Legendary rock band snags first Grammy win in 50 years, decides to skip awards show

nd the same category in 2001 (“Bloodflowers”), but lost to Tom Waits (“Bone Machine”) and Radiohead (“Kid A”) those years, respectively.

Formed in 1976, this year marks The Cure’s 50th anniversary. The band, known for classics like “In Between Days,” “Close to Me,” “Boys Don’t Cry,” “Just Like Heaven,” “Lovesong,” and “Friday I’m In Love,” finally clinched their first Grammy win. In addition to their recent wins for Best Alternative Music Performance and Best Alternative Music Album, The Cure has been nominated for Best Alternative Music Album twice before, first in 1993 for “Wish” and then in 2001 for “Bloodflowers.” Unfortunately, they were beat out by Tom Waits and Radiohead, respectively, during those years.

Lead by frontman Robert Smith, who recently expressed his intention to retire by 2029, The Cure has had an enduring career in the music industry. Speaking to The Times in 2024, Smith reflected on his life and career, acknowledging the privilege he has had in pursuing his passion for music. He emphasized the importance of the emotional connection in their songs, noting that their music often deals with themes of mortality and the fear of aging and death.

Despite their long and successful career, The Cure had never won a Grammy until this year. Their latest album, “Songs of the Lost World,” is their first since 2008’s “4:13 Dream.” The band’s decision to skip the Grammy ceremony was due to their attendance at the funeral of Perry Archangelo Bamonte, a long-time member of The Cure who passed away in December. Bamonte, who started out as a roadie and guitar tech in the ’80s before officially joining the band in 1990, brought his talents to the group as a guitarist, six-string bass player, and keyboardist.

The acceptance speech for The Cure’s Grammy wins was shared by Robert Smith, who thanked the Grammys for the awards. He expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the creation of their album, highlighting the contributions of co-producer Paul Corkett, Universal Music Group, and their dedicated crew. Smith also made sure to thank The Cure’s loyal fanbase, acknowledging their role in the band’s success and expressing appreciation for their support over the years.

The Cure’s journey to their first Grammy victory after 50 years in the music industry is a testament to their enduring talent and the impact of their music on generations of fans. Despite the challenges and the passage of time, The Cure remains a beloved and influential band in the rock music scene, showcasing their ability to evolve and resonate with audiences over the course of their illustrious career.