The Swing Tour

Lore & Background

The Swing Tour emerged from a creative period where Robert Smith sought to break free from the band's darker reputation, embracing a more playful and varied sound. The stage setup featured a massive swinging pendulum that became the tour's visual centerpiece, symbolizing the emotional swings of the album. By this time, keyboardist Roger O'Donnell and guitarist Perry Bamonte were already established members, having joined prior to the tour. The tour's setlist was notably diverse, mixing *Wild Mood Swings* tracks like 'The 13th' and 'Mint Car' with classics such as 'Boys Don't Cry' and 'A Forest'. Fans appreciated the inclusion of rarities and B-sides, though some grumbled about the omission of darker hits. The Swing Tour remains a fan favorite for its energetic performances and the band's willingness to experiment with their live show, even as it split critics over its lighter tone.

In Their Own Story

The arena lights dimmed to a single spotlight on Robert Smith, his hair a wild mess of black and red. The crowd roared as the first chords of 'Want' echoed, the pendulum above swaying ominously. For two hours, the band swung between the manic joy of 'Mint Car' and the melancholic depths of 'From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea'. As the final notes of '10:15 Saturday Night' faded, Smith smiled—a rare sight—and the pendulum came to rest, the night's emotional journey complete.

Reader's Guide

The Swing Tour kicked off in May 1996 in Europe, with dates across the UK, France, Germany, and more. The North American leg began in July, featuring support from bands like Placebo. Venues ranged from intimate theaters to large amphitheaters, with notable stops at New York's Madison Square Garden and Los Angeles' Hollywood Bowl. Setlists evolved throughout the tour, with early shows heavily featuring *Wild Mood Swings* tracks. By mid-tour, fan favorites like 'Pictures of You' and 'Lullaby' were added, while 'The Lovecats' became a staple encore. The band also occasionally dusted off covers like 'Purple Haze'. Memorable moments include a rain-soaked performance at the 1996 Reading Festival, where Smith joked about the weather. Controversy arose over the tour's lighter setlist, with some fans feeling it betrayed the band's gothic roots. However, the Swing Tour is now celebrated for its boldness and the band's ability to reinvent their live show.

Did You Know?

• The Swing Tour's pendulum stage prop was inspired by a dream Robert Smith had about a clock swinging out of control.
• During the tour, The Cure performed a cover of 'Purple Haze' by Jimi Hendrix at select shows.
• The first time The Cure played 'Mint Car' live was on the Swing Tour itself, at the Lisbon show on May 2, 1996.
• Contrary to some claims, Placebo did not support The Cure on the Swing Tour.