Post by Pipperoo on Dec 6, 2016 20:18:32 GMT 1
I thought we should maybe have a thread about our thoughts from this tour and how we are all feeling. I took time to write a "few" things out. Maybe we can move some of the other's reviews here as well so they are all together. Here are my thoughts bout my experiences. It is impossible to include every moment of everything I experienced. I can only summarize and even that is long. Bare with me. I am still quite emotional about it all.
Enjoy....
The Cure Tour 2016: The View from My World
Where to begin? To say it is difficult is the understatement of the year. My goal in this write up has several purposes. 1. To give you a brief history of my beginnings into the Cure World. 2. To of course review The Cure tour from beginning to end in an honest, thoughtful, and retrospective way. 3. To help non-Cure fans understand what it means to be in total admiration of this band. and 4. To somehow, however difficult it will be, portray my feelings on what it means to be part of The Cure family.
My Cure History
Let’s begin, well, at the beginning. Somewhere in 1982 post high school graduation I had enrolled in our local community college. I was at a party with some friends and I found myself listening to this incredibly different but amazingly stimulating song called A Forest on college radio. This isn’t the type of song one would hear on popular radio in America in 1982. Well, let’s face it, you still won’t hear it here in 2016. I had heard Punk before and although A Forest had similar characteristics of punk, with its driving beat, that was about it. It was much different. It wasn’t angry, rude and violent. It was thoughtful, painful, and profound.
The first thing that caught my ear was what sounded like the beginning of some new program about outer space, the sustained, waving, synthesizer just fluttering alone, until a few guitar strokes dash in. Then the driving, fast, short stroke beats of the drums exploded into the song like someone pushing past you rudely to get onto a train. After that, a few simple bass strokes then an exploding bass line pulling it all together. And then………that voice………that lamenting…..pained……… voice of someone trying to find something that is lost forever. It was a type of singing I had never heard before. The minor chords and the extended guitar at the end (oh how we love the extended never ending guitar at the end) only to be left with a few bass notes, like a heart beat that is about to cease. “That was A Forest from The Cure off Their Seventeen Seconds album”, said the radio announcer. So of course from there I had to know more.
The Cure Tour of 2016 Mini Review
I could just say they were great and move on but I would like to add the good, the teeny, weeny, just micro mind you (I said it was going to be honest) disappointments and the amazing.
The Cure toured in three sections of the world North America, Australia and Europe.
Although the shows were similar in all three parts there were definite differences. There are no words really to describe the quality of the band’s playing and their stage set. I attended five Cure concerts this year, two in Madison Square Garden New York City June 18th and 19th and the three in London at Wembley Arena December 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
For the June 18th concert I was seated in the 100 section facing the stage dead in the middle. The clock hit 8 pm and of course the chimes began. One of the greatest things about being a Cure fan is that they are meticulously punctual. That does not go without notice by the way. Nothing irritates me more than when a band is very late sometimes an hour or more late. You will never have this with The Cure. And if I might mention as well their opening act The Twilight Sad were absolutely amazing and punctual as well! We met James outside of Madison Square Garden one day and not a nicer chap will you find!
The Cure entered the stage. The fans began to cheer but then of course Robert Smith came out and the place went slightly mad. Looking around Madison Square Garden I saw a wide age range of fans from the 20 year-olds to the “vintage” fans like myself. In my younger days I would be standing in front of the stage ready to mosh at a moments notice, but at this stage of the game I preferred to hang back and enjoy. Although I wasn’t part of the physical fun of being in the standing section don’t under estimate the enjoyment of being able to take in the entire scene from the semi-cheap seats. Sort of like when Robert does his walk around the stage at the beginning of Plainsong taking it all in.
The chimes of course meant it was going to be Plainsong for the opener. Jason, their metronome, hit the sticks together and the video screens exploded with sparkling raindrops dripping from the sky. The place went mad. The moment I saw those visuals combined with the music and the roar of the crowd I could feel my blood coursing through my veins. I truly wish I could bottle that feeling and push a button whenever I need it. It’s an amazing feeling. “I’m alive!” I shouted to myself silently.
