Robert Smith

Early Life

Robert James Smith was born on April 21, 1959, in Blackpool, England, as the third of four children in a musically inclined family. His father was a singer, and his mother played the piano, fostering an early love for music. The family moved to Horley when he was three, and later to Crawley, where he attended various schools, including St Wilfrid's Comprehensive. Smith began taking piano lessons as a child, but sibling rivalry with his sister Janet, a piano prodigy, led him to pick up the guitar. By the age of 14, he was deeply immersed in rock music, influenced by his older siblings and the records they played.

Career

Smith's musical journey began in earnest with his first band, the Crawley Goat Band, and later evolved into the Obelisk, an early incarnation of what would become The Cure. Formed in 1976, The Cure became a defining band in the post-punk and gothic rock genres, with Smith as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter. His distinctive guitar style and unique voice shaped the band's sound, while his fashion sense significantly influenced the goth subculture of the 1980s. The Cure's discography includes iconic singles like "Boys Don't Cry" and "Friday I’m in Love," showcasing Smith's evolution as an artist.

Personal Life

In his personal life, Smith met Mary Theresa Poole in drama class at St Wilfrid's when they were both around 14 years old, and they married on August 13, 1988. The couple has chosen to remain childless, with Smith expressing antinatalist views. Despite the challenges of his early career, Smith's commitment to The Cure's success was partly motivated by his desire to support Mary, who left her nursing job to be with him as the band gained fame. Their relationship has been marked by a shared sense of humor and a deep bond, with Smith often reflecting on the quirks of their life together.