The Cure, circa ‘The Top’: Andy Anderson is second from left
Drummer Andy Anderson, who joined The Cure after Lol Tolhurst moved to keyboards and played on the band’s 1984 album The Top, revealed on Facebook this week that he has Stage 4 cancer, a terminal diagnosis that there is “no way of returning back from.”
Anderson writes in his Facebook post that he was signed a do-not-resuscitate order (“I have a next of kin in place and there is no way I would want them to be looking me as a vegetable”), and will be looking at chemotherapy and radiotherapy options in the coming days.
He manages to strike an upbeat note, however, writing, “Please, no boo-hooing here, just be positive. For me, it’s just another life experience and hurdle that one has to make.”
His former bandmate Tolhurst tweeted, “Andy is in the fight of his life. I’ve talked to him, he’s as upbeat and calm as anyone I’ve ever talked to facing what he’s facing.”
Anderson first worked with Robert Smith in 1983 on The Cure frontman’s side project with Siouxsie and the Banshees’ Steven Severin called The Glove, playing drums on that group’s lone album, Blue Sunshine. He then joined The Cure, playing drums on “The Love Cats” and staying on board for The Top and its subsequent touring, captured on the Concert: The Cure Live album.
After being dismissed from The Cure and replaced by Boris Williams, Anderson would go on to play with a wide range of artists, including Iggy Pop. He is just one of a handful of members of The Cure who will not be inducted alongside the band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Read Anderson’s statement below, and see him play in the out-of-print Cure concert film “Live in Japan.”
Andy’s Dad was a boxer, now Andy is in the fight of his life. I’ve talked to him, he’s as upbeat and calm as anyone I’ve ever talked to facing what he’s facing. Send light,send love, send whatever you believe will help my friend in the battle royal he now faces. Love you Mr A.
— Lol Tolhurst (@LolTolhurst) February 19, 2019
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- The Cure unveils first touring plans of 2019 with first-ever concerts in South Africa
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That sucks. I actually just listened to The Top the other day. Anderson had a nice jazzy feel to his playing.
This is sad news. The Top is one of their very best records. Andy’s drumming was excellent during that era.
Ugh.
Thank you for your work with The Cure, Siouxsie, Steve and Iggy. Thanks for sharing your gift with the rest of us. I wish you peace and comfort.
Hey Andy, I wish you everlasting cool comfort for the eternity that is in everybody’s future. We are all together while being apart. Peace brother, from a huge Cure fan.
You are a Boss
Andy thank you for all the good music over the years. I know you will be in the Lords band. You will be young and healthy, and have no wants. As a musician, songwriter, and ordained minister, I know you will be.
Your going and perhaps don’t really want to go.and I’m staying and don’t particularly want to stay.who is better off.will things ever be right ?
My prayers are with you !! You made my life in high school possible!! Your the one autograph from the cure I don’t have. May you find the peace and support you need and deserve
Thank you Andy and good luck with what you are facing. I hope you are as comfortable as can be in the coming days. Will always hold you in high esteem for your musical chops and outlook.
Thanks for sharing, your life your sound, with the world. wish you best, from Denmark
Thanks Andy for sharing your hard work and talent with us. I saw you with Iggy Pop in 1987 and you were great. Thanks also for your contributions to Hawkwind, ICU and Steve Hillage. Good luck in your struggle. Stay strong. Peace.
I’m A Cure Fan And So Sad To Hear Of This , The Best To You And Your Family. I Wish You All The Best .From Texas
The Top and Blue Sunshine are two of my favorite albums in the world. Thanks so much for my youth and today, and the future- where I and future generations will always be listening and smiling to your wonderful sound.