The Cure frontman Robert Smith ‘holding back the tears’ during two-and-a-half-hour Primavera show

The Cure frontman Robert Smith was “holding back the tears” according to attendees of Primavera Sound as the band headlined their first show of the year.

The veteran group behind hits like Boys Don’t Cry and Friday I’m in Love took to the stage of the Barcelona-based festival last night (June 5) and received rave reviews after their show. Fans of the band have since taken to the r/TheCure subreddit and shared their thoughts on the show. Many believe The Cure‘s frontman, Smith, had been affected greatly by one of the songs performed that night. Some believe it is because Smith knows the end of the band is near, confirming as much in interviews given after the release of Songs of a Lost World. The band’s 2024 album marked a 16-year break from the studio and a major return to form for the group.

One fan took to the r/TheCure subreddit and wrote: “Robert’s voice was shaking during Endsong yesterday. I was there and you could easily tell that song was cutting him up, seemed like he was holding back tears and emotions. I guess I understand why they didn’t perform more songs from that album since it’s a festival, but it’s my favourite album from them and would’ve loved to hear more of it.”

Another person added: “He knows the days of the Cure are close to over and it’s emotional for him.” A third shared: “I highly doubt we get two more albums. He also said they will retire when he’s 70. They can’t go on forever. So even if they don’t hang it up, the end is closer than the beginning. I would rather get two more tours than two more albums.” A fourth wrote: “I’m hoping for one more album. Wouldn’t that be nice?”

The Cure were hailed for their Primavera Sound 2026 setlist, which featured Mint Car for the first time since 2016. The band dug deep into their discography for a 29-song setlist. A full setlist for their first show of 2026 can be found below.

• Alone
• Pictures of You
• High
• A Night Like This
• Lovesong
• 2 Late
• The Last Day of Summer
• Burn
• Fascination Street
• alt.end
• The Walk
• Mint Car
• In Between Days
• Just Like Heaven
• Trust
• Push
• Play for Today
• A Forest
• From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea
• Endsong
• Lullaby
• Hot Hot Hot!!!
• Wrong Number
• Let’s Go to Bed
• The Lovecats
• Friday I’m in Love
• Close to Me
• Why Can’t I Be You?
• Boys Don’t Cry

The Cure will tour across Europe this summer and will feature in the headline slot of this year’s Øyafestivalen. The band will also take to the stage in Wythenshaw, Manchester, in August. Other acts scheduled to play Manchester in August includes Pulp and The Prodigy.