ROBERT SMITH (THE CURE)

THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN.

IN THE CURE’S videos, he was traditionally seen without a guitar, leaving the impression that former coguitarist Porl Thompson was behind the group’s densely shimmering six-string magic. But Robert Smith is an excellent guitarist who’s applied his colorful tones and melodies to the group’s songs in the studio. “Even people who are quite close to the band are surprised to learn that I played the solo on ‘The Edge of the Deep Green Sea,’” he told Guitar Player in 1990. “Everyone would immediately assume it’s Porl.” While many of the Cure’s detractors have probably let Smith’s personal flamboyance divert their attention from the band’s phenomenal pop craftsmanship and stylistic range, as their gargantuan worldwide following proves, the Cure combine sublime pop and heartfelt expressivity like no other band. As the group’s only constant member, Smith richly deserves his due.

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