Inducted:
2019
Category:
Performer
Inducted By:
Trent Reznor
Fusing melody and melancholy, intensity and heartbreak, the Cure helped shape several musical genres, from goth to alternative, grunge to modern pop. Mastermind Robert Smith pioneered a unique frontman persona, a combination of brooding honesty and theatricality, gender-fluid and brazenly genuine. While remaining ever enigmatic as they rose from obscurity to global fame, the Cure provided irresistible, wildly popular, timeless tunes for generations.
Induction
Impact
Signature Sound
From guitar-heavy, urgent postpunk beginnings, the Cure’s sound evolved through the ‘80s and ‘90s into atmospheric, lushly layered, unpredictable, yet accessible rock songs. Darkly goth one minute, shimmering and heartfelt the next, with Robert Smith’s distinctive voice and pop genius at the heart of it all.
This urgent message for guys to express emotion appears on multiple soundtracks, and has been performed by the band live over 1000 times.
from the museum
Let’s Go toBed Suit
Drummer Lol Tolhurst wore this jumpsuit in the video with Robert Smith for “Let’s Go to Bed,” an ‘82 single for the Cure (then a duo). The video marked the Cure’s first collab with director Tim Pope, who’d make several more playful videos for the band.
“That side of them was always there but was never brought out,” says Pope: Tolhurst gets splattered with paint as the two dance around the set.
from the museum
Let’s Go toBed Suit
Drummer Lol Tolhurst wore this jumpsuit in the video with Robert Smith for “Let’s Go to Bed,” an ‘82 single for the Cure (then a duo). The video marked the Cure’s first collab with director Tim Pope, who’d make several more playful videos for the band.
“That side of them was always there but was never brought out,” says Pope: Tolhurst gets splattered with paint as the two dance around the set.
They’ve changed the face of popular music indelibly in their 40-year history without ever having to compromise their sound or aesthetic.
Trent Reznor
Nine Inch Nails
2019 hall of fame essay
"I always wanted the Cure to exist outside of every fashion, every trend, so it would leave us free to do what we wanted."
– Robert Smith (quoted by Ira Robbins)
Check It OutInfluence
Influences
Wire
Cocteau Twins
Siouxsie & the Banshees
The Cure
Influenced
Smashing Pumpkins
My Chemical Romance
Echo & the Bunnymen
Oasis
The Cranberries
Chvrches
Phoebe Bridgers
sealed with a signature
This is the signature that appears on the inductee’s plaque at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to officially commemorate their induction.
More from
the Hall
