It's Friday, I'm in love! Well, technically, it's Saturday but today is the day I am finally seeing The Cure, and for their 40th anniversary, none the less! The Cure have been a big part of my life growing up as I would watch the band's music videos with my mum on an old VHS (The Lovecats was my favourite), with archive footage of them playing on a bandstand in between. This year was also Robert Smith's Meltdown, where he devised a series of concerts on the South Bank, picking bands such as Manic Street Preachers and Mogwi. But now it is his time to take the stage once again, headlining Hyde Park for the second day of Barclaycard's British Summer Time. Supporting this year are Interpol, Goldfrapp, Editors and many more, who I'm also looking forward to seeing. Now, basking in the glorious sunshine, Cure fans gather, all eagerly awaiting the first band to step on stage.
Pale Waves came and went, leaving little with me. I don't feel that they differ from any other indie-pop group and, to be perfectly honest, that specific sound has begun to bore me.
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| Slowdive |
I didn't know much about Slowdive- all I'd really heard was the odd song on 6 Music but they did more than impress today! Their intricate layers of sound flooded the crowd, pulling us in. Slowdive's rich harmonies and kaleidoscopic melodies created a calming atmosphere that was perfect for this sunny day! They're definitely a band I want to hear and see more of very soon.
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| Editors |
Editors are one of those bands that I've been listening to for as long as I can remember as my dad had their first album in the van and played it religiously. I adored getting to finally see them play beloved songs from my childhood! Their powerful, driving riffs roared over the audience, getting everyone dancing (well jumping). To this day, Editors are still inspiring up and coming bands, such as Ist Ist- who you should definitely give a listen!
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| Goldfrapp |
Goldfrapp brought with them a different sound and feeling, making for a sharp contrast from Editors. Not that this is a bad thing- they were incredible! The infectious, dancy rhythms flooded through the crowd, Alison Goldfrapp commanded the stage with ease and professionalism, ensuring that our eyes were solely fixed on her. The smoke machines and the wind billowing through her hair and sleeves made the performance all the more wonderful and dramatic.
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| Interpol |
Again, Interpol are one of those bands that I grew up listening to so it was such a joy to see them play after all those years. Bringing their signature industrial rhythms and distinct vocals, Interpol thrilled the audience from start to finish. This was a particular special gig for them as they had previously toured with The Cure, with Paul Banks speaking of how they owed the band a great debt.
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| The Cure |
Now it was time. Cheers errupted from the crowd as The Cure made their way on stage- we couldn't wait to dance and sing the night away. Behind them were these amazing projections, reflecting the song (and in some cases, the music video) they were playing, giving the band the perfect, nostalgic backdrop for a 40th anniversary. After all these years, The Cure haven't lost it- their intricate layers of sound and ingenious lyrics were as phenomenal as ever! Passion and energy engulfed the crowd, we were consumed by the music and it was magical. No one wanted it to end. Robert Smith can do no wrong in our eyes as he won us over the moment he stepped on stage, his humble presence only made us cheer the band on more. His immaculate vocals glided out from the stage, intoxicating the crowd- I'll be the first to admit I shed a tear during Just Like Heaven!
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| The Cure |
Coming back for an encore, The Cure treated us to more from their endless back catalogue, which, of course, included Boys Don't Cry and Friday I'm In Love, letting the crowd go wild once again. Ending with Killing An Arab, something I never thought I'd hear live, it was a perfect end to the night!
Watching The Cure as the sun set over Hyde Park will forever be a moment to remember for everyone there and one that will be hard to beat.
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