From the Philadelphia Inquirer:
Cure still has a healing touch
For The Inquirer
The Cure's Robert Smith hasn't changed much. A contender in the '80s for the title of mopiest pop star, the vocalist and guitarist dons all black, teases out his archetypal goth hair, and has the stage presence of a sulky ghost. Yet 25 years after its debut album, the Cure still has the cachet to anchor a package tour, and on Sunday headlined the aptly titled Curiosa Festival at the Tweeter Center.
With eight acts, the music shifted between the main and second stages with only a few moments between sets. Of the second-stage bands, Thursday drew the most enthusiastic crowd, playing by-the-book emo to a crowd-surfing throng that sang along and threw index fingers into the air in approval.
The members of Mogwai - all sporting T-shirts from the 700 Club, the Northern Liberties bar - were first to hit the main stage. Most of the Glaswegian group's instrumentals built slowly to a noisy, hypnotic drone. If they didn't quite leave the crowd in a frenzy, the monitor by the drum kit that accidentally burst into flames at the conclusion of the set surely must have been a sign of the music's power.
The Rapture and Interpol, New York outfits that take their cue from the post-punk movement, filled the remaining main-stage opening slots. The Rapture positions discordant melodies against a dance beat and recalls Public Image Ltd., and though Interpol can't escape the Joy Division comparison, its imposing live show proved it to be more than a mere imitator.
With supporting acts performing just 25 to 30 minutes each, energy remained high when the Cure walked on stage at 9:20. Twinkling lights and abstract video images set the mood as the group opened with the ethereal "Plainsong." Though there are some winning tracks on the Brits' recent eponymous album - including the single "The End of the World" - the band wisely concentrated on its extensive back catalog, especially 1989's Disintegration, which was represented by six songs. Smith acknowledged the preference, jokingly identifying Disintegration as "our new album."
The night nearly ended with the gloomy "Faith" as the final encore, but the band returned for one more. The Cure concluded its dazzling, nearly two-hour performance with the pop classic "Boys Don't Cry," ensuring that everyone left the Tweeter Center happier than he or she entered. Everyone except, perhaps, Robert Smith.
(Thanks Andrew)Regarding the Camden show... The venue was great. The schedule was perfectly executed. The was weather ideal, considering the morning
flooding. I was thrilled to hear "Charlotte Sometimes" and "Pictures of You" live, as well as a powerful "Faith". Most of the group around us in section 100 (rows H-L) were having a great time, and we were glad to be a part of it. To those who sat during the show... shame on you!!! Our review of this show is WOW!! The Cure were amazing, as always! We also really enjoyed the other bands, especially Interpol. They were fantastic! We give Robert two thumbs up for his Curiosa Festival. Thanks guys!
- Jody & Dave
Like many others who have commented, the Camden show was a thousand times better than Randall's Island, in terms of set list, venue, crowd participation and the fact that I nearly passed out (sober-mind you)in the stifling, general admission mess in NY-I apologize to all of those at the NY show that I nearly knocked over trying to fight my way out from being 15 feet from the stage during "Pictures of You"...I probably looked like a drunk stumbling fool but really, I was just on the verge of passing out due to heat exhaustion and lack of air. What a a disappointment that was since I have been waiting 4 years to see the band again and ended up hanging out by the ice cream truck for the last hour of that show....anyway, enough of that nightmare.
I was worried driving to Camden as it was raining pretty hard at 11 am in NY on Sunday but when we arrived it had stopped. I drove down with my younger brother who I finally got into the band after 5 years of trying. I was at the venue in June for the Y100 Fest so I had some idea of what to expect. We got to the the parking lot at about 3 and there really was no one around....same thing in NY. I was hoping to meet some like minded Cure fanatics but I must say I've been disappointed with the tailgate crowd. Everyone just arrives and goes in....even before any bands come on! There must be some people that want to hang out for a little while and drink a few beverages and meet new people before the show...hopefully in Mansfield
that will happen. Anyway, we hung out listening to some tunes (nothing like a homemade Cure compilation to pass the time) and drinking until about 6 and then went in. The Rapture was better here than NY. Also, Interpol was better as well (not as many technical problems) although I've seen both bands in club settings and they are much better on a smaller stage. Saw a little of Thursday...they were ok, nothing special. Missed Mogwai and Auf der Mauer and CTC.
I knew the set would be different tonight and right away when Robert did not come out, you knew it was "Plainsong". I thought the sound was overall very good. A few hiccups-like others have said, "Shake Dog Shake" started off, well, shaky. But it got better. I think the song selection at this show made everyone happy. I was really disappointed with the hits package in NY. This show was just so much better. Hearing "Faith" and "Charlotte Sometimes" again was great. I do hope they add a few more chestnuts at the Mansfield show. Overall, this was a great show, good crowd, and a fun time....see you in Mansfield, MA on Saturday!
- Mike Garcia
What a hellhole that town is. What a bleeping AMAZING SHOW. Everyone on the bill must have (for some reason) been saving up their energy for this show. I still can't get over it....and it was the 6th show I've seen this year.
HOWEVER! Robert Dedicated Anniversary to Spiggy/Paivi (The Poster Kid!), we (Paivi mostly as I was too shy to say much) met Carlos from Interpol, we ran into a couple of cool people from our area near DC, and the set list was one of the best I've heard in one sitting. WOW.
