Manic Street Preachers Rehearse The Cure’s ‘Close To Me’ Ahead of Robert Smith’s Royal Albert Hall Shows

Manic Street Preachers warm up with The Cure’s classic ‘Close To Me’ as Robert Smith’s Teenage Cancer Trust gigs approach at the Royal Albert Hall.

A Soundcheck That Sparks Nostalgia

If you’re a fan of the Manic Street Preachers or The Cure—or both, like many of us music nerds—you’ll want to lean in here. The Manics just dropped a sweet surprise: a sneak peek of them rehearsing The Cure’s iconic track, ‘Close To Me’. This came just in time for Robert Smith’s upcoming curated Teenage Cancer Trust shows at London’s legendary Royal Albert Hall.

The clip is a bit of an auditory treat — the band stays behind the scenes, but you can hear them clearly running through the intro of ‘Close To Me’, which originally graced The Cure’s 1985 album The Head On The Door. The Manics cheekily hint that this gem might just sneak into their setlist for the Royal Albert Hall night, teasing fans with: “Had some fun playing this in rehearsals this week – just the three of us reliving our youth for a fleeting moment – (Albert Hall maybe???)”

Hearing a band like the Manics dipping into The Cure’s catalogue is like watching two giants nod to each other across the decades, reminding us how these bands have shaped generations of alternative music lovers.

Robert Smith’s Teenage Cancer Trust Line-Up Unveiled

Speaking of the shows, Robert Smith is once again taking the reins as the curator of the annual Teenage Cancer Trust gigs, stepping in this year for the legendary Roger Daltrey of The Who. The event has become a highlight for both music fans and charity supporters, with a star-studded lineup.

Alongside the Manics headlining on March 26, names like The Joy Formidable, Garbage, Wolf Alice, Chvrches, Elbow, and My Bloody Valentine are on the bill. It’s a dazzling mix of alt-rock royalty and fresh talent, all gathered under the iconic dome of the Royal Albert Hall.

Manics frontman James Dean Bradfield expressed heartfelt gratitude for being invited, calling it “a return to one of our favourite London venues” and promising the audience “a couple of surprises up our sleeves for the night.” It’s thrilling to imagine what those surprises could be, especially with the band’s knack for memorable performances.

A Beautiful History of Mutual Respect

The connection between The Cure and the Manic Street Preachers runs deep. Back in 2018, the Manics were invited by Smith to play at his curated Meltdown Festival—also held at the Royal Albert Hall. During that memorable set, they covered The Cure’s ‘In Between Days’, a fan-favorite that perfectly captures the melancholic yet catchy spirit both bands share.

Here’s the performance from Meltdown Festival in 2018:

That night was more than just a cover—it was a testament to the Manics’ respect for Smith and The Cure’s legacy. As one reviewer put it, “Manic Street Preachers are clearly enjoying their lingering champagne years. Alongside The Cure, they’ll eternally reign as national treasures.” It’s rare to see bands so clearly humbled and motivated by the honor of sharing the stage with peers they admire.

James Dean Bradfield once shared his admiration for Robert Smith’s mystique, saying:

“It’s weird, Robert Smith occupies this territory where he’s kind of reclusive. You never see pictures of him, you never hear rumors of him, he just comes out on a tour to do something then he just slips back away. He’s almost like a kind of secret agent... I love how he seems reclusive but without any of the drama that you would traditionally attach to that.”

That mysterious aura only adds to the magic of these upcoming shows.

Manics and The Cure: Continuing the Tradition

The Manics kept the love alive by releasing their BBC-recorded version of ‘In Between Days’ in 2022, giving fans a polished, nostalgic take on the classic Cure tune.

Meanwhile, both bands have played big roles in this year’s Record Store Day celebrations. The Cure’s *Greatest Hits* and *Acoustic Hits* got exclusive re-releases, while James Dean Bradfield’s solo album The Great Western and fellow Manics member Nicky Wire’s Intimism also saw special releases—perfect for collectors and fans who cherish vinyl culture.

And if you thought the good news stopped there, The Cure just snagged the very first Grammy wins of their career, scooping up awards for Best Alternative Music Album and Best Alternative Music Performance. It’s a well-deserved recognition for a band that has shaped alternative music for decades.

Ready for the Royal Albert Hall Experience?

The upcoming Teenage Cancer Trust shows promise to be unforgettable nights filled with nostalgia, great music, and a celebration of enduring legacies. With Manic Street Preachers rehearsing The Cure’s ‘Close To Me’ and Robert Smith pulling together an incredible lineup, fans are truly in for a treat.

What surprises do you think the Manics have up their sleeves for the show? Will ‘Close To Me’ make the cut live? One thing’s for sure—this is the kind of event that reminds us why these bands hold such a special place in our hearts.

FAQ

• What song are the Manic Street Preachers rehearsing?
  They are rehearsing The Cure’s classic track ‘Close To Me’ ahead of Robert Smith’s curated Teenage Cancer Trust shows.
• When and where are the Teenage Cancer Trust gigs taking place?
  The shows are scheduled for March at London’s Royal Albert Hall, with the Manics headlining on March 26.
• Has the Manics covered The Cure before?
  Yes, they covered ‘In Between Days’ at the 2018 Meltdown Festival curated by Robert Smith and released a BBC version of it in 2022.
• Who else is performing at the Teenage Cancer Trust shows?
  The lineup includes The Joy Formidable, Garbage, Wolf Alice, Chvrches, Elbow, and My Bloody Valentine, among others.
• Did The Cure recently win any awards?
  Yes, they won their first Grammys last week for Best Alternative Music Album and Best Alternative Music Performance.

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