Review: The Cure Release Live Album to Celebrate 40th Anniversary

Photo courtesy of Guitar World Magazine

Photo courtesy of Guitar World Magazine

Zach Schmitt, Student of Journalism

Goth rock pioneers The Cure have delivered yet again with a live album titled Anniversary: 1978-2018 Live in Hyde Park. The album, released on Oct. 18, 2019 and recorded in the summer of 2018 to celebrate the bands 40 year anniversary, runs just over two hours and showcases a defining performance at Hyde Park in London, England.

Formed in 1978 in Crawley, United Kingdom by primary songwriter and guitarist Robert Smith, The Cure were a product of the then exploding English punk scene of the mid to late ’70s. They crafted a sound that was abrasive, dark and unique, setting them apart from politically charged colleagues like The Clash or The Sex Pistols.

Now, forty years later, it is clear that their unique sound continues to resonate with many on a deep, persistent level.

At one point during their set, speaking of their career, Smith noted: “Forty years ago this weekend was the first time we played as The Cure . . . and if you would have asked me then . . . what I would be doing in 40 years, I think I would have been very wrong with my answer.”

Though that success may have been unimagined four decades ago, songs from almost every aspect of their discography, tracks like “10:15 Saturday Night”, “Shake Dog Shake”, “Disintegration” and “Boys Don’t Cry”, were met with an undying enthusiasm that persisted for the entirety of their set. With incredible attention to detail, the band brought forth a set that could easily be compared with one recorded in their prime some 30 years later.

Overall, With 13 studio albums and a career spanning 40 years, The Cure have stood the test of time as an adaptive, driven group that will be remembered as that. It remains evident through its undying desire and passion for its craft that members show no signs of slowing down for anyone or anything anytime soon.