1. The parking. Easily the coolest parking experience I've had. It couldn't have been a hundred yards from our car to the entrance.
2. The venue: Gorgeous. Totally corporate and I didn't care. Plenty of places to sit, lovely view, fairly well organized, efficient...a great experience. We got to enjoy the music and not worry about the place...
3. Before the main acts: We watched Cooper Temple Clause from the grassy hill next to second stage. Totally relaxing and well worth the time. The pit here was fairly small so we could wander around the venue and just look for people and do nothing. We tried to avoid Mogwai (although I heard they had an amp catch fire?)...mostly because we wanted to save our ears...
4. Rapture: Back in Form. We have a video of the cowbell act and will post it somewhere soon...
5. Interpol: No more bass problems here!
6. Cure: Damn. I'm not sure even what to say about this show. You've all seen the set list. It was a nearly perfect performance. Shake Dog Shake was a bit muffled, but that's the only real issue I can think of...and I really don't think a soul cared. The crowd was really friendly in the pit and we had some good chats. Susan - thanks for coming over and glad you recognized Paivi/Spiggy from CoF ;). Uhm...guy next to us...glad you got to hear Faith! :) etc.
Near the beginning of the set, spiggy held up a NEW Anniversary sign (pictures coming) that we had worked up in Philly earlier that day. Robert leaned over and with a huge grin and wide eyes nodded and mouthed "YES!" to spiggy! ROCK ON. Later, he intro'd Anniversary with a short dedication to "The Poster Kid...who has been hanging around recently" or something like that. Can anyone confirm the exact wording?
Spiggy answered with an improv'd sign that said "Thank you! And thank you for Interpol!" (see #7 after the show about that sign)
About the songs...just look at the set list and imagine it's what you wanted it to be. It was! The 3 most requested CoF Poll songs in one sitting....
The only disappointment was the lack of new material. Really - I know for others it was cool - but I've frankly had enough of "Prayer Tour II". I *really* love Lost as an opener and The Promise is just absolutely nuts to hear as a closer.
On the other hand...Boys Don't Cry is the silly fun last encore closer that I love to hear. It's so short that it doesn't really knock any of the other songs off the list if they play it.
7. After the show...Got a partial set list. It looks like we lucked out and got the "good" ending with Faith and Charlotte Sometimes. The set list had an alternative list of songs: Lovecats, Close to Me, Why Can't I be you? (Would've liked to hear that last one...but not at the cost of Faith and Charlotte).
We hung around with Susan and her friend after the show trying to meet the Cure...which, unfortunately didn't happen. We *really* wanted to thank them. Since we met largely because of these guys, any song called "Anniversary" is special to us!.
Instead of the Cure, we did run into Carlos from Interpol who apparently was standing backstage when the "..and thanks for Interpol!" sign was up. He was very appreciative of it (called it Sweet heh :) ) and was an extremely nice, polite guy...(Paivi also met Paul, who seemed a bit too drunk to be particularly communicative...).
Cannot wait for Maryland....hope everyone in between then and now enjoys the show as much as we did! And we SWEAR we'll see Muse there finally...
- jofny/jack and spiggy/paivi
Greatest comic moments:
1) Mogwai plays such a blistering set that, at the end of the 20-minute epic "My father my king," their equipment catches fire.
2) After "Pictures of You" and before "Lullaby," Robert announces that "this is another song from our new album, 'Disintegration.'" Final
score: "Disintegration" 6, "The Cure" 4. Not a single complaint was heard (and, yes, I do like the new album...).
Greatest irritation:
Tech problems (see comic moment #1). The sound cut out on Interpol three times during "Roland." The techies seemed to be "testing" out the
Cure's light and video show in the middle of Mogwai's and the Rapture's sets. I don't know if they just didn't get to the venue early enough to
do this before the show started, but it was both aggravating and unprofessional.
Setlists:
Mogwai:
-Hunted by a Freak
-You Don't Know Jesus
-My Father My King
The Rapture:
-Olio
-an older song that I don't know (sorry, I'm only familiar with "Echoes")
-a new song that they didn't introduce
-The Coming of Spring
-Echoes
-Sister Saviour
-House of Jealous Lovers
Interpol:
-Obstacle 1
-Roland
-Evil
-NYC
-Say Hello to the Angels
-Slow Hands
-Leif Erickson
-another new one that they didn't introduce (That would be NARC)
-PDA
The Cure: as posted above.
Cure Highlights:
-"Plainsong" continues to be the best way to open a Cure show...
-"A Strange Day."
-"Anniversary." This one is obviously under-rehearsed, but it was still great to hear it.
-Particularly passionate performances of "Deep Green Sea" and "100 Years" (this latter one is ALWAYS a highlight...).
-Perry's guitar was actually mixed loud enough; it wasn't at the four Dream Tour shows that I saw.
-"Charlotte Sometimes." This was the first time I heard them perform this one, and it was worth the wait.
-"Faith."
-Breaking curfew...again.
-A setlist that didn't feature the new album. This was both surprising and refreshing, although, as I said, I do like the new album, and I look
forward to performances of "Lost" and "Labyrinth."
