Photo by Sam Rockman
The Cure are set to perform a rare, intimate concert for BBC Radio 2 on October 30, but it appears that only UK residents can apply for tickets. Held at the BBC Radio Theatre in London, this special performance offers a small, lucky audience the chance to see the band in a uniquely personal setting just ahead of the release of Songs of a Lost World, their first album in 16 years.
Fans can register for the free ticket ballot here, with applications closing on October 9.
For those unable to attend, the concert will be broadcast on Jo Whiley’s BBC Radio 2 show from 7-9pm GMT on Halloween, including an exclusive interview with frontman Robert Smith. The band will also perform earlier in the day on Huw Stephens’ BBC Radio 6 Music show, airing between 4-7pm GMT, in a 6 Music Session featuring more tracks from their long-awaited album.
As anticipation builds for the release of Songs of a Lost World, which drops on November 1, fans are already buzzing about The Cure’s next single, “Endsong.” After making its debut live on the band’s 2022-2023 Shows of a Lost World tour, it’s expected to be officially released very soon—likely on one of the Fridays leading up to the album launch. During the tour, the song “Alone” opened the band’s main set, and the song “Endsong” served as the finale before the extended encores. If “Alone” is any indication, “Endsong” promises to be a brooding epic, continuing the melancholic, existential themes of their latest work.
Smith, reflecting on the upcoming performances, said: “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.”
For those unable to secure tickets, both performances will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer on Halloween night. Additionally, exclusive live tracks from the Radio 2 concert will air on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show on November 1, offering fans yet another glimpse of the new material just as the album is released.
BBC presenter Jo Whiley shared her excitement: “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. Robert Smith’s incredible songwriting and haunting lyrics have shaped entire generations of artists.”
Huw Stephens added: “The Cure are one of 6 Music’s most beloved artists. Their records and visionary sonic journeys have captivated us all, and to hear new tracks live to celebrate their return is going to be very special.”
Jeff Smith, Head of Music for Radio 2 and 6 Music, also highlighted the significance of these shows: “We’re thrilled that they accepted our invitation to showcase such a wide range of their repertoire, including new and classic tracks. These performances will bridge both mainstream and alternative audiences, giving fans something truly unique.”
With “Songs of a Lost World” set to release the day after Halloween and the imminent drop of “Endsong,” these are exciting times to be a fan of The Cure.
Don’t miss these intimate performances on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 6 Music, or on BBC iPlayer.
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