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Robert Smith (musician)

Robert James Smith is an English musician best known as the co-founder, lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of The Cure.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Robert James Smith is an English musician best known as the co-founder, lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of The Cure. Born in Blackpool, England, in 1959, he has been the band’s only continuous member and a defining influence on its sound. The Cure has had a longstanding audience in Canada, and Smith is a major figure in rock and alternative music for Canadian readers.

Early life

Robert Smith was born in Blackpool, England, and later became associated with Crawley, where The Cure formed. Public biographical sources identify him as Robert James Smith.

The Cure

Smith co-founded The Cure in 1976 and became the band’s frontman. He is widely credited as the group’s primary lyricist and central creative figure.

Musical style

Smith is known for a distinctive vocal delivery and guitar style, including use of the Fender Bass VI. These traits are widely cited as shaping The Cure’s sound.

Other work and collaborations

Beyond The Cure, Smith has been active as a musician and producer, and sources note his participation with Siouxsie and the Banshees in the early 1980s.

Key facts

  • Smith co-founded The Cure in 1976 and remains its only continuous member.
  • He is the band’s lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter.
  • His guitar style and distinctive voice are central to The Cure’s sound.
  • He was born Robert James Smith in Blackpool, England, on 21 April 1959.
  • His music is commonly associated with post-punk and gothic rock.
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Canadian context

The Cure has had a longstanding audience in Canada, and Robert Smith is a major figure in rock and alternative music for Canadian readers.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Robert Smith?
Robert Smith is an English musician best known as the lead singer, guitarist, and primary songwriter of The Cure.
When was Robert Smith born?
He was born on 21 April 1959.
Where was Robert Smith born?
He was born in Blackpool, England.
What band is Robert Smith associated with?
He is most closely associated with The Cure, which he co-founded in 1976.
What genre is Robert Smith associated with?
He is associated with post-punk, gothic rock, alternative rock, and new wave.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Smith_(musician)
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, occupation, instruments, genres, years active, and role in The Cure.
  2. The Curehttps://www.thecure.com/bio/
    Supports: The Cure’s formation in 1976 and Smith’s role as vocals and guitar.
  3. MusicRadarhttps://www.musicradar.com/artists/i-told-them-i-was-dying-and-they-didnt-believe-me-i-could-tell-by-the-look-on-my-doctors-face-that-there-was-something-very-very-wrong-with-me-robert-smith-on-the-madness-and-the-magic-of-the-cures-early-days
    Supports: Smith’s guitar-playing context and his early work with Siouxsie and the Banshees.