Robert Smith, founder and only constant of The Cure, has been tapped to hand-pick the lineup for the 25th installment of London’s prestigious Meltdown festival this June, following in the footsteps of past curators such as David Bowie, Yoko Ono, Morrissey, David Byrne and Nick Cave.
The festival runs June 15 to 24 at the Southbank Centre in the U.K. capital, and organizers today said Smith “has already promised a packed line-up of unique performances.” Those have yet to be announced, and, if history is any indication, this year’s lineup may or may not include headline performances by The Cure or Smith himself. Some curators play full sets, others don’t.
In announcing this year’s festival, Smith says he’s honored and excited to be tapped as curator, adding:
“More than 30 of my all-time favorite artists — some of the most exciting, inspirational, intense and influential performers of the last 40 years — will make sure this ten-night extravaganza is the ‘must see’ event of the summer!”
The lineup and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks, according to organizers. Meltdown debuted in 1993, and has been held every year since, except for 2006. Other past curators include MIA, Ornette Coleman, Massive Attack, Patti Smith, Laurie Anderson and John Peel.
Smith’s involvement in Meltdown comes as The Cure prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year, with a major concert this summer in London’s Hyde Park — that was advertised, it should be noted, as the band’s only European show this year — and plans for a new documentary on the band.
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Ride, maybe Mogwai?
Better yet, maybe Siouxsie and the Banshees or Siouxsie solo!
Could Smith get The Smiths back together the way Morrissey got the New York Dolls back together?
Errr, he hated The Smiths back in the day, so I doubt it…
How about a performance by The Cure reunited with Porl, Boris and Lol?
Siouxsie returns… with Smith and Severin… maybe even the Glove ;)
The Glove is a great idea.