Rumors have been swirling that iconic British rock band The Cure may be planning a tour that includes a stop in Ireland. As one of the most influential alternative rock bands of the 1980s and 1990s, The Cure have a huge fanbase in Ireland who would be thrilled to see them perform live. In this article, we’ll examine the evidence and see if a Cure concert in Ireland is likely to happen in the near future.
Recent Activities
The Cure have shown some signs of activity lately that suggest they may be gearing up for a tour. In 2022, they headlined several major summer festivals like Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, and Primavera Sound. They also did a short run of shows in Europe last October. Frontman Robert Smith has indicated in interviews that the band wants to play more concerts in the coming year. He said “We need to get out there again and do shows again, and enjoy that.” This suggests The Cure may be planning a more extensive tour soon.
Social Media Hints
While The Cure have not officially announced any tour plans yet, there have been some hints on social media that have fans speculating. In January 2023, the band posted a photo on Instagram with the caption “Rehearsals start today…” Fans immediately began speculating in the comments that this means a new tour is in the works. The band also started following several large venues and festivals in Europe, including some in Ireland, on social media earlier this year. This had fans guessing that a European tour stopping at those venues might be imminent.
New Music
Another reason fans suspect a tour announcement is coming soon is that The Cure is reportedly working on their first new album since 2008’s 4:13 Dream. Robert Smith has been teasing for years that a new Cure record is in progress. In 2022, he said in an interview that the album was almost done and they hoped to release it soon. Many music insiders feel that The Cure is likely to plan a tour around the new album to promote it. If new music comes this year as expected, an accompanying tour seems very plausible.
Past Tours
Looking back on The Cure’s prior touring history also provides some clues. They have traditionally toured extensively with each new album cycle, and have included Ireland on many previous tours. Some notable past Cure shows in Ireland include:
1989 | The Plains of Ireland, Dublin |
1992 | Slane Castle |
1996 | Lansdowne Road, Dublin |
2000 | Slane Castle |
2008 | RDS Arena, Dublin |
As this table shows, the band has made a habit of playing Ireland regularly on their tours over the decades. Based on prior tours about every 4 years, some feel a return in 2023 or 2024 seems probable.
Availability
Signs also point to The Cure having availability in their schedule this year/next year to tour. They do not have any other major events, album releases, or projects officially confirmed. Robert Smith will turn 64 this April, so he has indicated he does not want to wait too long for a new tour. The band seems to have left their schedule open enough to undertake a substantial worldwide tour this year or next.
Relationship with Ireland
On top of past tours, The Cure have a special relationship with and fondness for Ireland that makes an Ireland date very likely if they tour Europe. Robert Smith has traced his ancestry and found he has family origins in Cork. The band has said they feel a connection with Irish music and culture. U2, Sinéad O’Connor, and other Irish artists have cited The Cure as musical inspirations and contemporaries coming up in the 80s and 90s. The Cure even recorded part of their 2004 self-titled album at drummer Jason Cooper’s studio in Ireland. This close bond increases the odds of The Cure scheduling Irish concerts on an upcoming tour.
Fan Demand
With a hugely loyal Irish fanbase eager to see The Cure again, demand for tickets would surely be high if a tour is announced. The band continues to have a devoted multi-generational following in Ireland, proven by excited Irish fans frequently requesting their return on social media. Venues know The Cure can sell out arenas and stadiums in Ireland. Promoters are likely trying to book them while their drawing power is still strong. The Cure returning would be a major concert event, which is a compelling reason to add Ireland to a potential tour.
Venues They Could Play
If The Cure do announce an Irish tour date, what venue might they choose? Based on their typical crowd size and past stops, the most likely options include:
Croke Park | Dublin |
Páirc Uí Chaoimh | Cork |
SSE Arena | Belfast |
Thomond Park | Limerick |
Stadiums like Croke Park in Dublin or Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork seem well-suited to handle the large audiences a Cure concert would attract. The SSE Arena in Belfast or Thomond Park in Limerick could also be potential locations. The Cure have played most of these venues many times before as well.
Likelihood of an Irish Tour Stop – High
Weighing all the evidence, the likelihood seems high that Ireland will be included if The Cure launches a new concert tour. All signs point to the band ramping up activity and getting back on the road very soon. Given their close relationship with Ireland and reliably strong ticket sales there in the past, it would make perfect sense for The Cure to schedule Irish dates. Fans in Ireland should watch closely for an official tour announcement and prepare to snag tickets if the band does make its awaited return. The Cure in Ireland in 2023 or 2024 appears to be a very real possibility.
Conclusion
In summary, based on optimistic comments from the band, social media teasers, new music plans, their touring history, and especially their deep connection with Ireland – signs are pointing towards The Cure likely announcing a tour soon that would include high-demand stops in Ireland. Irish fans should get excited and keep this exciting rumor on their radar, as Robert Smith and company returning would be a landmark live music event. When The Cure make it official, expect a swift sell-out of tickets as fans jump at the opportunity to see this legendary band perform live once again in Ireland after years away.