The set lists for the 18th and 19th shows were both amazing. Two songs I really wanted to hear were All I Want and Pornography. I don’t know if they were listening or I am the luckiest girl on earth but I got both (Pornography both nights) and they were spectacular.
When Robert announced they “do not play this one very often” (as whenever he announces that) my heart went crazy. “What will it be? Faith? The Drowning Man? Do The Hansa again (because that was a stunner in 2011) No they just did those in reflections and they were great but probably not those.” Then I heard those descending chords on All I Want and I screamed like a knife wielding lunatic. The combination of those descending chords, Robert’s words and voice, Simon’s bass and Reeves mad guitar bridge made for a very sexy, stunning, live version of this song.
And then…… it happened…. I saw the television static on the screens and screamed in absolute hysterics. I scared the absolute crap out of every person under the age of 25 sitting near me. They were totally clueless. “Is she having a heart attack? Should we call 911? Is there a terrorist here? What is happening?” “IT’S PORNOGRAPHY” I screamed. Imagine yelling that in a crowded place and nobody knows why the fork you are yelling that. Ahh the beauty of it!! And then It happened again on June 19th!!! And what stunning versions they were! Jason’s drums and Simon’s bass were like thunder filling Madison Square Garden. The floor was actually rumbling.
Ok sorry but here is the teeny weeny eenie micro disappointment. Why they completely avoided playing Pornography at all at any concert in Europe? This slight disappointment is not for me but more for my friends who so wanted to hear it. I was very surprised since it was such a stunning version. This seems to be one of the songs they would be more likely to play in Europe. Although it was semi disappointing we collectively as fans must look at the artistic element of how set lists are chosen. It’s not like making a grocery store list. There are humans creating these set lists. They are humans with feelings and an artistic sense. Maybe the guys were just not feeling it to play it again and other songs they missed playing, and that is it…..and that is fine. It is something that is so miniscule compared to the enormity and brilliance of this tour it’s not worth mentioning twice.
Another incredible highlight was of course BURN. We pissed and moaned so much about wanting to hear this live the guys finally gave us what we wanted. And what a thing of beauty it was. Besides a song they had never played live before prior to the Voodoo Festival in New Orleans in 2013 something was set in stone on this live version that will never be removed for all eternity. JASON “THE ANIMAL” COOPER as I will now be referring to him. Jason’s drumming on this song and on this tour was absolutely stellar. It is so apparent he puts his heart, soul and body into being the drummer for The Cure and into his music. At the New York gigs you could see a wrap on his arm from elbow issues that were plaguing him but that was the only evidence there was anything amiss. Watching Burn on the internet was fun enough but not as explosive as seeing and hearing it live. Other songs he went over the top on were Push, Prayers for Rain, Disintegration the list goes on…. Add yours here….there are many.
Another highlight for me was The Snakepit. I have a fine appreciation for the dark, seedy parts of The Cure more so than the bright sunny Cure as you may be able to tell. This is another one of those songs where nobody is going to be jumping up and down dancing their shoes off but it is one of those songs with a dark sense of mystery of which I am so fond.
Some honorable mentions:
Speaking of seedy, If Only Tonight We Could Sleep. The slow slide of Robert’s pick down the neck of the guitar at the beginning of the song adds to the enchantment of this beauty. Robert has always done this but not as slow and devious as of late. I like devious.
This Twilight Garden got its long awaited debut, a stellar song recorded, as well as live now. One of the things that make Robert himself a great guitarist is the artistic element he adds to a song. Too many people look for the fast, loud, wild guitar solos and they miss the artistic guitarist’s abilities. This Twilight Garden has that. The guitar plucks at the beginning of the song make me think of giant drops of water falling into an ocean. Very enchanting.
The Exploding Boy! Where did it go?! It was fabulous. Bring it back!! That is all!
Like Cockatoos. A nice comeback for a fabulous song off one of my favorite Cure albums!