Mogwai, the Rapture, and Muse all played great sets. Interpol was phenomenal (despite the tech crew). The Cure continues to be one of the
best live bands that I've ever seen. This was a truly great show, and I look forward to seeing them a few more times this week. More than
anything, though, it was just great to be able to see them play again after a 4-year wait.
- Jon Feinberg
Just wanted to say that I was blown away by these guys at the "meet & greet" before the Camden show yesterday that I was privileged to be a
part of. Every single member of The Cure was great to meet in person. They were friendly, kind, hospitable and more than happy to take pictures and sign autographs. My biggest fear when it came to meeting them was that I'd be disappointed...no way! They're not only the most talented band on the planet, they're just plain nice human beings. I didn't think my love and appreciation of this band could grow any stronger...I was wrong.
- Lynn Cain
Last night was the 23rd time that I have seen the band and the first time I was able to actually meet and talk to the band. I shook Robert's hand in passing in Atlanta 92, but this was much more meaningful. Robert seemed truly moved when I told him how many times that I have seen the band and that I flew to Germany twice to see them play (Zillo and Woodstage festivals, then Hamburg and both Berlin Trilogy shows).
And, thanks to Nadine asking Robert to play Jupiter Crash or Like Cockatoos, I decided to try the same thing (although Robert didn't ask me for a request...I sort of forced it on him myself). I told him that I was going to see them in Columbia, MD this week, then LA and San Fran at the end of the month and that LA would be my 25th show. I asked him if there was any way that they could play Faith in LA. He smirked, crunched up his nose, and kind of twiddled his fingers and said that there was a possibility that they would play it tonight. I was floored at the time, but even more so when they played it.
I have always had problems with security at Camden. I must commend the usher that was working the aisle between Sections 101 and 102. I was in Row A, which is right behind the Pit. I brought my 8 year old son with me for his first Cure show, but because of the people standing right in front of us, he had problems seeing. The usher did everything that he could to help my son see. He even moved us back 2 rows so that we were more elevated and he could see alot better. The usher was even into the music.....dancing around, bobbing his head.
Overall, it was a good show. Although I do like the new album, I am happy that they only played 4 songs from the album. I am more into the 17 Seconds/Pornography/Faith era, so anything from that time period is a bonus. I'm looking forward to Columbia, MD this weekend and am anxious to see how the setlist differs from Camden.
- Jeff Downing
First of all I would like to say that this was my first Cure show and it was definitely one of the most memorable experiences of my life. While I like the new album a lot, I was hoping for plainsong rather than lost and disintegration rather than the promise. So the lights dimmed, Jason came out, then Roger, then Simon and Perry, and i thought no robert, this could mean plainsong. Then he appeared at the side of the stage and i knew immediately, recognizing his position from the trilogy dvd, that it was plainsong. I was amazed. Lights went over the crowd as it began and i got chills. Brilliant.
I am quite ashamed to say that before this concert, I had never heard Shake Dog Shake. I had tried hard to find it, but i couldnt. I thought it was an awesome song.
Then fascination street, wow. Everything was perfect. Robert seemed in good form, being quite animated during lullaby. I was ecstatic at hearing anniversary, since it is my favorite on the new album. One hundred years was amazing. Perry and Simon got so into it - it was incredible. Definitely a highlight. Then I heard Disintegration come in and i was once again ecstatic. Although, instead of saying "I miss the kiss of treachery", Robert said "I miss the kiss of vanity" and some people in the pit threw a sweatshirt and a can. Robert then seemed to forget the words, mumbling along and making things up. But maybe he was just putting a new spin on it, dunno. Whatever happened, he got back on track and became so emotional. He dragged the mic stand around singing which was interesting to see since he had kept the mic still for the rest of the show. They walked off and i couldnt wait for the encore. I was hoping for M but charlotte sometimes was even better. They then went into faith which was beautiful. Far past curfew, they came back to play boys dont cry which was a great way to end it. Roger seemed to be quite bored for the majority of the show. But overall, it was a really memorable show.
- Shtee223
To the surprise of no one who’s ever spoken to me in my life, my resolve crumbled at around 4:30, and within an hour I was in my car on the way to Camden. The normally 1.75 hour drive took 3.5 hours, which made me really nervous considering the Cure went on at 8:45 in NYC. They didn’t hit the stage til 9:15 in Camden, though, so I got there in the nick of time.
If I sat down and drew a blueprint of my ideal Cure-watching post, I couldn’t have come up with anything like what I found at Camden. Way up in the back house right corner of the lawn was a beer and pizza stand that was closed. In front of it was a perfectly flat, sizeable concrete slab—a freaking PRIVATE DANCE FLOOR. It was awesome. It had an obstructed view of the stage, so no one had any reason to get anywhere near me, but since it had great views of the video screens that NYC, I actually saw more than before. And it turns out I kinda dig seeing the Cure alone, cuz I don’t have to worry about looking like a freak in front of anyone I know, and I can whirl, kick, punch, swoon, sob, scream, sing, and giggle maniacally at will.
But even with those technical aspects aside, this show rocked my socks. Let’s start with the irony: if you read my review of NYC, you know the point of going to this show was to dance to The Promise one more time. And there I was, with a dance floor all to my lonesome!
They didn’t play it.
