The Cure are set to perform two world exclusive performances for the BBC later this month.
- READ MORE: On the cover – Robert Smith on 40 years of The Cure
The first intimate live show will be for ‘Radio 2 In Concert’, where they will perform for a small audience of fans at the BBC Radio Theatre in London on October 30.
Fans can register to attend for free, which will be allocated via a ballot. Registrations for tickets opened at 8:30am BST today (October 2) and will close 9pm BST the following Wednesday (October 9) at the website.
It will be broadcast on Jo Whiley’s show on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds from 7-9pm GMT on October 31, which will also feature an interview with Robert Smith.
Smith and co. will also perform for ‘6 Music Session: The Cure Live’, broadcast on Huw Stephens’ show on Thursday October 31 between 4-7pm GMT, alongside another interview with the frontman.
Hopeful attendees for the first London performance can apply for a maximum of one pair of tickets to the standing only concert, and tickets will be allocated by a random draw. Successful registrants will be notified by by text message and e-ticket will be sent via email. If unsuccessful, fans will be kept on the waiting list in case of cancellations.
The Cure are due to perform some of their best loved hits at the intimate showcases, along with songs from their forthcoming first new album in 16 years – ‘Songs of a Lost World‘.
“It’s not often we perform such intimate shows, so we’re really looking forward to this, and to sharing more tracks from the new album for the first time on 6 Music and Radio 2,” shared Smith in a press statement.
On November 1, the Radio 2 Breakfast Show will also feature some exclusive tracks from the Radio 2 concert recording. Both concert performances will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer on the evening October 31.
“The Cure are one of 6 Music’s most beloved artists,” added Huw Stephens in a statement. “Their records and visionary sonic journeys have captivated us all, and to hear a new album and a live performance to celebrate it will be very special.”
Jo Whiley added: “I can’t tell you how excited I am that The Cure will be performing for ‘Radio 2 In Concert’. They were my first music obsession and remain so to this day. They played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of that time and have influenced countless artists since with Robert Smith’s incredible songwriting and haunting lyrics.”
Jeff Smith, Head of Music for Radio 2 and 6 Music, shared that he was “delighted when they accepted my invitation to perform a wide cross section of their repertoire, hence the complimentary and unique selection of live tracks you will hear in our programming across both Radio 2 and 6 Music where they will feel the love from both our musical mainstream and alternative leaning audiences”.
The news comes after The Cure shared their emotional new single ‘Alone’, as well as confirming the release of their long-awaited new album ‘Songs Of A Lost World’. Fans quickly shared their reactions to the new track, with one describing it as “so beautiful”, while another added that “few bands can keep delivering quality songs like this so far in the game”.
Smith has shed some light on the new record, describing it as an album that’s been “drifting in and out of my life”.
The band have already begun teasing another new track called ‘Endsong’.