The Open’er Festival, known for its diverse and expansive lineup, delivered a memorable performance on July 3 when the gothic legends The Cure took center stage. Headlining the third day of the festival, the band offered fans a captivating journey through their vast catalog, expertly weaving together rare deep cuts and beloved anthems.
The set was less a simple concert and more an immersive retrospective. During their two-and-a-half hour headline performance, The Cure pulled out tracks that rarely see the light of day, offering a fascinating glimpse into their history. Singer Robert Smith, known for his poetic approach to music, shared insights into this mood. “The next song is one that we don’t play that much,” Smith noted, setting a tone that suggested an intimate connection with the audience.
This exploratory approach was evident as the band dove into experimental territory. The performance featured chamber rock ballads inspired by poetry and atmospheric shifts that reflected the emotional depth of their work. The dynamic range was striking, moving effortlessly between melancholic introspection and upbeat energy.
Beyond the deep cuts, the set was packed with fan-favorites that brought the festival crowd into a collective celebration. Hits like ‘Trust’, ‘Charlotte Sometimes’, and ‘Prayers For Rain’ were re-introduced, reminding attendees of The Cure’s enduring appeal across generations. Smith even joked about the unexpected weather, remarking that he knew they shouldn’t have played ‘Prayers For Rain’ when it started to rain during their final minutes on stage.
The full performance was a carefully curated timeline, moving through moods and eras. The setlist featured everything from light pop segments like ‘Push’ and ‘Just Like Heaven’ to earlier proto-goth tracks such as ‘Play For Today’ and ‘A Forest’. It culminated in an iconic encore featuring upbeat classics like ‘The Walk’, ‘The Lovecats’, and ‘Friday I’m In Love’, providing a perfect burst of celebratory energy.
The resulting performance was a masterclass in balancing history with immediacy, proving that The Cure remains a potent force capable of delivering both haunting beauty and infectious joy to any festival stage.
Buy on Amazon
Credit: NME
