The Cure are one of the most iconic and influential alternative rock bands to emerge from the UK music scene. Formed in 1976 in Crawley, England, the band was started by lead singer and guitarist Robert Smith along with schoolmates Michael Dempsey, Laurence Tolhurst and others. Over the course of their prolific career spanning over four decades, The Cure have released 13 studio albums, over 40 singles, and have sold an estimated 30 million albums worldwide.
Known for hits like “Boys Don’t Cry,” “Friday I’m in Love,” and “Lovesong,” as well as their distinctive goth-pop sound and Smith’s signature messy hair and smudged lipstick look, The Cure built up a massive global following in the 80s and 90s. They headlined stadiums and festivals around the world and had a string of successful albums like Disintegration, Wish, and Bloodflowers.
After going on hiatus in the early 2000s, The Cure returned in the mid-2000s for various festival appearances and special performances. In 2019 they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, highlighting their lasting cultural impact. Fans have been eagerly awaiting a full-blown Cure tour and new album from the band for several years now.
Will The Cure tour the UK in 2023?
There has been growing speculation that The Cure are planning a major UK arena tour in 2023. Here are some key details:
- In summer 2022, Robert Smith confirmed in an interview that The Cure were planning to return to touring in 2023 after several years away due to the pandemic.
- Smith stated that a UK tour was “definitely happening” in 2023 along with European festival dates.
- In autumn 2022, The Cure announced a string of European summer festival appearances for 2023 but did not announce a full UK tour.
- The band’s longtime bassist Simon Gallup also hinted that a UK tour announcement would be coming “soon.”
- Notably, The Cure have not done a proper nationwide UK tour since 2016.
- Major UK venues and ticket agencies have penciled in next summer for a potential Cure tour announcement and ticket sale.
While not 100% confirmed yet, all signs point to The Cure gearing up for a major UK tour announcement very soon, likely for summer 2023. The tour would mark the band’s return to UK arenas for the first time in seven years and be their first proper national tour since the pandemic disrupted live music.
Potential Dates and Venues
If The Cure do announce a UK tour for 2023, these are some potential dates and venues they could play:
City | Venue | Potential Dates |
---|---|---|
London | The O2 Arena | July 2023 |
Manchester | AO Arena | July 2023 |
Birmingham | Utilita Arena | August 2023 |
Glasgow | OVO Hydro | August 2023 |
Leeds | First Direct Arena | September 2023 |
Major UK arenas typically book concerts several months in advance, so if a summer 2023 Cure tour is happening, announcements regarding dates, cities and ticket on-sale info should be coming very soon.
What kind of setlist can fans expect?
If The Cure embark on a UK tour in 2023, fans can likely expect a career-spanning setlist packed with iconic hits and fan favorites. Here are some songs they could potentially play:
- “Pictures of You”
- “Lovesong”
- “Just Like Heaven”
- “Friday I’m in Love”
- “Boys Don’t Cry”
- “Lullaby”
- “The Walk”
- “Push”
- “In Between Days”
- “Close To Me”
- “A Forest”
- “The Lovecats”
- “Mint Car”
- “Shake Dog Shake”
The band has over 20 albums worth of material to choose from, so they can dig deep into fan favorites like “Disintegration” while also throwing in hits casual fans will know. Given it’s been seven years since their last UK tour, The Cure will likely change up their setlists each night and play a wide selection of songs both old and new.
When will tickets go on sale?
While no official UK tour has been announced yet, when it is, fans can expect tickets to go on sale shortly after. Here’s the typical timeline:
- Tour announcement with dates and venues
- Artist and venue presales a few days later
- General public on-sale a few days after presales
Given Robert Smith’s comments that a UK tour announcement is imminent, The Cure would likely confirm the tour details by early 2023. This would allow tickets to go on presale in late winter, followed by general sale in spring 2023.
Major venues like The O2 Arena in London will often tweet out on-sale info and presale codes on the day tickets become available. Ticketmaster is also a good source for updates on any Cure tour ticket sale info for UK dates.
How much will tickets cost?
Ticket prices for a potential Cure UK tour in 2023 would likely be in line with pricing for other major legacy rock acts touring the UK arena circuit:
Ticket Type | Estimated Price Range |
---|---|
Standard Seating | £60 – £100 |
Floor/Standing | £80 – £120 |
VIP/Premium Seats | £150+ |
Variable pricing applies depending on the city and venue. London’s O2 Arena would likely be the most expensive stop. Front floor/standing tickets to see an iconic band like The Cure could easily top £100 or more. Official platinum dynamic pricing may also raise prices for in-demand shows.
How to get tickets
When The Cure finally announce their UK tour dates, here are some tips for fans to get tickets:
- Get presale access – Presales allow fans to buy tickets before the general public. Sign up for The Cure’s official mailing list to get presale codes.
- Follow the band’s socials – Accounts like The Cure’s Twitter and Facebook will post updated tour and ticketing info.
- Watch artist presales – Besides the band’s own presale, check Ticketmaster for special fan club and VIP package presales.
- Log in ahead of time – Have your ticket accounts created and payment info saved so you can check out faster.
- Aim for mid-week shows – Fridays and Saturdays will be the most in-demand and expensive shows.
The Cure still have an extremely dedicated fanbase who will snap up tickets quickly. Use presales, plan ahead, and be ready to buy them as soon as you can once the 2023 UK tour is officially announced.
