Matthieu Hartley

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Matthieu Hartley was a full member of the Cure for their 1980 album *Seventeen Seconds* and the ensuing tour. During this period he also contributed to the brief Cure side project Cult Hero. He left the band later that year due to disagreements with group leader Robert Smith, and dissatisfaction with the minimalist keyboard requirements in Smith's songs. After leaving the Cure, Hartley remained friends with Gallup and was an early member of the band that became Fools Dance. He released a solo album under the name Matthieu in 1987, and in 2005 joined the psychedelic rock band The Speak.

In Their Own Story

Near the end of 1979, The Cure needed a new bassist following the departure of founding member Michael Dempsey, and recruited Gallup for the position. Gallup suggested adding Hartley as the band's first full-time keyboardist to broaden their sound. Hartley was a full member of the Cure for their 1980 album *Seventeen Seconds* and the ensuing tour. During this period he contributed to the brief Cure side project Cult Hero. He left the band later that year due to disagreements with group leader Robert Smith, and dissatisfaction with the minimalist keyboard requirements in Smith's songs.

Reader's Guide

Matthieu Hartley was born in Smallfield, England, near Crawley, and was a childhood friend of future bandmate Simon Gallup. Hartley and Gallup were both members of the punk bands Lockjaw and the Magazine Spies in the late 1970s. These bands often played alongside early versions of the Cure. Hartley joined The Cure near the end of 1979 as the band's first full-time keyboardist. He was a full member for the 1980 album *Seventeen Seconds* and the ensuing tour, and also contributed to the side project Cult Hero. He left later that year due to disagreements with Robert Smith and dissatisfaction with minimalist keyboard parts. After leaving, he remained friends with Gallup, was an early member of the band that became Fools Dance, released a solo album as Matthieu in 1987, and joined The Speak in 2005.

Did You Know?

• Matthieu Hartley was born on 4 February 1960 in Smallfield, England, near Crawley.
• He was a childhood friend of future Cure bassist Simon Gallup.
• Before joining The Cure, Hartley and Gallup played together in the punk bands Lockjaw and the Magazine Spies.
• Hartley was the Cure's first full-time keyboardist, joining near the end of 1979.
• He left the Cure later in 1980 due to disagreements with Robert Smith and dissatisfaction with minimalist keyboard requirements.