Words and Photos By: Pauline KurksThe iconic Roxy on Sunset played host to the even more iconic Cure on Saturday night. With artwork by rock icon painter Scott Hamilton for sale and Robert Smith's face (and legendary hair) adorning every wall, The Roxy resembled more of a shrine than a musical landmark.
The mainly black clothed audience had piled into The Roxy on the sweaty July evening to pay tribute to 30 years of The Cure. Although the band, which has sold over 27 million albums worldwide, weren't there to entertain, we did get the next best thing. The Curse has been hailed as the ultimate Cure tribute act and are the longest established tribute to the British rock band in Southern California.
Taking requests from the audience and playing two, hour-long sets, they rested up while the house dj played even more hits to satiate your Cure fever. What was striking about The Curse was they make no attempt to dress like their hero's, but instead concentrated on the validity of the music. They have received numerous praises over the years even from celebrated British dj Richard Blade who has said, "Close your eyes and you would swear you were in a small crowded London club in the early 80's with Robert and the boys playing away at the height of their power".
Scattered around the club were Mr Smith look-a-likes, fans of all ages and beer drinking rockabilly's, with the obligatory sculpted hair, of course. The merch booth overflowed with free pins with The Cure staring back at you from t-shirts, photos and much more.
The Curse played their sets with vigour and passion to create a step towards their idols for their eager fans. Drinks flowed, the air got sweatier and darker, and if you dared to close your eyes, you too could feel like you were witnessing one of the seminal bands of the 80's and 90's, up close and personal.
The Curse
http://www.myspace.com/thecurseband
The Roxy
9009 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, California 90069
http://www.theroxyonsunset.com