But I was too busy being awed by the setlist to care. I thought NYC was great, but this blew it out of the water. The setlist was almost completely different. First, they opened with Plainsong, which is the most intense way to open a show by anyone ever IMHO. As soon as the windchimes started, any sense of guilt I had over taking this roadtrip was obliterated.
From Plainsong into...Yes! Yes! YES!...Shake Dog Shake, then Fascination Street, then—no, they’re not really gonna...yep, right into A Strange Day. I swooned. And they just kept coming! Jupiter Crash, Lullaby, Disintegration...CHARLOTTE SOMETIMES!!! Faith was icing on an incredible cake.
Ultimately, I’m glad I went to both shows, because they didn’t play any of the songs I wanted to hear from the new album in Camden, but they played them all in NYC. So the shows were perfect compliments. This has to be one of my favorite weekends of all time.
So there’s just NO WAY I’m going to Boston. Really...
- Angel
August 1st 2004 - Camden NJ. Second show. * p e r f e c t i o n *
After Saturdays show, I figured it couldn't get any worse. I hoped to bring back a better review and indeed I have one =)))
I was determined to get to the venue before Mogwai as I missed them last night. I left for a 100 mile drive at 2:30. Everything was fine until about 50 miles into it, then I sit in traffic for about an hour and a half. Things picked up and I made it to the venue at about 5:15, made it. So it's starting out a better day already. Parking was super close, vast difference from the mile I had to walk last night. Walk into the venue and it is suprisingly nice! Everything set up nicely and well maintained. The beer was cheap, the lines were short. The crowd too looked way better than last nights, I noticed this as I walked in and obviously made a difference in the bands performance. Very animated and enthused. Seemed happy to be there. NYC's was very drab, complete opposite looked as if they were there because they had nothing better to do, see my review for the last show if you want to hear the full explanation. Again, this day getting better and better. The only complaint about this section of the review is how tight the security is, they have these big angry bouncers that look like pro wrestlers straight out of the WWF. You light a cigarette, sit on the back of your chair, in the wrong section, they run up to you as if they're ready to tear your head off. Thus I knew sneaking into the pit was a lost cause. Also my seat in row A was not Row A as I envisioned front row being, but anyway, I was close enough and on Robert's side, so enough complaining. The place looked packed though, looking back at the end of the night, there were people in the sections as far as I could see.
Opening bands were all good except for The Rapture =( I'm not going to start on them today. Mogwai were beautiful. I actually caught some of the second stage at this one. Auf Der Mour was suprisingly good, I heard her record and didn't like it, but live it was actually 'impressive' compared to the album, wouldn't see her solo, but wasn't the drivel I was expecting. So I sat through the Rapture just because I wanted to relax in my seat, horrible, horrible, irritating. There's like 300 guys in the band just running around making noise, the vocals are like nails on a chalkboard, and the cowbell, NOW THAT IS TALENT. How & Why they are here? I wish I knew. I actually got a few laughs out of their set because they are so pathetically ridiculous. INTERPOL is unbelievable. I am so in love with this band I can't put it into words. I can't wait for the new album and solo tour. I never like *new* bands either. IF YOU DO ONE THING THIS SUMMER, GET TO ONE OF THE SHOWS EARLY AND SEE INTERPOL~!! I saw a few minutes of Muse, I see what everyone is saying, they sounded very tight. I was too far away to appreciate them, but I'm making it a point to see them at one of the two shows I have next week before they are off the tour.
Next thing I know, I'm sitting in the pavilion, eating these nasty messy cheese fries. I wish I had never got these things, AND WOULD IT HAVE BEEN SO HARD TO GIVE OUT FORKS WITH SUCH A MESSY DISH!!?!?! So the lights go down, and I throw these fries under the seat, only to haunt me for the entire set smelling cheese, and I thought I was dancing on them at some point. The intro comes on and the boys come out. No Robert. I knew there was going to be no lost as he didn't walk out first. The bells come on, the emotion passes over the whole crowd. Robert walks out, walking all around the stage, looking to this crowd who was very appreciative of what they were there for unlike last night's. He looked incredible as always and in good spirits. Walks to the mic and performs a perfect opener to start a perfect night. Picks up his guitar, ahh haaa haa owwww~! WAKE UP IN THE DARK~!!! Wow! This sounded soooo goood. Gave the set such emotion and a vibe that was the complete opposite of what we had last night. He was so flat the first few songs last night, took him 4 songs to get into it, tonight however, from the first note of Plainsong he was in top form. Really pleased the crowd here. Went into Fasci st, giving a lesser performance than last night, the music was fine but he seemed to be more animated in NY. This did not phase anything as he went into A Strange Day, this sounded perfect, PREFECT, perfect. This was one of the songs I was hoping to hear last night so getting it tonight, after such a great opening was even better. I was so into the show at this point, I felt like I was a teenager again at my first show. TEOTW was next. Not one of my favorite live songs, and perhaps the only thing last night had on tonight showed it's face here, Roger was mixed low at this gig. This song needs him, without keys it's truly a disaster. Next was Anniversary, he dedicated this song to Jack, I couldn't imagine what he must have felt here, congrats!! Song sounded beautiful, with the few new songs played tonight, it was nice to get one of the ones I really like on the album. AND NO US OR THEM AND NEVER!!!!!!!!! I was so happy about that =))))) Next were the *pop* songs, what