Screw. This isn’t a song that was high on my list of favorites but Simon’s new bass seems to have brought this alive especially, well, uh, when being played live.
The Blood: Only Spain and Portugal? Come on guys. haha
Wrong Number (sorry G.) I have quite a few friends that really do not like this song (so they say) but I can’t help but love it. It is really a fun song. Is it the most meaningful, deep, intricate Cure song? Not even close but the banter Robert does with the hello part is hysterically funny. You have to be a pretty hard, cold, soul to not at least appreciate that and my favorite version of course was when Reeves mirrored the various Robert voices with the guitar at the MSG show. Priceless.
The pop songs: (lifetime tally of times played) In Between Days (820), Friday I’m in Love (373 because they used to only play it on Friday. That is why it’s not as much as you think) , Boys Don’t Cry (905), Why Can’t I be You (528), Let’s Go To Bed (588), Close To Me (548), The Lovecats (132). Hardcore fans are not always happy with a lot of pop but (and close your eyes for this) we need them! Yep we do. Yes even In Between Days. We always need the light in order to appreciate the dark. Maybe I am wrong about this but The Cure would not have sold out Madison Square Garden or Wembley three nights in a row without them. That is ridiculous you say? Not really. As well as a brilliant songwriter Robert is a good businessman. They did the festivals tour. Played a lot of pop. Acquired some new fans and voila!!! A tour was born! Think about it!
Songs I would have like to have heard. Happy The Man. I am probably the only person on earth who missed that one. I just love it. I can’t explain it really. Robert’s woeful voice. The message it gives. I just love it. The Kiss. A missed opportunity to play this when Robert was having voice problems. Not many lyrics but a lot of awesome guitar! Numb from Wild Mood Swings…. TEAM WMS!!! Haha I do love it! … Fight, Apart, Secrets…
So many others in their catalog they could have played but maybe next tour, soon, we hope.
Then I went off to England. My first Cure concert on December 1st. Nothing out of the ordinary until……….. concert seemingly being over after Why Can’t I Be You. Then Robert and Simon have a little conference and here comes 10:15 Saturday Night. I began jumping up and down not only because I LOVE that song but also because the one thing I know from being a Loooooooooooong time Cure fan is no Cure concert of which I have attended has ever ended on that song. It was always followed by Killing and Arab. Talk about people losing their Shirt!!! Absolutely brilliant ending to this tour!!
But the absolute highlight of this tour, as it is for so many others I think was It Can Never Be The Same. The first time I heard it I instantly fell in love with it. As do so many of Robert’s songs, this song just speaks to so many different people on so many different levels. Why did he write it? There is speculation it is about the passing of his mum. Just the thought of this coupled with the fact they played it on June 19th (the day my mom died in 2007) had me bawling my eyes out completely. But there is so much meaning to this. What we had or how things were long ago cannot be repeated only cherished and remembered. It can truly never be the same as it was. Time changes things. We evolve. We grow. Things just change but that doesn’t mean the future we have is devoid of happiness. We have the power to be happy or not. We must always choose happiness over sadness. It is ok to be sad for a little while. Being sad helps us appreciate the happiness. I truly hope they make an official recording of this. They have perfected it so much this tour I am positive it will amazing!
For Non-Cure fans and being part of The Cure Family
In 2015 when The Cure announced their upcoming tour Cure fans were ecstatic! It’s about time!! (Yes we know you semi toured in 2013 but we are spoiled). The Cure fans exploded and the planning began. Which shows were you going to? What cities? For Non-Cure fans what am I talking about? Let me create a scenario for you.
This is a conversation between a sunny day fan of a random group.
“Hey did you hear _____________ are playing?” “Hmm well they are not playing in my home town. The closest show is a 2 hour drive.” “Oh, wow, Well, I’m not driving two hours. That’s too far. Maybe another time.”
This is a conversation between two Cure fans
“Hey The Cure are on tour next year! What cities around the world are you going to see them? How many shows are you going to?”
Does that make us better? No. But there is more to it than just following a band around the world. May I take a moment to explain.
