There's a Cure for that you know?

Tonight culminated a serious relationship that began when I was 15 years old. I had always been a fan of The Cure, I've written about them a few times on this blog, but there was a certain night when I was 15 that changed everything. It sounds silly, but it was something as simple as having a dream. Yes, I had a dream that I would meet Robert Smith and the rest of the band. The dream was actually them coming to my house and performing one of my favorite B-sides, "A Few Hours After This." It was so surreal and real at the same time that when I woke up the next morning an obsession was born. I don't think I've told that story to anyone in all of these years. I just usually say they've always been my favorite band. I mean, that would sound pretty ridiculous, right? I've always loved them and their sound, but in those early teen years I really started grasping their sound after that dream. I always felt like the girl who didn't fit in or belong in school so I turned to music. I still remember being in the back of the bus after Friday night football games with my Walkman listening to 'Disintegration', an album that still is pretty influential in my life. Then when I turned 15, I got way more into music than I ever had been in my life. I grew up with music and always loved music, but it was like a switch got turned on that year. I have written about it before so I'll save the details. So, when I had that dream, and became "obsessed" with this band from England, my whole life changed. I had to have every album they created, but more to that, I had to see them live. At that time, it was pretty unknown whether or not they'd create another album or tour again, so I had no choice but to search for what was available at that time.

'Show' was my first live VHS from the 1992 Wish tour and it was my first "live" Cure experience. After that, I found 'The Cure: Live in Orange' (filmed and directed by Tim Pope who will become important later), then I got my hands on 'The Cure Play Out', 'Picture Show' and 'Staring at the Sea' videos. During that time, I grew to love the art of making music videos, whether it was live or on a set and Tim Pope became my first music video director muse. That was then followed by fellow geniuses Anton Corbijn and Stephane Sednaoui, just to name a few. I was deadset on moving to London to go to art school to learn how to make music videos. That was my dream.

Photo by the amazingly talented, Debi Del Grande

When the Hyde Park 40th Anniversary show was announced last year, I was gutted that I couldn't make it work for me to attend. I knew I'd be going to London for work, but the timing didn't work. So tonight, I got my redemption. I got to see the show that I couldn't attend. I got to sing and dance almost as much as I would have had I been at that Hyde Park show. And once again Tim Pope did an amazing job at capturing the spirit of a band that he's followed for so many years. After 40 years, this band seems to be hitting another "peak" in their career. After getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Nine Inch Nails frontman, Trent Reznor, they have gone on to play multiple shows including an appearance at a castle in Dublin, followed by numerous festival dates to keep them busy throughout the summer months. I am happy to say that I will be seeing them at Austin City Limits Festival in October and as much as I hate festivals, I truly can't wait to see my favorite band live again.

Tonight, the 15 year old me came out to enjoy the show. Tonight I was reminded why I love this band so much. Tonight I met others who also love and appreciate this band as much as I do. I can't explain my obsession with The Cure. All I can say is that to this day, at this point in their career, they are still one of absolute best live bands I have ever seen and Robert Smith's lyrics move my heart to another level and I just hope everyone can experience that in their lifetime. I can't wait for October when I get experience these lovely souls live again. Until then, enjoy their magical full 'Disintegration' set from Sydney below.