more can be said, he plays these every night. Same Sh*t different night, though the crowd actually moved for them this time. Again Roger was mixed a bit low, actually though I think he was mixed high last night, the way Lovesong's key cut right through me, I had never heard them like that before. Next was quite possibly the best suprise of the night, JUPITER CRASH!!!!! Haven't heard it live in sooooooo long, was so good to hear again. This song should have never been taken out of regular rotation. Hoping to hear it again. Pictures and Lullaby, sounded perfect, Robert's Lullaby performance was a bit subdued than usual however no big deal. Maybe Someday, another pleasant song to hear, thought it was going to be Deep green sea with the keys he did for the intro, heard the Maybe someday guitar and yay! I love Bloodflowers and hope to hear more from the album as the tour goes on. Before Three, better than the train wreck of last night as there were actually guitars mixed into it tonight, still not up to par with how it sounded at Coachella and Hfstival, I think this song may be a lost cause with the album mix and the way it's been sounding lately. FTEOTDGS, again, what more needs to be said, sounded great as usual, really loving the screen behind this one. To my delight Us or Them and Never weren't played here, as he went into Alt.End. It sounded worlds better than it did last night. The empty sound that it had last night was filled well. 100years was perfect, this is another one where the screen adds so much, not quite as good as the dream tour's video for it, but well done. Now I was hoping and praying that The promise wouldn't be played here, I heard the glass shatter and I was ecstatic!! Perfect end to a perfect day and perfect main set. I really enjoyed this show, ten thousand times more than last night, but I had to sit down for a minute. I was so Tired at this point from being up all day, screaming along with Robert, 2 hours of driving, seeing all the bands, 3 beers which knocked me on my ass because I drink about 3 times a year.
Remember the Cheese Fries? about halfway through the set, I was dancing in something nasty, stick, and chunky. Still smelling the fires, even after the main set, I'm *&#%^*HTT%*#TRG*#@$&*#^$*&T^#& Why did I get these things!?!? So I look behind me, the girl behind me puking directly behind me, yes, I was dancing in vomit through half the set. The show was so good I did not care, had this been last night, I would have been really pissed. So the band comes back out. Ending such a great show, with a better encore, went right into Charlotte Sometimes. WOW. What more could I ask for?.....This next song is dedicated to all the other bands that played tonight, It's called F A I T H ! ! ! ! ! The night was complete for me, this was only the second time I saw this song live, so it was still very special seeing it, not many extra lyrics, that didn't phase me at this point. Thought it was over as Simon walked off the stage, but they came back out, Robert mumbled something about the curfew and Simon, goes into BDC, sounded excellent, would have rather heard Going Nowhere, but I can't complain about anything at this point.
Now that, is the way 105 minutes and a Cure crowd should be. NYC was a disgrace. Can't say enough good things about last night. Next show is Maryland in 5 days~! and if any of my remaining east coast shows come even close to that I'm going to have to get this smile surgically removed. I take back all my complaints about the short set, no it's not 2.5/3hrs but they really, REALLY, make the best of it. Also he said something towards the effect of "see you soon" Could that possibly be a hint towards a solo tour afterwards? I doubt it but it's a nicee thought, support this tour people, not only in hopes of a solo show, but it truly is worth it.
- SugarandOpium
The show was awesome! Right from the start with Robert being playful with the crowd, I felt it would be a very enjoyable night. The setlist was great,
from start to finish. Every song was played very well. I especially enjoyed Plainsong, Shake Dog Shake, Fascination Street, A Strange Day, Just Like Heaven, Pictures Of You, Lullaby, Maybe Someday, From The Edge Of The Deep Green Sea, One Hundred Years, Disintegration!!!, Charlotte Sometimes!!!, and Faith. I realize this was most of the set, but I can not leave any out. I did very much also enjoy songs from the new album, but of course the nostalgia of the older songs really take me back to why I became a Cure fan.
Last night was my ninth show overall and my second this year. I'm still buzzing from it, so right now I feel like it was the best Cure show ever. I saw them at the HFS-tival in DC in May. It's always good to be there, but for some reason, I didn't enjoy it as much as usual. Last night more than made up for it. There's no doubt in my mind. Their live play is as tight as ever. It's completely evident why they have been so stable for the last 12 or so years. I may be older with a family now, but last night, I was a kid again. It felt great to "let it all go" and put everything else out of my mind. I'm sure being in the pit for the first time really enhanced the experience for me as well.
It's funny. All these years, it was Robert I focused on as "The Cure". He was really the only part of the band that interested me, but as Craig mentioned in the news section a couple weeks ago, Simon really seems to be the "heart and soul" of the band. He's got a youthful, rebellious energy the defies the fact that he's considerably older now. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying he's old, because certainly he's not. It's just that I sense he's not settling down within himself to mellow with age (this comes across as a good thing). If he is, he must have been quite the hellion 20 years ago. It appears he's still got real "fight" inside and has not and will never sell out to the business.
Despite what others have written in previous reviews, I liked the imagery behind the setup. It was a little obstructed by the equipment and not quite as good as it was for the Bloodflowers tour, but it complemented the show well.
