SPIRAL

[ photo share by ZsaZsa K. ]

I had a cool older cousin who turned me on to the best music scenes and DIY culture. As a tween (you can do the math based on the fact that I'm now 50), I always knew there'd be an adventure awaiting when I visited her So Cal desert (which seemed otherworldly vs. my life in L.A.). The place was barren and drab but she had the most intriguing group of outcast rebel friends (some goths, some punks, rude boys & girls, skaters, a few foster home victims, & some lgbtq kids struggling to "come out"). What they lacked in terms of dollars they more than made up for in regards to style, art, music, and causes (displayed via back patches, pins, and zines). They didn't seem to mind that I awkwardly tagged along, despite my lack of a proper dedicated look (which they'd already mastered for themselves). At the time I was terrified of my cousin's taste in bands like Christian Death and Minor Threat but felt comfortable with her Madonna and Culture Club obsessions (yes, she was quite eclectic). 

Anyway, I credit her with telling me about one of my most loved bands, The Cure. I cherish the memory of the day she casually put on her 1986 singles compilation cassette tape, "Standing On A Beach" and I was dumbfounded when I heard "Killing An Arab" - I suppose it opened my eyes in a lot of ways. In fact, it was a bit of a rude awakening for someone who's father is of Arab descent. But for reasons beyond my comprehension I was completely sucked in and that commenced my deep dive into the band's discography and continued passion for them (until "Wish" came out & I admit that I tapered off for a bit). Needless to say, they became a prominet presence on my life soundtrack. I used to hunt Melrose Ave for import vinyl and I had a giant poster over my bed for years. Robert Smith is perhaps the only self-denying goth who didn't gross me out or scare the heck out of me. There's something truly brilliant about him and he manages to present it in the most endearing, genuine, and humble way. How else could he pull off being a 60 something year old w/ smudged red lipstick and sloppy eyeliner?! Also, who doesn't adore witnessing the love between Robert and Simon when they perform? It's the kind of friendship and creative collab we all strive for, right?

So, now that I'm a mother of a teen who is also a huge fan, I felt I'd come full circle when we went to see them live at Hollywood Bowl a few years ago. That was a beautiful experience with so much passion in the air. Then in early December 2025, we screened "The Show of a Lost World" in Pasadena. To our surprise, the theater was not filled to capacity, but we sang along and teared up together in a communal bonding experience. By the end of December we were saddened to hear of Perry Bamonte's passing - may he rest in peace. All of this really got me thinking about how The Cure has influneced so many bands and stood the test of time. Here we are in 2026 and there's still a magic that they bring to the table that has yet to be replicated. Sometimes I wonder what my life would have been like if this band never formed. Imagine if Robert Smith had opted to get a "normal" job instead of pursuing his dreams?? Thankfully that's not the case! I don't think I'll ever tire of them and I could honestly listen for "a thousand hours" and still want more.