In a recent interview, Robert Smith vividly recalled his memorable Spinal Tap moment during the inaugural performance of the Cure. He reflected on his experiences as the keyboardist in various band lineups before the Cure established its iconic name and artistic direction. Interestingly, Smith had never envisioned himself stepping into the role of a lead singer, despite experimenting with the idea as early as 1977. His journey into this unexpected role is a testament to his artistic evolution and the unpredictable nature of musical careers.

“For whatever reason, when I sing, people connect with it,” Smith shared during his conversation with the U.K.’s Absolute Radio, as seen in the video below. “I have no idea why, and I don’t think any singer does. I was horrified when I ended up as the singer.” His candidness highlights the often-overlooked insecurities that even successful artists face.

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Reflecting on his past, Smith recounted: “At school, I never did anything on stage. … I sang one song at our first show, just to see what it felt like – and I sang the wrong song.” This anecdote underscores the unpredictable nature of live performances and the sometimes chaotic beginnings of a music career.

While his bandmates launched into a classic by Jimi Hendrix, Smith mistakenly performed a track by David Bowie instead. “I played and sang ‘Suffragette City’ while everyone else was doing ‘Foxy Lady.’ And I was so drunk, I didn’t even know. I thought, ‘That was good!’ And everyone’s like, ‘You played the wrong song!’” This humorous misstep illustrates the unpredictable nature of live performances and the unique experiences that shape an artist’s journey.

Understanding the Low Mix of Robert Smith’s Vocals in Early Cure Tracks

By the end of 1977, Smith had officially assumed the role of frontman for the Cure. Yet, he candidly admitted: “I never felt like I was cut out to be a singer. … I kind of grew into it because I fell out with everyone else that occupied that position until I became the de facto singer. That’s why, in the early albums, my vocals are really low in the mix.” His insights reveal the complexities and challenges of transitioning into a leading role within a band.

Smith elaborated further: “When I started singing, I didn’t think anyone would like what I sounded like. I didn’t, and so I thought no one else was going to. And so I thought, ‘This is going to be a really short career unless we find someone who can sing.’ This sense of self-doubt is relatable to many artists who struggle with the pressures of performance and audience reception.

“So I sang the first album, and then discovered that people liked what I was doing.” This realization not only marked a pivotal moment in his career but also highlighted the unexpected connections that can form between an artist and their audience.

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