When most people go to a concert they go with friends. They go with someone they know from their neighborhood, their school or their work. They don’t typically go to concerts alone. However, growing up in a small coal mining town in Pennsylvania back in the 1980s where the people basically listened to The Rolling Stones, Mott The Hoople and Foghat and not only had no clue on earth who The Cure were or even remotely knew what alternative music was, needless to say but I will say it anyway, until 2011 I had pretty much attended every Cure show by myself.
But even though I attended those shows by myself I never felt alone. Even back in the 1980s I had always found Cure fans to be fun, kind, helpful, quirky, bizarre, deep, exciting and inviting (and ALL of those words are compliments by the way). I am pleased to say they are still that way and even more so today.
Since the explosion of the internet our Cure “family” has grown immensely. We are always talking about The Cure on The Cure Community and on other social media sites even when they are not touring but I want to make something perfectly clear it is not always about The Cure. Being a fan of The Cure is what brings us together but the personality traits and friendships we share are what keep us together. I am so proud and honored to have met so many like minded people from all over the world. My non-Cure friends really do not understand this. “Are you in a cult?” Hmmm Definition of Cult: 1. a system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object. Um, noooo. 2. a relatively small group of people having religious beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or sinister. Ummmm, no. 3. a misplaced or excessive admiration for a particular person or thing. “Excessive” well, maybe a wee bit “Misplaced”? Ummm, no. So no we are not a cult.
We are a group of individuals with a deep admiration for another group of individuals and we share a common bond of similar thoughts, ideas, respect for one another, frienship and love. And what makes it even more special is the fact that this group of people are not from just one part of the world which in the end answers the question “are we really that different from one another?” The answer to this is a big NO. Maybe if the rest of the world followed suit to the life of a Cure fan it would be a lot nicer place in which to live.
On a final note, I am so lucky, privileged and proud to have met some of the most beautiful people from all over the world. Every time The Cure tour together my list of friends grows. I feel well blessed to be a part of this big Cure Family. I know at some point in our lives they will no longer be able to tour. This must be understood but the bonds and friendships that have been created by all of us are here forever and time will not change that. It will only make it stronger. Xoxox Love you all!.
Enjoy....
The Cure Tour 2016: The View from My World
Where to begin? To say it is difficult is the understatement of the year. My goal in this write up has several purposes. 1. To give you a brief history of my beginnings into the Cure World. 2. To of course review The Cure tour from beginning to end in an honest, thoughtful, and retrospective way. 3. To help non-Cure fans understand what it means to be in total admiration of this band. and 4. To somehow, however difficult it will be, portray my feelings on what it means to be part of The Cure family.
My Cure History
Let’s begin, well, at the beginning. Somewhere in 1982 post high school graduation I had enrolled in our local community college. I was at a party with some friends and I found myself listening to this incredibly different but amazingly stimulating song called A Forest on college radio. This isn’t the type of song one would hear on popular radio in America in 1982. Well, let’s face it, you still won’t hear it here in 2016. I had heard Punk before and although A Forest had similar characteristics of punk, with its driving beat, that was about it. It was much different. It wasn’t angry, rude and violent. It was thoughtful, painful, and profound.
The first thing that caught my ear was what sounded like the beginning of some new program about outer space, the sustained, waving, synthesizer just fluttering alone, until a few guitar strokes dash in. Then the driving, fast, short stroke beats of the drums exploded into the song like someone pushing past you rudely to get onto a train. After that, a few simple bass strokes then an exploding bass line pulling it all together. And then………that voice………that lamenting…..pained……… voice of someone trying to find something that is lost forever. It was a type of singing I had never heard before. The minor chords and the extended guitar at the end (oh how we love the extended never ending guitar at the end) only to be left with a few bass notes, like a heart beat that is about to cease. “That was A Forest from The Cure off Their Seventeen Seconds album”, said the radio announcer. So of course from there I had to know more.
