Author:Lol Tolhurst
So, you may ask, why is a former, albeit founding member of The Cure writing now about a band he departed from some twenty seven years ago.
Well, the answer is that the title ‘Cured’ refers only partially to Tolhurst’s time in the band. It also refers, perhaps more pertinently, to his battle with and eventual triumph over his personal addictions, particularly his alcoholism.
The first part of the book, detailing his early life growing up in suburban Crawley, and his childhood friendship with Robert Smith, is very entertainingly written, capturing the spirit of those formative years. Likewise the formation of The Cure against a background of austerity and social unrest is well covered. From the usual grind of playing grotty venues with non-existent audiences to eventual global acclaim, Tolhurst gives a personal insiders view of the usual excesses and successes.
The book’s latter section, post Cure, deals with the descent into alcoholism, leading to his eventual sacking from the band at the height of their success, ironically around the time of their Disintegration album. In its own way, this part of the book is perhaps even more illuminating than the earlier chapters, detailing his long battle with the disease and ultimately culminating in his own personal redemption.
Length of Read:Medium
Might appeal to people who enjoyed…
This is not a book about The Cure as such at all, it’s actually much more of a personal odyssey, somewhat along the lines of Ian Hunter’s seminal Diary of a Rock n Roll Star.
One thing you’ve learned
Tolhurst is a good writer with a keen eye for detail and an appealing style, and this book is well worth a read, and not just for fans of The Cure.
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