The Cure PP26: Een Show Als De Laatste
The Cure performed at Pinkpop featuring material from their 14th studio album, Songs Of A Lost World. The performance marked the debut of Eeden Gallup, who replaced guitarist and keyboardist Perry Bamonte following Bamonte’s death last Christmas. Frontman Robert Smith anchored the set with themes of aging and mortality, according to performance reports.
Who is the new member of The Cure?
Eeden Gallup has joined the band to fill the vacancy left by the late Perry Bamonte. Gallup is the son of bassist Simon Gallup and the godson of Robert Smith.
The lineup change comes as the band promotes Songs Of A Lost World, their first album in 16 years. The 2025 release is described as a reflection on death and reality.
How was the Pinkpop set structured?
The set was bookended by tracks from the new album. It opened with “Alone,” a song about aging featuring a three-minute intro, and the regular set concluded with “Endsong,” which featured a heavy, extended introduction.
The middle of the performance included a mix of known and rare tracks. The band played “Lovesong,” “Pictures Of You,” “Burn,” “Inbetween Days,” and “Push.”
The encore focused on a high-energy hit block. This sequence included the rarity “Wrong Number,” followed by “Lovecats,” “Friday I’m In Love,” “Close To Me,” “Why Can’t I Be You,” and the closing track “Boys Don’t Cry.”
Why is The Cure connecting with younger audiences?
Robert Smith has recently cited inspiration from pop artist Olivia Rodrigo. The two have appeared on stage together twice and recorded a duet, including a performance of “What’s Wrong With Me” at Primavera.
The connection extends to Rodrigo’s songwriting; her track “Drop Dead” name-drops The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven.” This has made the song a favorite among the band’s youngest fans.
Smith also commented on the influence of modern pop stars, noting that Addison Rae drew an immense crowd at Primavera just before The Cure’s set. Smith stated, “I hoped that they wouldn’t all leave,” referring to the audience transition between acts.
What happens next for the band?
Given the current trajectory, The Cure may continue to bridge the gap between gothic rock and modern pop. Future collaborations with younger artists could be a possible next step to further engage new generations.
The band is likely to continue touring in support of Songs Of A Lost World. Robert Smith has expressed an intention to treat every show as if it were his last.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who replaced Perry Bamonte in The Cure?
Eeden Gallup, the son of bassist Simon Gallup and godson of Robert Smith, replaced the late Perry Bamonte.
Which new album did The Cure perform at Pinkpop?
The band performed songs from their 14th album, Songs Of A Lost World, released in 2025.
How is Olivia Rodrigo linked to The Cure?
Robert Smith has performed with Rodrigo twice, recorded a duet with her, and her song “Drop Dead” mentions the Cure track “Just Like Heaven.”
Do you think legendary bands should collaborate with modern pop stars to reach new fans?