Robert Smith Reveals the Surprising Reason David Bowie Inspired The Cure's Hours-Long Shows

Mar. 15, 2025

Robert Smith at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in New York City in March 2019.Photo:Michael Loccisano/Getty

Michael Loccisano/Getty

Robert Smith is far from the first musician to take a stand against Ticketmaster, but his desire to advocate for concertgoers goes back to 1978.

In arare interview withThe Times,The Curefrontman recalled a disappointing experience watching future friendDavid Bowieperform atEarls Court in Londonin 1978 when Smith was only 19 years old. The concert lasted only 42 minutes, leaving the goth pioneer furious. At the time of the show, The Cure had just released their debut album,Three Imaginary Boys, only a month prior.

“I’d hate not to be able to justify myself to that 19 year old,” Smith said, vowing to give fans a much longer show if he ever received the same platform Bowie had. The goth pioneer kept to his promise, and The Cure became notorious for their hours-long shows, the longest being a50-song,four-hour-longconcert in Mexico City for Smith’s 54th birthday on April 21, 2013.

The Cure performing in Michigan in June 2023.Scott Legato/Getty

Scott Legato/Getty

Smith further goes on to explain his logic for lower ticket prices, which he thinks will lead to happier concertgoers who will spend more money and come back. “If people save on the tickets, they buy beer or merch. There is goodwill, they will come back next time," he explained. “It is a self-fulfilling good vibe and I don’t understand why more people don’t do it.”

Robert Smith of The Cure performing at Madcool Festival in Madrid in July 2019.Mariano Regidor/Redferns/Getty

Mariano Regidor/Redferns/Getty

The Cure is set to release their first album in 16 years,Songs of a Lost World,on Nov. 1.

source: people.com