Born 71 Years Ago Today in East London, the Art School Dropout Who Helped Shape The Cure’s Sound and Played With Two Other 80s Icons
Roger O’Donnell, the East London-born keyboardist best known for his long association with The Cure, turned 71 on 29 October. His keyboard work helped shape the band’s sound, including on *Disintegration*, and his career also took him on tour with Thompson Twins, The Psychedelic Furs and Berlin.
O’Donnell began playing professionally in 1976 after briefly attending art school, and joined The Cure for a five-week US tour in 1987 after drummer Boris Williams recommended him. He first played on a full-length Cure album with *Disintegration*, released in 1989; it debuted at No. 3 in the UK and produced three top 30 singles. He left in 1990, rejoined in 1995, departed again in 2006 and returned in 2011.
In short
- Roger O’Donnell turned 71 on 29 October.
- His keyboards featured on The Cure’s *Disintegration*.
- He also toured with Thompson Twins and The Psychedelic Furs.
Explained simply
The Cure are an English rock band formed in the 1970s, known for a sound that ranges from spare, guitar-led songs to layered recordings with keyboards. Their 1989 album Disintegration is one of their best-known records, and its arrangements helped define the band’s sound.
Roger O’Donnell is a keyboardist whose career has included work with several 1980s bands, including Thompson Twins, The Psychedelic Furs and Berlin. He joined The Cure in 1987, after drummer Boris Williams recommended him, and became part of the group during a period when keyboards featured prominently in its music.
O’Donnell’s several departures and returns reflect The Cure’s changing line-up over the years. His story also connects the band to a wider network of musicians who moved between groups and touring projects.