The Cure Formed
Robert Smith, Lol Tolhurst, and Michael Dempsey form Easy Cure in Crawley, West Sussex. They would soon shorten the name and sign to Fiction Records.
The Cure timeline
A band in motion. Follow the years, the turning points and the records that changed everything.
- 1976
milestone - 1979
Studio album Three Imaginary Boys Released
The Cure release their debut album on Fiction Records, produced by Chris Parry. A raw post-punk record that introduces the band to the world.
Explore the record - 1980
Studio album Seventeen Seconds Released
The Cure's second album establishes their signature atmospheric sound and features the iconic 'A Forest.' Their first UK chart entry (#20).
Explore the record - 1981
Studio album Faith Released
The second part of the dark trilogy — a gothic, mournful meditation that deepens the atmospheric sound established on Seventeen Seconds.
Explore the record - 1982
Studio album Pornography Released
The harrowing conclusion to the dark trilogy. Recorded amid intense personal crises, it is one of the most intense and visceral albums in rock history.
Explore the record - 1982
member change Simon Gallup Departs
Following tensions after the Pornography tour, Simon Gallup leaves the band. He would return in 1983 and remain a core member ever since.
- 1984
Studio album The Top
The Cure's fifth studio album — a transitional, psychedelic record largely recorded by Robert Smith alone following the near-dissolution of the band after Pornography. Eclectic and unique, it bridges the darkness of the trilogy and the commercial pop breakthrough to come.
Explore the record - 1985
Studio album The Head on the Door Released
The band's commercial breakthrough — a varied, brilliantly crafted collection featuring 'In Between Days,' 'Close to Me,' and 'A Night Like This.'
Explore the record - 1987
Studio album Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me Released
An ambitious double album that brought The Cure to global superstardom. Features 'Just Like Heaven,' 'Why Can't I Be You?' and 'Catch.'
Explore the record - 1989
member change Lol Tolhurst Leaves
Co-founder Lol Tolhurst is dismissed from the band during the mixing of Disintegration, ending 13 years as a member.
- 1989
Studio album Disintegration Released
Their magnum opus. A slow-burning masterpiece of melancholy and beauty, featuring 'Lovesong,' 'Lullaby,' and 'Pictures of You.' Reached #3 in the UK and #12 in the US.
Explore the record - 1992
Studio album Wish Released
Their biggest commercial success — debuting at #1 in the UK and #2 in the US. 'Friday I'm in Love' became a global pop phenomenon.
Explore the record - 1996
Studio album Wild Mood Swings
The Cure's tenth studio album — a deliberately eclectic, stylistically restless record following the massive success of Wish. Underrated on release, its playful range, orchestral flourishes, and darker undercurrents have earned it a devoted cult following over the years.
Explore the record - 2000
Studio album Bloodflowers Released
Robert Smith's self-described conclusion to the dark trilogy — a hushed, deeply moving record described as a companion to Disintegration.
Explore the record - 2004
Studio album The Cure
The Cure's self-titled twelfth album — an unexpected and bold collaboration with producer Ross Robinson (known for his raw, visceral work with nu-metal acts). Heavier and more abrasive than anything before it, the record divided opinion but stands as a genuine artistic risk.
Explore the record - 2008
Studio album 4:13 Dream
The Cure's thirteenth studio album - originally planned as a double record, the released version presents eleven melodic, guitar-driven tracks. More accessible than its predecessor, 4:13 Dream was warmly received by fans and features some of Robert Smith's most direct songwriting.
Explore the record - 2019
award Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
The Cure are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the 34th Annual Induction Ceremony in Brooklyn, New York.
- 2019
milestone Glastonbury Headline Set
A legendary headline performance at Glastonbury Festival, widely regarded as one of the greatest festival sets ever performed. Running to nearly two and a half hours.
- 2024
Studio album Songs of a Lost World Released
After 16 years, The Cure release their fourteenth studio album to near-universal critical acclaim. An eight-track meditation on grief and loss, many call it their best work since Disintegration.
Explore the record - 2025
lineup Perry Bamonte dies, aged 65
The Cure confirm the death of their friend and bandmate Perry Bamonte after a short illness. His final appearance was the Songs of a Lost World launch concert at Troxy in November 2024.
- 2026
lineup Eden Gallup joins the 2026 live lineup
The Festival Summer opens at Primavera Sound with Eden Gallup expanding The Cure to six players on additional guitar and keyboards.
- 2026
collaboration Robert Smith guests with Olivia Rodrigo at Primavera
During Olivia Rodrigo’s surprise Primavera Sound set, Robert Smith joins her to debut their collaboration “What’s Wrong With Me” live.
- 2026
lineup Eden Gallup covers bass in Berlin
After Simon Gallup is taken ill shortly before the first Wuhlheide concert, Eden shifts from guitar and keyboards to bass to keep the three-night Berlin run onstage.
- 2026
lineup Simon Gallup returns to the live lineup
Simon returns after his brief illness with Eden remaining among the touring ranks, restoring The Cure’s six-player 2026 stage lineup.
- 2026
guest appearance Gabriel Cooper guests on saxophone in Nîmes
Jason Cooper’s 17-year-old son Gabriel joins The Cure for “A Night Like This”, playing saxophone at all three Festival de Nîmes concerts.