The Cure to perform for BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 6 Music

The Cure are to perform world exclusive live sessions for BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Radio 2 In Concert later this month.

The sets will be recorded at the BBC Radio Theatre in London’s Broadcasting House, with the band playing some of their hits, as well as songs from their upcoming album Songs of a Lost World.

6 Music Session: The Cure Live will be broadcast in Huw Stephens’ show on Thursday 31 October (4-7pm), alongside an interview between Huw and Robert Smith.

The 6 Music session follows the station’s world exclusive first play of their new single, Alone – the band’s first new music in 16 years – which was shared by Mary Anne Hobbs in her 6 Music show last Thursday, 26 September.

For Radio 2 In Concert, the band will perform in front of a small audience at the BBC Radio Theatre on Wednesday 30 October.

It will be broadcast in Jo Whiley’s show on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds (7-9pm) on Thursday 31 October, which will also feature Jo’s interview with Robert Smith.

Also, on Friday 1 November, Zoe Ball’s Radio 2 Breakfast Show will feature some exclusive tracks from the recording.

The Cure’s Radio 2 In Concert and 6 Music performances will be available in vision on BBC iPlayer on the evening of Thursday 31 October and on demand for 30 days.

Robert Smith said: “It’s not often we perform such intimate shows, so we’re really looking forward to this, and to sharing more tracks from the new album for the first time on 6 Music and Radio 2.”

Huw Stephens said: “The Cure are one of 6 Music’s most beloved artists. Their records and visionary sonic journeys have captivated us all, and to hear a new album and a live performance to celebrate it will be very special.”

Jo Whiley said: “I can’t tell you how excited I am that The Cure will be performing for Radio 2 In Concert. They were my first music obsession and remain so to this day. They played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of that time and have influenced countless artists since with Robert Smith’s incredible songwriting and haunting lyrics.”

Jeff Smith, Head of Music for Radio 2 and 6 Music, commented: “The Cure are one of the UK’s most important bands with a string of iconic hits amongst a significant repertoire of work. They are still much-loved today, plus new audiences are discovering their music for the first time.

“I was delighted when they accepted my invitation to perform a wide cross section of their repertoire, hence the complimentary and unique selection of live tracks you will hear in our programming across both Radio 2 and 6 Music where they will feel the love from both our musical mainstream and alternative leaning audiences.”

Tickets for Radio 2 In Concert will be allocated via a ballot which is now open for registrations from and closes at 9pm on Wednesday 9 October at www.bbc.co.uk/radio2inconcert.