The Cure in Auckland

JASEN OXENHAM/ Fairfax Media

TIMELESS VOICE: 28 years on from forming The Cure Robert Smith proved he still had what it takes to thrill fans at Vector Arena in Auckland. Reviewer Tracey Bond was there.

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It took an online petition to get The Cure to come back to New Zealand on their latest world tour, and fans who were hoping for a night to remember when the band played at Vector Arena in Auckland were not disappointed. Reviewer Tracey Bond was there.

It has been fifteen years since The Cure last played in New Zealand but it was like they'd never been away.

Was he still wearing eyeliner and lipstick? Yes. Can he still carry it off? Too right, he can.

The man may have aged but his voice hasn't, and listening to him launch into Fascination Street was like being transported back in time.

Smith's vocals were strong thoughout, even though he told the crowd he wasn't talking a lot between songs so he wouldn't lose his voice.

Smith roamed the stage, oozing emotion, angst and at times looking almost amused to be there.

When Smith left the stage after Killing an Arab even he didn't look sure if they were really leaving for good this time.

But the crowd lapped it up, reaching a frenzy when the band returned for a final time with a pulsating rendition of A Forest

- © Fairfax NZ News