How quickly will shows sell out?
Given The Cure’s iconic status and the long gap since their last proper UK tour, most shows on a 2023 tour would likely sell out very quickly. Here are some predictions:
- Major markets like London and Manchester could sell out presales and opening weeks of public on-sale.
- Smaller markets may take a few weeks to fully sell out.
- VIP packages and front pit/floor seats will sell out fastest.
- Back upper level seats will have most availability after opening weeks.
The Cure still have a massively dedicated fanbase excited to see them live again. Throw in vintage t-shirt fans and first-time concertgoers discovering their catalogue on streaming, and these shows are bound to see very high demand when tickets go on sale. Planning ahead and getting access to presales will be key to securing tickets.
Will more UK dates get added?
Given the pent-up demand to see The Cure on a full UK tour again, it’s very possible more dates around the country could get added if the initial shows sell out quickly. Here are some potential scenarios:
- Extra shows getting added in major markets like London, Manchester, Birmingham etc.
- Upgrades to bigger venues if tickets sell faster than expected.
- Added shows in markets like Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham that aren’t part of the initial announcement.
- Full European leg added later on, allowing for more UK dates.
Band scheduling, venue availability and production logistics will factor in, but The Cure could absolutely expand the tour once initial sales come in. Fans unable to get tickets to first shows announced should keep an eye out for potential added dates.
Will it be their last big UK tour?
There’s no indication this will be The Cure’s last ever UK tour. However, there are a few factors that suggest it could be their last major nationwide arena tour for the foreseeable future:
- Robert Smith is now 63 years old and has hinted at retirement in recent years.
- Their last proper UK tour was seven years ago in 2016.
- Smith has suggested new album releases will slow down moving forward.
- Most bands reduce touring frequency as they get older.
That being said, there are also reasons to think The Cure could keep touring regularly:
- They are still releasing new music and playing festivals.
- Artist retirements are often “tours” in themselves before they return.
- Many artists tour well into their 70s and beyond these days.
Conclusion
While this potentially being The Cure’s last big UK hurrah could drive extra demand, nothing suggests they won’t be back again after 2023. They are such a beloved live act with a deep catalogue that some level of touring seems likely to continue as long as they are active. But fans shouldn’t take the chance to see The Cure on a full UK arena tour for granted either.
How will a new album affect the tour?
Robert Smith has suggested The Cure are working on the follow-up album to 2008’s 4:13 Dream. If a new Cure album does arrive before a 2023 UK tour, it could have a major impact in several ways:
- Ticket presales and opening weeks could see a surge in demand from fans eager to hear new songs live.
- A new hit single would give radio and streaming promotion a boost.
- The setlist would likely feature several new tracks sprinkled throughout.
- Merchandise booths would add new items like the latest t-shirt designs.
- Critical and fan reception to the album could drive perceptions of the tour.
However, given the band’s iconic catalogue, a new album might not make or break the success and demand of a 2023 UK tour. Most fans will come out to hear the classics they grew up with either way. But a well-received new album would only add more buzz and anticipation to The Cure hitting the road again.
How much will tickets cost if they release a new album?
Here are the most likely effects on ticket prices if The Cure release a major new album right before a 2023 UK tour announcement:
- Very high demand shows like London could see a 10-20% markup over regular pricing.
- Standard pricing still likely for most venues, but surges for the fastest selling dates.
- Front floor standing tickets and VIP packages would rise the most due to demand.
- Less popular shows later in the tour won’t be affected as much.
While tickets would see some increase versus prices without a new album, massive hikes are unlikely. The Cure’s catalogue speaks for itself enough to drive strong attendance regardless. Top-tier cities and soon-to-sell-out dates would see the biggest pricing reaction.
Will other bands open for them?
As headliners playing arenas, The Cure would likely have at least one support act warming up crowds for them each night on a 2023 UK tour. Here are some possibilities:
Newer Emo/Goth Rock Acts
The Cure could highlight some younger bands keeping the emo/goth genre alive today:
- My Chemical Romance
- The Used
- Thursday
- Sleeping With Sirens
- PVRIS
Established Post-Punk/New Wave Bands
Fellow icons from the 70s/80s post-punk scene:
- Depeche Mode
- New Order
- The Smiths
- Echo & The Bunnymen
- Tears for Fears
Up and Coming Indie Rock Acts
Younger indie groups who fit The Cure’s vibe:
- Fontaines D.C.
- Dry Cleaning
- Wolf Alice
- Sea Girls
- The Murder Capital
Robert Smith has a great ear for new music, so the openers could be a mix of legacy post-punk bands, current goth rockers, and fresh indie talent to expose audiences to different sounds.
Conclusion
With Robert Smith himself confirming plans for a 2023 return, everything is pointing towards an official UK tour announcement from The Cure in the coming months. Once announced, these highly anticipated shows are sure to sell out quickly with fans hungry to see the goth rock legends live again after so many years away.
The tour will feature a career-spanning setlist of iconic hits that defined the 80s and 90s for generations of fans. And if The Cure release a new album beforehand, it will only add more buzz and excitement to the landmark live comeback. UK fans should be ready to buy pre-sale tickets the moment dates are announced for what is gearing up to be one of the must-see concert events of 2023.