The Cure 2016 European Tour

Lore & Background

The 2016 European Tour saw The Cure reconnecting with their devoted fanbase after a relatively short gap since their last major shows in 2014 and the Reflections tour in 2012-2013. Robert Smith and the band curated setlists that honored their entire discography, from early post-punk gems to later atmospheric epics. The tour was notable for its marathon shows, often exceeding two and a half hours, and for the inclusion of songs rarely performed live, such as 'The Drowning Man' and 'The Figurehead'.

In Their Own Story

The lights dimmed over a sold-out arena in Berlin, the crowd's roar a living thing. Robert Smith stepped to the mic, his hair a dark halo, and without a word, the first chords of 'Plainsong' washed over them. For the next three hours, time dissolved—fans young and old swayed to 'Lovesong', wept during 'Pictures of You', and surged as 'A Forest' echoed into the night. It was a shared ritual, a reminder that The Cure's music was a home that never closed its doors.

Reader's Guide

The tour kicked off in late 2016, covering major European cities like London, Paris, Berlin, and Rome. Early shows leaned heavily on 1980s hits, but as the tour progressed, setlists evolved to include more rarities, such as the snarling 'The Baby Screams' and the industrial throb of 'One Hundred Years'. The Royal Albert Hall show was a highlight, with a special full-album performance of 'Disintegration' that left the audience spellbound. A memorable moment came in Paris when Smith joked about the weather, breaking the band's usual stoic stage presence. No major controversies arose, but some fans debated the omission of certain singles like 'Friday I'm in Love' at select dates.

Did You Know?

• The tour included a performance of 'The Drowning Man', which had also been played during the 2014 Hyde Park show and the 2012-2013 Reflections tour.
• Robert Smith used a variety of vintage guitars, including a Fender Bass VI, during the tour.
• The band played over 30 songs per show on average, making each night a unique experience.
• The tour was documented by fans through extensive bootleg recordings and online setlist databases.