What Happened to Robert James Smith?
Robert Smith, the iconic frontman of The Cure, has remained highly active in recent years, releasing the critically acclaimed album "Songs of a Lost World" in 2024, which earned the band their first two Grammy Awards in 2026. He has also confirmed the completion of a follow-up album and plans for a third, while continuing to tour extensively and engage in notable collaborations, including a duet with Olivia Rodrigo in 2026.
Quick Answer
Robert Smith, the enduring frontman of The Cure, has seen a significant resurgence in activity and critical acclaim in the mid-2020s. Following the release of their first album in 16 years, "Songs of a Lost World," in November 2024, the band secured their inaugural Grammy Awards in February 2026 for the album and its single "Alone." As of June 2026, Smith has confirmed that a second new Cure album is complete and awaiting release, with a third, more upbeat album also in the works. The Cure is currently on a major European tour, and Smith recently debuted a new duet with Olivia Rodrigo at Primavera Sound.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Born in Blackpool, England
Robert James Smith was born in Blackpool, England, the third of four children.
Co-founds The Cure (initially Easy Cure)
Smith co-founded Easy Cure, the precursor to The Cure, with school friends, eventually becoming the band's lead vocalist and primary songwriter.
The Cure releases debut album 'Three Imaginary Boys'
The Cure released their debut album, establishing the band at the forefront of the emerging new wave movement.
Marries Mary Theresa Poole
Robert Smith married his long-time partner Mary Theresa Poole, whom he met at age 14. Their relationship is noted for its longevity and privacy.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Robert Smith was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Cure, recognizing his profound influence on music.
Announces plans for retirement in 2029
Smith revealed in an interview that he plans to retire in 2029, coinciding with The Cure's 50th anniversary, if he 'makes it that far.'
The Cure releases 'Songs of a Lost World'
After a 16-year hiatus, The Cure released their fourteenth studio album, 'Songs of a Lost World,' to critical acclaim and commercial success.
The Cure releases 'Songs of a Live World'
A companion live album, 'Songs of a Live World,' featuring recordings from an intimate London concert, was released, with royalties donated to War Child.
Records 13 new songs for a follow-up album
The Cure returned to Rockfield Studios to record 13 additional songs, indicating work on another studio album.
The Cure releases 'Mixes of a Lost World'
A 24-track remix album, 'Mixes of a Lost World,' featuring various artists, was released.
Guests with Olivia Rodrigo at Glastonbury
Robert Smith joined Olivia Rodrigo on stage at Glastonbury to perform The Cure's 'Friday I'm In Love' and 'Just Like Heaven.'
Attends funeral of Perry Bamonte
Former Cure guitarist and keyboardist Perry Bamonte passed away at age 65, leading to the band's absence from the Grammy Awards.
The Cure wins first two Grammy Awards
The Cure won Best Alternative Music Album for 'Songs of a Lost World' and Best Alternative Music Performance for 'Alone' at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.
Debuts new duet with Olivia Rodrigo at Primavera Sound
Robert Smith made a surprise appearance with Olivia Rodrigo at Primavera Sound, debuting their new duet 'What's Wrong With Me.'
Confirms completion of second new Cure album
In a BBC Radio 6 Music interview, Robert Smith confirmed that a second new Cure album is complete and awaiting delivery, with a third, 'poppy' album also planned.
The Cure performs at Nova Rock Festival
The Cure continues their Summer 2026 European tour with a performance at the Nova Rock Festival in Nickelsdorf, Austria.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Robert Smith, the distinctive voice and creative force behind The Cure, has experienced a remarkably prolific and critically successful period in the mid-2020s, defying his band's previous 16-year hiatus from new studio material. The long-awaited fourteenth studio album, "Songs of a Lost World," was finally released on November 1, 2024, to widespread critical acclaim and commercial success, topping charts in over 30 countries. This album, composed solely by Smith for the first time since 1985's "The Head on the Door," explored themes of mortality and loss, reflecting personal experiences.
The album's impact culminated in a historic moment for The Cure in February 2026, when they won their first two Grammy Awards at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards: Best Alternative Music Album for "Songs of a Lost World" and Best Alternative Music Performance for the single "Alone." The band, however, was not present to accept the awards, as they were attending the funeral of former guitarist and keyboardist Perry Bamonte, who passed away in December 2025.
Smith's creative output has not slowed since. In December 2024, The Cure announced "Songs of a Live World," a companion album featuring live renditions from a London concert, with all royalties benefiting War Child. This was followed by a remix album, "Mixes of a Lost World," released in June 2025. More significantly, the band returned to Rockfield Studios in March 2025 to record 13 new songs for a follow-up album.
As of June 2026, Smith has confirmed in a BBC Radio 6 Music interview that this second album is complete and awaiting delivery to Universal, describing it as "more dismal" than "Songs of a Lost World" but offering a "different perspective." He also revealed plans for a third album, which he characterized as "really, really upbeat" and "really poppy," albeit in his unique 'Cure pop' style. The Cure embarked on an extensive European tour in Summer 2026, headlining festivals and playing standalone shows across the UK, Ireland, and Germany. A notable event during this tour was Smith's surprise appearance with Olivia Rodrigo at Primavera Sound in June 2026, where they debuted a new duet, "What's Wrong With Me," following their collaboration at Glastonbury in 2025. Smith has previously indicated a potential retirement from touring in 2029, coinciding with The Cure's 50th anniversary, but his current creative momentum suggests a vibrant period leading up to that milestone.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Robert James Smith made different choices?