I have to say I look forward to reading the reviews on this site as the tour progresses, but I am totally sick of people complaining about "poppy" parts of the set list. To those that complain I say, come on now, is it okay with you that people have favorite songs different from yours? Are they not all Cure songs, songs that are big part of the band's history? I think your complaints are insulting. You're saying, "There are many lousy Cure songs that are not worth hearing the band play". I strongly disagree. I enjoy the myriad of music that defines The Cure. We all have our favorites. Not everyone's can be played every show. They do a great job of mixing it up to give everyone a good time. Has it just become cliche for some to automatically launch the complaint? It doesn't necessarily make you a better fan to brag about liking the more obscrure songs and it's not a contest.
Next stop, Columbia, Maryland. I feel fortunate I'll again be in the pit and I am greatly looking forward to it. Enjoy it while it's here. There will be way too much time to wait for the next go around.
- Mickey
First, to the band THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! This was an amazing show. I had low expectations due to reviews of prior shows. This show rated right up there with any of the final four Dream tour shows. Biggest highlight for me, the Charlotte and Faith encore. Charlotte was absolutely beautifully played, somewhere right between poppy and wistful. My 1.5 year old daughter's middle name is Charlotte (hmm how did that happen?), so hearing this song live was very special to me and my wife. Especially the part about Charlotte lying in bed as this was the first night we had ever left her to fall asleep without us being home. Faith had few extra lyrics and probably due to the early time in the tour had less emotional impact than the 2 times I heard it on the Dream Tour. Still an amazing song and incredible to watch Robert as this song pours out of him.
When the show opened with Plainsong, it was apparent that the night would be different from previous Curiosa sets. Robert did a long stage walk prior to the Plainsong lyrics and seemed in great spirits throughout the show. Shake Dog Shake was aggressive, I like the dog backdrop. A Strange Day was played fourth, a favorite of mine, a solid version this tour. Lullaby was great fun, and Robert funny about this being the Disintegration tour. Maybe Someday was excellent in the middle of the main set, played with much more of an edge this tour. FTEOTDGS was great for the crowd and very well played. 100 Years is always powerful live, but suffered from similar issues to those mentioned in earlier reviews about Shake Dog Shake. The Camden Tweeter Center sound just is not what it should be for a relatively young amphitheater. Ending the main set with Disintegration, perfect! I realize that I did not mention the new songs! , they sound good live and fit nicely into this setlist design. For me, this setlist was perfect
for the festival context. My wife who is a more casual fan than I told me this was her favorite Cure concert to date, which includes the Prayer
Tour.
The final song was Boys Don't Cry, played after curfew. Robert said that they wanted to score a goal in extra time. No need for the extra goal, they were already up 10nil! Still a great way to go out. Again, THANK YOU to the band!
- Jon
First off the show, was quite amazing. Before The Cure went on stage, the roadie's were setting the lights up, and they keep on testing the lights that go to "Plainsong", so I was figuring that was going to be the opener. "Plainsong", has always been a great opener, Robert looked us over (being in the pit, pretty close, and was quite cool) Then the drum roadie, started playing that opening drum roll to "Shake Dog Shake", but I just thought he was generically playing whatever, but indeed they ended up playing it after 'Plainsong". Then once "A Strange Day" started I knew this concert was going to be like no other. As for the other songs, mostly the same. "Just Like Heaven" seemed off key to me. Checking out everyone in the bands expressions, Roger seemed bored. He gave the crowd faces a few times, but he basically looked very stern faced. Simon seemed alittle bored with the show (towards the beginning), Perry the same way, they all looked alittle bored (except Robert) Jason was playing how he always plays. Towards the end of the setlist, everybody seemed to get into it very well (band wise) They all started to get really into it (especially for "One Hundred Years"). I could see how they could get bored (with the normal setlist) it wasn't untill the rarities came that they really were rocking it. I knew that we'd get
atleast an encore, so we cheered, then Rob and everyone came on. I was exspecting, maybe "M" or, 10:15, but to my surprised they ripped into
"Charlotte Sometimes", it was brilliant!!. Then I couldn't believe they were playing 'Faith", the red lights really gave the mood for the song.
So I thought that would be the end, the show was over curfew, that was it, so they left. Since Robert didn't give his "good night" speech, it was encore #2. It sounded to me that Robert said either "Simon doesn't want to end on Faith", or Simon wanted to end on faith, but something on the lines like, "we couldn't end on that song" so Boys Don't Cry, was played, and again brilliantly. The whole show, was fantastic, and by the looks of the setlist, this was more of a darker show, rather then a "pop nightmare". The setlist, gave you alittle of everything. All in all, very good show, couldn't really ask for more.
-L.J.-
The first two reviewers summed the show up pretty well, so I won't repeat what they said. Overall it was a freaking great show, though not quite as good as the Dream Tour show at Jones Beach that I saw.
The mix at the Tweeter Center was AWFUL. It was easily the worst mix I've ever heard at a Cure show. My seats weren't too far from the soundboard, and I couldn't help but wonder if the guys manning the board were hearing what I was hearing. How could they think the sound was any good? There was a bit of an echo, the bass was too loud, Robert's voice was a little too loud. Early in the set Perry's guitar was a little too high in the mix but then when the band played FTEOFDGS you couldn't hear him! All you could hear was Roger playing that one key on his keyboard, dink dink dink dink dink.
