The Cure 2022 North American Tour

Lore & Background

The 2022 North American Tour was a testament to The Cure's ability to evolve while staying true to their core. Robert Smith, ever the enigmatic frontman, led the band through marathon shows that often exceeded two and a half hours, with setlists that rotated nightly to unearth rarities like 'The Drowning Man' and 'A Night Like This.' The tour was also notable for its deliberate lack of new material from the then-unreleased album *Songs of a Lost World*, instead focusing on a retrospective journey that delighted both longtime devotees and newer fans. The tour's production was minimalist yet atmospheric, with Smith's iconic smeared lipstick and wild hair silhouetted against moody lighting and fog. The band's tight performance, anchored by Simon Gallup's driving bass and Jason Cooper's precise drumming, showcased their enduring chemistry. Fans noted the emotional intensity of shows, particularly during renditions of 'Disintegration' and 'Plainsong,' which felt less like performances and more like communal rituals—a room full of strangers breathing together in the dark. Beyond the music, the tour was a cultural event, drawing diverse crowds who shared a deep connection to the band's melancholic yet hopeful aesthetic. It reaffirmed The Cure's status as one of the most influential live acts of their generation, proving that their music remains as relevant and powerful as ever.

In Their Own Story

The fog machine hissed as the first notes of 'Alone' echoed through the amphitheater, a low, trembling pulse that seemed to rise from the earth itself. A sea of black-clad figures swayed, their faces illuminated by the ghostly blue light, eyes shut or fixed on the stage as if in a trance. Robert Smith stepped to the mic, his voice a familiar comfort against the night air—a little rougher, a little older, but still capable of breaking your heart. For three hours, the crowd was transported: through the raw, jagged energy of 'Fascination Street,' the aching, near-ecstatic beauty of 'Lovesong,' and the cathartic release of 'Boys Don't Cry,' where even the most stoic fans sang along, fists raised. As the final chords of '10:15 Saturday Night' faded, the applause wasn't just loud—it was a thunderous, grateful roar, a promise that this reunion was not just a tour, but a homecoming.

Reader's Guide

The tour kicked off in late 2022, covering major cities like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Toronto. Venues ranged from intimate theaters to iconic amphitheaters, with Red Rocks Amphitheatre providing a particularly stunning natural backdrop—the band’s melancholic sound echoing off ancient red sandstone under a star-dusted sky. Setlists evolved significantly over the run: early shows were a deep dive into the abyss of *Pornography* and *Faith*, while later dates leaned into the shimmering pop-gloom of *Disintegration* and *Wish*. Memorable moments included a surprise, spine-tingling performance of 'The Figurehead' in Seattle and a rare, almost sacred airing of 'The Funeral Party' in Denver. The band also debuted a cover of 'I'm a Cult Hero' in tribute to their early days. Controversy was minimal, though some fans debated the absence of songs from *The Top*—a minor quibble in a tour that otherwise felt like a masterclass in curation.

Did You Know?

• Robert Smith insisted on keeping ticket prices affordable, with many shows having a base price under $100 to combat scalping.
• At several shows, the band played for over three hours, with setlists containing up to 30 songs.
• The Twilight Sad, a longtime favorite of Robert Smith, opened for the majority of the tour dates.