The Cure closes Rock Werchter with 40-minute encore and sing-along marathon

The British band The Cure concluded the Rock Werchter festival with an energetic, nearly 2.5-hour marathon performance. The new wave group delivered a set packed with their classic hits, transforming the festival grounds into a massive sing-along event. Frontman Robert Smith, described as playful and exuberant, was in top form throughout the concert. This performance was The Cure's eighth at Rock Werchter, making them one of the few artists to have played at the festival in every decade since its inception in 1981. Radiopresenter Stijn Van de Voorde noted the remarkable enduring appeal of a band that first played Werchter 45 years ago. The Cure, fronted by the timeless icon Robert Smith, was the first act announced for this year's festival weekend, and tickets for Sunday, their performance day, sold out the fastest. This success follows positive reception from their previous appearance in 2019. Van de Voorde highlighted the band's continued relevance after 50 years, emphasizing their unique status as a band that has performed at Rock Werchter in every decade since 1981. He specifically referenced their 1981 performance closing with 'A Forest,' a song that remains highly ranked in listener polls. The Cure's setlist, while featuring hits spread throughout the nearly 2.5-hour show, offered a different vibe compared to last year's youngest-ever headliner, Olivia Rodrigo. The Cure's performance united music lovers across generations, a stark contrast to the predominantly teenage audience during Rodrigo's set. Van de Voorde also pointed out the organic way The Cure has captured the interest of a younger generation, partly due to the respect shown by contemporary pop stars like Rodrigo, a feat other 1980s bands might envy. Smith's iconic look, with his signature hairstyle and makeup, remains unchanged after nearly five decades.

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It is spectacular that there is still so much buzz around a band that first played in Werchter 45 years ago.