It was really a shame, because the Cure is such a special band that to have such a poor mix really ruins it.
Also, I know some of the people who saw the NY show the previous night were complaining about the Cure playing so many songs from the new album, but personally I was disappointed they didn't play more. It was a really interesting set and a great show, so I'm not complaining exactly, but to hear six songs from Disintegration and only four from the new album was disappointing. Personally I LOVE the new album and to hell with all those carpetbaggers who just want to hear the pop tunes. I couldn't make the NY show so I drove all the way down to Camden to hear Lost, The Promise, etc, and what did I hear? Half of Disintegration! Again, it's hard to complain because those are great songs, but I was really interested to hear the new material live.
Speaking of Disintegration, that was easily the best version I've ever personally heard the band do of thesong. Robert didn't touch his guitar through most of the song, so Perry's part was really prominent -- it was a little like that 1993 gig in London they played before Perry officially joined the band. The music was a little sparser, and though Robert screwed up a few of the lyrics, he sang with an emotional intensity that I've never heard him reach before. Honestly, in my opinion he sang Disintegration last night with the kind of intensity he had for the Tianneman Square version of Faith. It was just blistering and raw. I had goosebumps the whole time.
So far as the four new songs were concerned, End of the World sounded a little better than I expected it to. I really just don't like the song. Anniversary was interesting live -- Perry's guitar part was much more pronounced. In fact, honestly I hadn't even realized that what I had been hearing on the album was a guitar, I'd kind of assumed it was a keyboard of some kind. Before Three was good, and alt.end was absolutely fabulous. After Disintegration, alt.end was probably the highlight of the night. It was a really energetic version that ended with a really good crunch. (You'd have to hear it to understand.)
So that's my two cents worth. Great show, Bob -- but fire the sound people, please. An AM radio sounds better than the mix last night...
- Gluefreak
My review starts yesterday actually. A friend's friend bought me and my friend our tickets a few months ago but it turned out that she wanted to
go with her two other friends. So the day before the show we looked for more tickets... and found 2nd row seats available!!! I actually saw pit
tickets on sale earlier today, too.
The opening bands were all really good. The Rapture and Interpol were heads and shoulders above the rest though. Mogwai and Muse were really
good, Mogwai actually had a fire onstage right when they finished. Cooper Temple Clause was good. Auf der Maur didn't rub me the right way.
And Thursday, I kinda like Thursday but maybe the acoustics were bad or something but they sounded terrible. Also, their fans made them
unlistenable to non-fans they sung along with everything and moshed. Ugh I hate moshing. Interpol, Mogwai, Muse and Thursday had their own
obsessed fans that were there to see them. Interpol had this great presence, I really want to see them and the Rapture again.
The setup of the festival is weird and good at the same time. It's kind of weird when youre bouncing from stage to stage every 30 minutes for 4
hours. I never really got to sit down, I sat down for a little of the Rapture and that was it.
By the time the Cure came on I could've left and be quite satisfied with the show. As far as I was concerned the Cure could've only played
Charlotte sometimes and I'd be quite thrilled. That's by far my favorite cure song.
The band walked out and grabbed their instruments, but Robert stood on the side in front of the pit which is also right in front of me and talked for about a minute with some fans.
From reading chain of flowers reviews all the time I expected it to open with lost and then labrinyth. So obviously I was taken when the opening notes to plainsong came on. I knew from then on it would be a show to remember. Plainsong was played really well, and the lighting to it was just gorgeous.
Shake Dog Shake came on next and I was glad to hear it, but it sounded really muddled, I don't know why, in my opinion the worst song of the night because of the way it sounded. All the verses sounded really jumbled.
Fascination Street, A Strange Day and The End of the World were really good. By now the fans were really into the show. Towards the middle of
the show around this time though the lighting became so-so. Anniversary was next, its one of my favorites on the new album. Really good.
Lovesong, Inbetween Days, Just Like Heaven, Jupiter Crash, Pictures of You were all really good especially Pictures of you. It seemed like half
or more of the crowd was singing along. The lighting that was so-so picked up again during Jupiter Crash and the lighting on Pictures of You was stunning.
Before Lullaby Robert said "this is from our new album Disintegration" I thought that was really funny. Its odd that a rock god like him is so
humble, he said a polite thank you after almost every song, and though most every band says it, he sounded sincere. He still seems like a shy
teenager even in his 40's. Its good to see a rock star that didn't get a swelled head... just swelled hair. That was a bad joke.
Maybe Someday was next i think it was played really good. But at this point it seemed like they were playing a lot of singles (Fascination Street, TEOTW, Lovesong, Inbetween Days, Just Like Heaven, Pictures of You, Maybe Someday). But I was talking to a guy after the show he said
they do that to appease the normal not obsessed fans and to be really poppy in the middle of the shows
I really wanted to hear some more album tracks, especially Labyrinth and The Promise. Before Three came next, and someone brought this up in
another review it sort've sounded like Robert didn't have it completely memorized yet.
From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea came on next. This was the most the crowd was into it so far. Everyone had their arms up in the air and was
dancing along to it. The lights were all in the crowd for most of the song
Alt.end was really good to hear but I then saw the time and I thought it was going to be the last song of the mainset. It was like 10:40 at this point.