The Cure Tour of 2016 Mini Review
I could just say they were great and move on but I would like to add the good, the teeny, weeny, just micro mind you (I said it was going to be honest) disappointments and the amazing.
The Cure toured in three sections of the world North America, Australia and Europe.
Although the shows were similar in all three parts there were definite differences. There are no words really to describe the quality of the band’s playing and their stage set. I attended five Cure concerts this year, two in Madison Square Garden New York City June 18th and 19th and the three in London at Wembley Arena December 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
For the June 18th concert I was seated in the 100 section facing the stage dead in the middle. The clock hit 8 pm and of course the chimes began. One of the greatest things about being a Cure fan is that they are meticulously punctual. That does not go without notice by the way. Nothing irritates me more than when a band is very late sometimes an hour or more late. You will never have this with The Cure. And if I might mention as well their opening act The Twilight Sad were absolutely amazing and punctual as well! We met James outside of Madison Square Garden one day and not a nicer chap will you find!
The Cure entered the stage. The fans began to cheer but then of course Robert Smith came out and the place went slightly mad. Looking around Madison Square Garden I saw a wide age range of fans from the 20 year-olds to the “vintage” fans like myself. In my younger days I would be standing in front of the stage ready to mosh at a moments notice, but at this stage of the game I preferred to hang back and enjoy. Although I wasn’t part of the physical fun of being in the standing section don’t under estimate the enjoyment of being able to take in the entire scene from the semi-cheap seats. Sort of like when Robert does his walk around the stage at the beginning of Plainsong taking it all in.
The chimes of course meant it was going to be Plainsong for the opener. Jason, their metronome, hit the sticks together and the video screens exploded with sparkling raindrops dripping from the sky. The place went mad. The moment I saw those visuals combined with the music and the roar of the crowd I could feel my blood coursing through my veins. I truly wish I could bottle that feeling and push a button whenever I need it. It’s an amazing feeling. “I’m alive!” I shouted to myself silently.
The set lists for the 18th and 19th shows were both amazing. Two songs I really wanted to hear were All I Want and Pornography. I don’t know if they were listening or I am the luckiest girl on earth but I got both (Pornography both nights) and they were spectacular.
When Robert announced they “do not play this one very often” (as whenever he announces that) my heart went crazy. “What will it be? Faith? The Drowning Man? Do The Hansa again (because that was a stunner in 2011) No they just did those in reflections and they were great but probably not those.” Then I heard those descending chords on All I Want and I screamed like a knife wielding lunatic. The combination of those descending chords, Robert’s words and voice, Simon’s bass and Reeves mad guitar bridge made for a very sexy, stunning, live version of this song.
And then…… it happened…. I saw the television static on the screens and screamed in absolute hysterics. I scared the absolute crap out of every person under the age of 25 sitting near me. They were totally clueless. “Is she having a heart attack? Should we call 911? Is there a terrorist here? What is happening?” “IT’S PORNOGRAPHY” I screamed. Imagine yelling that in a crowded place and nobody knows why the fork you are yelling that. Ahh the beauty of it!! And then It happened again on June 19th!!! And what stunning versions they were! Jason’s drums and Simon’s bass were like thunder filling Madison Square Garden. The floor was actually rumbling.
Ok sorry but here is the teeny weeny eenie micro disappointment. Why they completely avoided playing Pornography at all at any concert in Europe? This slight disappointment is not for me but more for my friends who so wanted to hear it. I was very surprised since it was such a stunning version. This seems to be one of the songs they would be more likely to play in Europe. Although it was semi disappointing we collectively as fans must look at the artistic element of how set lists are chosen. It’s not like making a grocery store list. There are humans creating these set lists. They are humans with feelings and an artistic sense. Maybe the guys were just not feeling it to play it again and other songs they missed playing, and that is it…..and that is fine. It is something that is so miniscule compared to the enormity and brilliance of this tour it’s not worth mentioning twice.
