The Cure are an English rock band formed in Crawley, West Sussex, formed in the late 1970s.
The band members have changed several times, and guitarist, lead vocalist, and songwriter Robert Smith is the only constant member. The band's 1979 debut album was 'Three Imaginary Boys' and this, along with several early singles, placed the band in the post-punk and new wave movements that had sprung up in the United Kingdom.
I believe that I'm right in saying that Robert Smith attended St. Wilfred's School in Crawley and that sometime in 1975 or 1976, I played basketball against him for Collyier's School.
Beginning with their second album, 'Seventeen Seconds', released in 1980, the band adopted a new, increasingly dark and tormented style, which, together with Smith's stage look, had a strong influence on the emerging genre of gothic rock. From this era came 'Boys Don't Cry'
Following the release of their fourth album 'Pornography' in 1982, the band's future was uncertain. Smith was keen to move past the gloomy reputation his band had acquired, introducing a greater pop sensibility into the band's music.
Songs such as "The Love Cats" and "Friday I'm in Love" helped the band in receiving commercial popularity.