The Cure has thrilled fans with the announcement of their first new song in 16 years, titled Alone. The snippet of the song released on social media showcases a symphonic ballad with heavy drums and electric guitar, accompanied by Robert Smith’s haunting vocals. Fans can tune in to Mary Anne Hobbs’s BBC Radio 6 Music show to hear the song’s premiere on Thursday at noon in the UK.
This exciting news marks the end of a long-awaited return for the band, as they have been hinting at new music for several years. The Cure’s last album, 4:13 Dream, was released in 2008 and was praised for its taut and vibrant sound. Despite initial plans for a follow-up album titled 4:14 Scream in 2014, the project was ultimately scrapped.
Robert Smith’s creative process was reignited after curating the Meltdown festival, leading the band back to the studio in 2019. The recording sessions produced a wealth of music, with songs averaging 10 to 12 minutes in length. Smith described the new material as dark and intense, hinting at a return to the band’s signature sound.
While the upcoming album, rumored to be titled Songs of a Lost World, has not been officially announced, teasers like mysterious postcards and posters hint at a release date of November 1, 2024. The Cure’s dedicated fan base eagerly anticipates the new music, drawn to the band’s unique blend of guitar pop and gothic elements.
Despite the band’s lengthy hiatus from releasing new music, their popularity remains strong with over 17 million monthly listeners on Spotify. The Cure has continued to captivate audiences with their live performances, often exceeding three hours in length. Smith’s recent criticism of Ticketmaster’s fees for the band’s 2023 US tour resulted in a partial refund for ticket holders, demonstrating his commitment to fans.
In a recent personal revelation, keyboardist Roger O’Donnell shared that he had been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of lymphoma. However, O’Donnell remains optimistic about his prognosis and is determined to overcome this health challenge. The band’s resilience and dedication to their craft continue to inspire fans around the world as they eagerly await the release of new music from The Cure.