As a devoted fan of The Cure, I have always been captivated not only by the band’s ethereal melodies but also by the enigmatic figure at its helm, Robert Smith. Known for his poetic lyrics and distinctive voice, Smith has always possessed the ability to transport listeners to a realm of melancholic beauty.
And recently, as reported by NME, amidst the swirling sea of emotions, Smith found a way to make the night even more special. In a stunning display of affection and devotion, he serenaded his beloved wife, Mary Poole, with the mesmerizing strains of “Plainsong.” As the crowd watched in awe, Smith turned his back to the audience, directing his gaze solely towards Poole, who stood just offstage. It was a private moment shared publicly, a testament to the enduring romance that has shaped Smith’s life and influenced his art.
This rare occurrence was captured and put onto Twitter where it quickly went viral in the Cure space. Frank (who took the video), who happened to be in the perfect position to witness the intimate gesture, expressed his astonishment and joy, writing, “Was enjoying the song, noticed him step away from the audience, was wondering what he is doing… And then this, pulled my phone out!”
You can see Smith raising his arms and waving them around as he sings and his wife in awe of him as most of the audience didn’t know what was going on. Truly a magical moment.
The band, known for their extensive discography and unparalleled live performances, graced the stage for three unforgettable nights. Delighting their devoted followers, The Cure curated a setlist that balanced cherished hits with long-forgotten gems. Among the rarities performed were “A Thousand Hours” and “Six Different Ways,” which had not been played since 1987. The night was further adorned with timeless classics such as “Just Like Heaven,” “A Forest,” “Friday I’m In Love,” “Lullaby,” and the perennial favorite, “Boys Don’t Cry.”
Yet, it was not only the familiar tunes that enchanted the audience. The band also unveiled a selection of new and unreleased songs, offering glimpses into their ever-evolving musical landscape. The titles alone evoke a sense of intrigue and anticipation: “Alone,” “A Fragile Thing,” “And Nothing Is Forever,” “Endsong,” and “I Can Never Say Goodbye.” These melodies, born from a place of profound loss and introspection, bear witness to the band’s unyielding commitment to artistic exploration and emotional honesty.
Was already awesome to see, in person someone who helped me cope with so many things thru my teens and well into today, decades later. But to then see, knowing what a genuine person @RobertSmith seems to be, then turn and sing to his wife off stage was simply amazing! @thecure pic.twitter.com/EJJb9nkPS5
— Frank Padilla (@Semper_Knarf) June 8, 2023