND$6.28



    'Taking Off'

    Ideal Copy (US) - $6.49 (UK 7" Picture Disc)

    Ideal Copy (US) - $12.99 (German 3' Pock-It cd)

    "IdealCopy.com is doing a special order for the 3" Pock-It of Taking Off with our distributer who would not normally carry this item. This is going to be very limited.  We're not sure how many we can get, but i think there are a few Cure collectors who visit your site and would be interested in this item.  Everyone should be prepared that allocations may occur, but we're going to try to get as many of this item as we can."

    Amazon (Germany) - EUR 3.99 (German 3" Pock-It cd)

    (Thanks Steven, Iqbal, Olivier and Chris)


  • Curespotting: 

  • "The official UK Cure mini-site has been updated with Taking Off info: http://www.hyperlaunch.com/thecure
    Another interesting piece of information in the news section is that The Cure album as sold over 600,000 copies worldwide to date."

    (Thanks Olivier)


    "the broadband from bt digital music awards '04 have 13 categories for public voting. you can vote for the cure as artist of the year here:
    http://www.btyahoo.com/dma04/artist_of_the_year.html"

    (Thanks Elyse)


    "If you want to curespot something interesting, you can watch the French children program "Les Chasseurs de Dragons (Dragon Hunters)" in
    Canada/Quebec too. Just open your TV and sound system on Saturday mornings at 10:00 AM (eastern time) on the French Radio-Canada channel.
    The short song (or is it cut?) "Dragon Hunters" is played at the beginning and end of the program. It's a kind of "Taking off", but played faster, really happy and childish."


    (Thanks Xavier)

    "Playboy, October 2004 issue, After Hours section, page 21: "Babe of the Month - Rachel Perry"
    "VH-1's Rachel Perry has interviewed every pop star this side of Janet Jackson's right nipple, but she hasn't lost her new-girl charm.  "It's still odd to meet celebrities and ask them personal questions within two seconds," she says.  "I wanted to give myself a high five after interviewing Robert Smith of the Cure.  We had this good connection and were sweet together.  I'll flirt with anyone - that's what makes my job fun.  I've dated people I've interviewed, but I get shy around hot dudes." . . .

    I presume she is referring to the interview before the HFStival concert, which was broadcast for that Pepsi Smash television show."

    (Thanks Kate and Christopher)


    "Just a note that Windows Media Player is featuring the "Taking Off" single in their Media Guide with the tagline "The Cure are as Hot as Ever"."

    (Thanks Scott)


    "NPR Review of "The Cure" can be listened to here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=3821803"

    (Thanks Christopher)


    "An article in the October version of Wired magazine about a guy who makes small digital illustrations of pop culture led me to this very tiny
    illustration of our favorite guys: http://www.flipflopflyin.com/minipops/fminipops80.html

    You can access the main MiniPops page at http://www.flipflopflyin.com/minipops/ for more pixilated nonsense."

    (Thanks Heron)

    "A few Serbian Curespottings...
      
        This friday's  "TV Review" magazine contains brief article about The Cure (w/ photos of Robert from mid 80's and new album cover) called
    'Forever Young' and it says:
     
        More than quater of a century english band The Cure wont come down from the stage, along with personal changes, ups and downs, stadium and
    club gigs - always laden with indestructible frontman Robert Smith.
        He's again leading his band in world wide promotion of their new album - simply, but symbolicaly self - titled  'The Cure' (Geffen/Multimedia) with 12 new songs loaded with energy which on discographic plan may be the biggest adventure in this bands career. Novelty in the sound is pushing keyboards back in favour of (as never before) loud and agressive guitars.
        Constant changing and seeking new expressions (on this album its Robert Smiths voice where you see it most clearly) are one of the biggest secrets of The Cure's eternal youth.
        Today, The Cure succesfully goes along with new and young competitors. Also The Cure with their new album got high grades from rock critics all around the world.

    also...
     
        Newspapers called  "Blic" gave a review of The Cure's new album (Its written by eminent Serbian rock critic Aleksandar Zikic). It says the
    following:
        If you call your 13th album by the name of the band, it can be seen as symbolic notion of returning to yourself, of returning to something that essentially defines you, of something that you had to (un)willingly abandon during your history.
        The Cure were always good pop band with clear tendency towards Goth sub-culture and weird videos. Second  inclination (videos) almost made
    me dismiss them. By good luck there are audio disks, which in case of Robert Smith and The Cure are by far better and more pleasant medium.
        In almost 30 years long career of this band there were many strayings and diversions, but talent was never disabled : The Cure is utterly apropriate abstract of that situation, which as time goes -turned into maneer.
     
    (Thanks Janko)


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