Quick Read
- The Cure performed their first live show in 18 months at Primavera Sound.
- The setlist featured 29 songs, including rare deep cuts not played for years.
- Robert Smith is collaborating on the upcoming Rolling Stones album ‘Foreign Tongues’.
- Olivia Rodrigo has cited The Cure as a primary influence for her new record.
A Resurrected Setlist
The Cure made a highly anticipated return to live performance on Friday at Barcelona’s Primavera Sound, marking the band’s first concert in 18 months. Led by frontman Robert Smith, the group delivered a sprawling 29-song set that emphasized deep cuts and fan favorites over recent material. According to reports from Rolling Stone, the performance included the first live rendition of the Lovesong B-side “2 Late” since 2019, alongside rare outings for “alt.end” and “Mint Car.”
This performance follows a period of transition for the band, marking their first show since the passing of multi-instrumentalist Perry Bamonte in December 2024. The lineup for the Barcelona show featured Simon Gallup, Jason Cooper, Roger O’Donnell, Reeves Gabrels, and Eden Gallup, who joined his father on stage.
Institutional Stakes and Cultural Resonance
The significance of this return extends beyond the stage. As noted by Twasl News, the Primavera Sound set serves as a clear indicator that The Cure is back in active circulation. With a summer of European festival dates scheduled—including stops at Rock Werchter and Roskilde—the band is re-solidifying its position in the live music landscape.
Simultaneously, the band’s cultural influence remains potent, bridging generational divides. Olivia Rodrigo, who is also performing at Primavera Sound, has openly cited Robert Smith and The Cure as major inspirations for her upcoming album, You Seem Pretty Sad For A Girl So In Love. This cross-generational alignment underscores the enduring relevance of Smith’s songwriting, which continues to inform the work of younger pop artists. Furthermore, Smith’s upcoming appearance on The Rolling Stones’ album Foreign Tongues suggests a continued high-profile presence in the global music industry.