The Cure Returns! Unearths Rare Gems at Primavera Sound 2026

Barcelona was buzzing with excitement as rock icons The Cure took the stage at Primavera Sound 2026, marking their first live performance in 18 months. The legendary band, fronted by Robert Smith, delivered a massive 29-song headlining set on Friday, June 5th, captivating fans with a mix of beloved hits and unexpected rarities.

The highly anticipated show was The Cure's first since their November 2024 gig in London. Fans were treated to several deep cuts that hadn't been performed in years, making the night truly special. Among the unearthed treasures was the “Lovesong” B-side “2 Late,” played for the first time since 2019. The band also surprised the audience with “alt.end” and “Mint Car” from their Wild Mood Swings album, which hadn't been heard live since 2018 and 2016, respectively.

Adding to the excitement, The Cure pulled out “Wrong Number” during the encore, a track that had been absent from their live performances since 2019. Despite the recent release of their acclaimed album Songs of a Lost World in 2024, the Primavera set featured only two tracks from it, “Alone” and “End Song,” perhaps signaling a shift towards a new era or even their rumored next album.

This epic performance kicks off a summer packed with European concerts and festival appearances for The Cure, including stops at Rock Werchter in Belgium, Roskilde in Denmark, Pinkpop in the Netherlands, and the Isle of Wight in the U.K. Fans across the continent are eagerly anticipating more chances to see the band live and experience their dynamic sets, which continue to evolve while honoring their extensive catalog.

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