The Cure wraps up Isle of Wight Festival 2026 with complete setlist and review
Robert Smith and his band, The Cure, delivered a grand finale to the veteran Isle Of Wight Festival. The festival featured performances from a variety of artists like Wet Leg, The Kooks, and The Last Dinner Party. Legend has it that Robert Smith’s initial encounter with the Isle Of Wight Festival in 1970 was not a successful one. He and his older brother attempted to attend the festival in hopes of seeing Jimi Hendrix headline, only to be turned away because Robert was too young.
Throughout The Cure’s illustrious career spanning nearly four decades, the band has carved out a remarkable niche in the rock music scene. Known for their powerful live performances and dedicated fan base, The Cure has graced the stages of numerous major rock festivals worldwide, with one notable exception being the Isle Of Wight.
When The Cure last embarked on a festival tour seven years ago, they were met with much curiosity surrounding their long-overdue album release. The unveiling of “Songs Of A Lost World” in 2024 breathed new life into The Cure’s career, garnering critical acclaim. Following a mention by pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo and a surprise appearance by Robert Smith at Glastonbury, interest in The Cure grew.
Headlining the Isle Of Wight Festival was a fitting start to an exciting summer of live performances. With a lineup that included Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris, and an array of artists such as Wet Leg, Rick Astley, and The Kooks, The Cure stood out amongst the Sunday performers. The Last Dinner Party and David Gray also graced the festival stages, providing festival-goers with a diverse musical experience.
As the Isle Of Wight Festival concluded amid a scorching heatwave, the audience remained undeterred by the sweltering conditions. The Cure kicked off their set with the bold track “Alone” from the acclaimed “Songs Of A Lost World” album. Despite its unconventional festival vibe, the crowd soon found themselves captivated and dancing along to the band’s diverse repertoire.
While some attendees might have been daunted by the prospect of a two-and-a-half-hour festival set, The Cure delivered a full-fledged experience. Their setlist featured a selection of fan favorites like “Pictures Of You,” “Lovesong,” “In Between Days,” and “Just Like Heaven.” An enchanting rendition of “A Forest” against the backdrop of a stunning sunset marked a standout moment during the performance.
For die-hard fans, The Cure included some surprises in their setlist, including lesser-known tracks like “alt.end” and “Mint Car.” The show culminated in a lively sequence of hits featuring iconic songs like “Let’s Go To Bed,” “The Lovecats,” and “Boys Don’t Cry,” leaving the audience in high spirits.
Although the Isle Of Wight Festival has drawn to a close, The Cure’s journey is far from over. Following their performance, the band is set to continue touring across the UK with upcoming shows in Cardiff, Belfast, and Dublin before heading to European festivals like Roskilde and Rock Werchter. The Cure’s scheduled performances in the UK and the Paris event, Rock en Seine, ensure that fans will have more opportunities to experience the band’s legendary live shows.