But alas, they weren't done yet, One Hundred Years came on. Probably had the best lights of the night and it sounded great. They had a video
screen behind the band and played videos for some songs. The one for One Hundred Years really added to its feel. Lullaby and Shake Dog Shake had pretty cheesy videos, and Fascination Street had home movies it was alright.
Disintegration also had really good lights. I kind've wanted to hear the Promise instead, but this was was probably better than the promise could
ever be. I really love this song, but it sounded shorter here though. Maybe I lost my sense of time. Disintegration also had really good lighting. Whoever does the lighting for these shows really deserves a pat on the back, it really added something to each and every song.
The mainset ended at 11:04 so Robert already broke curfew. How cool of him.
They came out for an encore after everyone clapped and shouted for a few minutes and I was pretty positive that they wouldn't play Charlotte
sometimes, my favorite song by them. They already played Disintegration, Lullaby, Fascination Street, Plainsong and One Hundred Years which are
my other favorite cure songs. There was no way they could... could they? And then they came out and Charlotte Sometimes it was. I whooed
like a little girl and was entranced during the whole song. Everyone else seemed really into it as well. It was kind've of slower than the
recorded version but I still really enjoyed it.
Sidenote: The setlist was like Robert read my mind and played everything I wanted to hear.
Robert dedicated the next song to all the other bands on the bill. I thought he said, "This one is called Fight" I thought "wow whats next,
Fire in Cairo?" I felt like an idiot two seconds later when I recognized FAITH, not fight. Silly me. When he left the lights didn't turn off and
the stagehands didn't come on. Everyone went nuts in hopes of a second encore. I thought he was going to come out, because Robert really seemed
to feed off the crowd tonight.
I never heard a crowd as loud as I did when Robert came back on stage for a second encore. I didn't think there was anymore songs I wanted to
hear. But I forgot one. Boys Don't Cry!! The crowd went nuts and sang along and it was the perfect end to a perfect night. After he finished
he said "That's fucking it" and that "He'll see us all soon". He said something else but I couldn't hear it. After he got off stage I saw a
guy put a big towel on him. I don't know why I mentioned that.
The only terrible thing about the whole festival was the overpriced shirts, 30 dollars each. I came here with a lot of money and hoped to buy Interpol, Muse, and Cure shirts, I probably would have if they were in the 15-20 dollar range. 30 is a ripoff. If you were mad about this too check out a store at the Neshaminy Mall in Philly called Good Times, they have some good Cure and practically everyone else shirts for like 15-17 dollars.
While waiting for the Ferry to Philly I was talking to some fans. I mentioned to one guy that I was maybe writing a review for chainofflowers. He said he'll be reading this. Hey, it was nice talking to you! He also said that he went to Camden and NYC for the dream tour and said that Philly fans are way better than NYC fans. I hate New York. We also together noticed something, Robert played a song from every album except Seventeen Seconds. Pretty neat, huh?
It was my first time seeing the Cure, and I had really high expectations for the concert. High as in, the best show I'll ever go to. I know its become a cliche but this show surpassed any expectations I had. The only other great shows I've seen are A Perfect Circle and the Mars Volta. This blew those out of the water. It was good to see a lot of different age groups represented there. I saw some 7 year old kids, teenagers like me, college kids, 20somethings, adults and even some wrinkly middle aged hippies. The guy I talked to at the ferry was like 30ish, sorry if it turns out that you're like 22 but you look 30ish, anyway, the moral of the story is that music knows no boundaries.
That would be awesome if they came back to America in like a year or so. It's 2:18 Am right now so please forgive any misspellings or stupid
things I might've said. I really felt that I should make a review for this because the reviews on this site convinced me that seeing the Cure
was worth 60-70 dollar tickets. I would've played 120 for this show.
- Richard S.
Overall it was a pretty good show, better than last night in NY. It got a little poppy half way through which seemed to please the bandwagon fans who
had been sitting before Lovesong came on. Robert was definitely more chatty tonight than last night. Before Anniversary came on he said, "This is for the Poster Kid who has been following me around." Also right before playing Lullaby he said, "This is another song from our new album Disintegration." Finally before going into Boys Don't Cry he said something to the effect that it was like a football match going into extra time which is due to the fact that they went over the time of the curfew. I think the show ended around 11:08-11:10. I'm sure another fan will have exact times and quotes. Two songs had additional lyrics or substituted lyrics. First was Disintegration. I'm not sure if Robert planned this or if he forgot the
lyrics. It didn't seem to flow very well. The second change was Faith, which is always brilliant when he adds in a new verse. The crowd seemed
better tonight than last night in NY. That is except for the cow next to me who when she wasn't physically acting out the lyrics to the singles that she
knew, she was grinding with her boyfriend. I never knew you could do the Lambada to 100 years and Faith. Although she did take time to mock a real fan who was so excited for 100 years that she started to pogo. Apparently if you don't dance like you are at an R Kelly concert then you deserve to be mocked. I guess my favorites for the night were Shake Dog and Faith. Both were powerful in their own way. Anyway, looking forward to Maryland. I'm hoping for In Your House but will probably have to wait until next tour. Goodnight. Cheers.
- Brian