Another incredible highlight was of course BURN. We pissed and moaned so much about wanting to hear this live the guys finally gave us what we wanted. And what a thing of beauty it was. Besides a song they had never played live before prior to the Voodoo Festival in New Orleans in 2013 something was set in stone on this live version that will never be removed for all eternity. JASON “THE ANIMAL” COOPER as I will now be referring to him. Jason’s drumming on this song and on this tour was absolutely stellar. It is so apparent he puts his heart, soul and body into being the drummer for The Cure and into his music. At the New York gigs you could see a wrap on his arm from elbow issues that were plaguing him but that was the only evidence there was anything amiss. Watching Burn on the internet was fun enough but not as explosive as seeing and hearing it live. Other songs he went over the top on were Push, Prayers for Rain, Disintegration the list goes on…. Add yours here….there are many.
Another highlight for me was The Snakepit. I have a fine appreciation for the dark, seedy parts of The Cure more so than the bright sunny Cure as you may be able to tell. This is another one of those songs where nobody is going to be jumping up and down dancing their shoes off but it is one of those songs with a dark sense of mystery of which I am so fond.
Some honorable mentions:
Speaking of seedy, If Only Tonight We Could Sleep. The slow slide of Robert’s pick down the neck of the guitar at the beginning of the song adds to the enchantment of this beauty. Robert has always done this but not as slow and devious as of late. I like devious.
This Twilight Garden got its long awaited debut, a stellar song recorded, as well as live now. One of the things that make Robert himself a great guitarist is the artistic element he adds to a song. Too many people look for the fast, loud, wild guitar solos and they miss the artistic guitarist’s abilities. This Twilight Garden has that. The guitar plucks at the beginning of the song make me think of giant drops of water falling into an ocean. Very enchanting.
The Exploding Boy! Where did it go?! It was fabulous. Bring it back!! That is all!
Like Cockatoos. A nice comeback for a fabulous song off one of my favorite Cure albums!
Screw. This isn’t a song that was high on my list of favorites but Simon’s new bass seems to have brought this alive especially, well, uh, when being played live.
The Blood: Only Spain and Portugal? Come on guys. haha
Wrong Number (sorry G.) I have quite a few friends that really do not like this song (so they say) but I can’t help but love it. It is really a fun song. Is it the most meaningful, deep, intricate Cure song? Not even close but the banter Robert does with the hello part is hysterically funny. You have to be a pretty hard, cold, soul to not at least appreciate that and my favorite version of course was when Reeves mirrored the various Robert voices with the guitar at the MSG show. Priceless.
The pop songs: (lifetime tally of times played) In Between Days (820), Friday I’m in Love (373 because they used to only play it on Friday. That is why it’s not as much as you think) , Boys Don’t Cry (905), Why Can’t I be You (528), Let’s Go To Bed (588), Close To Me (548), The Lovecats (132). Hardcore fans are not always happy with a lot of pop but (and close your eyes for this) we need them! Yep we do. Yes even In Between Days. We always need the light in order to appreciate the dark. Maybe I am wrong about this but The Cure would not have sold out Madison Square Garden or Wembley three nights in a row without them. That is ridiculous you say? Not really. As well as a brilliant songwriter Robert is a good businessman. They did the festivals tour. Played a lot of pop. Acquired some new fans and voila!!! A tour was born! Think about it!
Songs I would have like to have heard. Happy The Man. I am probably the only person on earth who missed that one. I just love it. I can’t explain it really. Robert’s woeful voice. The message it gives. I just love it. The Kiss. A missed opportunity to play this when Robert was having voice problems. Not many lyrics but a lot of awesome guitar! Numb from Wild Mood Swings…. TEAM WMS!!! Haha I do love it! … Fight, Apart, Secrets…
So many others in their catalog they could have played but maybe next tour, soon, we hope.
Then I went off to England. My first Cure concert on December 1st. Nothing out of the ordinary until……….. concert seemingly being over after Why Can’t I Be You. Then Robert and Simon have a little conference and here comes 10:15 Saturday Night. I began jumping up and down not only because I LOVE that song but also because the one thing I know from being a Loooooooooooong time Cure fan is no Cure concert of which I have attended has ever ended on that song. It was always followed by Killing and Arab. Talk about people losing their Shirt!!! Absolutely brilliant ending to this tour!!
