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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Music Box • Musician

Robert Smith (musician)

Robert James Smith is an English musician best known as the co-founder, lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of The Cure.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Robert James Smith is an English musician best known as the co-founder, lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of The Cure.

What it is

Robert Smith co-founded The Cure in 1976 and remains its only continuous member. He is the band’s frontman, primary lyricist, and central creative figure, shaping its sound through his distinctive vocal delivery and guitar style, including use of the Fender Bass VI.

Key details

Born in Blackpool, England, on 21 April 1959, Smith has been active as a musician since 1972. His music is commonly associated with post-punk, gothic rock, alternative rock, and new wave. Beyond The Cure, he participated with Siouxsie and the Banshees in the early 1980s.

Why it matters

Smith is a defining figure in rock and alternative music, with a longstanding audience in Canada. His influence spans decades, making him a major reference point for Canadian readers interested in post-punk and gothic rock.

In short

  • Robert Smith co-founded The Cure in 1976 and is its only continuous member.
  • He is known for his distinctive voice and guitar style, central to The Cure’s sound.
  • Born in Blackpool, England, on 21 April 1959.
  • Associated with post-punk, gothic rock, alternative rock, and new wave.
Canadian angle

The Cure has had a longstanding audience in Canada, and Robert Smith is a major figure in rock and alternative music for Canadian readers.

Quick questions

Who is Robert Smith?
Robert Smith is an English musician best known as the lead singer, guitarist, and primary songwriter of The Cure.
When and where was Robert Smith born?
He was born on 21 April 1959 in Blackpool, England.
What genre is Robert Smith associated with?
He is associated with post-punk, gothic rock, alternative rock, and new wave.

Sources

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Smith_(musician)
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, occupation, instruments, genres, years active, and role in The Cure.
  2. The Curehttps://www.thecure.com/bio/
    Supports: The Cure’s formation in 1976 and Smith’s role as vocals and guitar.
  3. MusicRadarhttps://www.musicradar.com/artists/i-told-them-i-was-dying-and-they-didnt-believe-me-i-could-tell-by-the-look-on-my-doctors-face-that-there-was-something-very-very-wrong-with-me-robert-smith-on-the-madness-and-the-magic-of-the-cures-early-days
    Supports: Smith’s guitar-playing context and his early work with Siouxsie and the Banshees.