But the absolute highlight of this tour, as it is for so many others I think was It Can Never Be The Same. The first time I heard it I instantly fell in love with it. As do so many of Robert’s songs, this song just speaks to so many different people on so many different levels. Why did he write it? There is speculation it is about the passing of his mum. Just the thought of this coupled with the fact they played it on June 19th (the day my mom died in 2007) had me bawling my eyes out completely. But there is so much meaning to this. What we had or how things were long ago cannot be repeated only cherished and remembered. It can truly never be the same as it was. Time changes things. We evolve. We grow. Things just change but that doesn’t mean the future we have is devoid of happiness. We have the power to be happy or not. We must always choose happiness over sadness. It is ok to be sad for a little while. Being sad helps us appreciate the happiness. I truly hope they make an official recording of this. They have perfected it so much this tour I am positive it will amazing!
For Non-Cure fans and being part of The Cure Family
In 2015 when The Cure announced their upcoming tour Cure fans were ecstatic! It’s about time!! (Yes we know you semi toured in 2013 but we are spoiled). The Cure fans exploded and the planning began. Which shows were you going to? What cities? For Non-Cure fans what am I talking about? Let me create a scenario for you.
This is a conversation between a sunny day fan of a random group.
“Hey did you hear _____________ are playing?” “Hmm well they are not playing in my home town. The closest show is a 2 hour drive.” “Oh, wow, Well, I’m not driving two hours. That’s too far. Maybe another time.”
This is a conversation between two Cure fans
“Hey The Cure are on tour next year! What cities around the world are you going to see them? How many shows are you going to?”
Does that make us better? No. But there is more to it than just following a band around the world. May I take a moment to explain.
When most people go to a concert they go with friends. They go with someone they know from their neighborhood, their school or their work. They don’t typically go to concerts alone. However, growing up in a small coal mining town in Pennsylvania back in the 1980s where the people basically listened to The Rolling Stones, Mott The Hoople and Foghat and not only had no clue on earth who The Cure were or even remotely knew what alternative music was, needless to say but I will say it anyway, until 2011 I had pretty much attended every Cure show by myself.
But even though I attended those shows by myself I never felt alone. Even back in the 1980s I had always found Cure fans to be fun, kind, helpful, quirky, bizarre, deep, exciting and inviting (and ALL of those words are compliments by the way). I am pleased to say they are still that way and even more so today.
Since the explosion of the internet our Cure “family” has grown immensely. We are always talking about The Cure on The Cure Community and on other social media sites even when they are not touring but I want to make something perfectly clear it is not always about The Cure. Being a fan of The Cure is what brings us together but the personality traits and friendships we share are what keep us together. I am so proud and honored to have met so many like minded people from all over the world. My non-Cure friends really do not understand this. “Are you in a cult?” Hmmm Definition of Cult: 1. a system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object. Um, noooo. 2. a relatively small group of people having religious beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or sinister. Ummmm, no. 3. a misplaced or excessive admiration for a particular person or thing. “Excessive” well, maybe a wee bit “Misplaced”? Ummm, no. So no we are not a cult.
We are a group of individuals with a deep admiration for another group of individuals and we share a common bond of similar thoughts, ideas, respect for one another, frienship and love. And what makes it even more special is the fact that this group of people are not from just one part of the world which in the end answers the question “are we really that different from one another?” The answer to this is a big NO. Maybe if the rest of the world followed suit to the life of a Cure fan it would be a lot nicer place in which to live.
On a final note, I am so lucky, privileged and proud to have met some of the most beautiful people from all over the world. Every time The Cure tour together my list of friends grows. I feel well blessed to be a part of this big Cure Family. I know at some point in our lives they will no longer be able to tour. This must be understood but the bonds and friendships that have been created by all of us are here forever and time will not change that. It will only make it stronger. Xoxox Love you all!.
that's the dream!
haha