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The Cure bring big hits and rare gems to Electric Castle 2026 finale
The Cure headlined the closing night of Romania's Electric Castle Festival on 19 July 2026, delivering a two-hour set that blended chart-friendly favourites with rarely aired deep cuts. The performance marked only the band's second-ever appearance in Romania and their first since 2019, underlining the occasion's significance for local fans of Robert Smith's long-running goth-rock outfit.
The setlist paired staples such as "Just Like Heaven," "Friday I'm In Love" and "Boys Don't Cry" with unusual selections including "Secrets," from 1980's "Seventeen Seconds," and "alt.end" from their 2004 self-titled album. Heavy emphasis was placed on 1985's "The Head On The Door" and 1989's "Disintegration," while the closing day of the festival also featured Just Mustard and Dogstar, the band featuring actor Keanu Reeves, after Wet Leg withdrew due to illness. The report also notes Smith's recent collaborations, including a track with Olivia Rodrigo and contributions to the Rolling Stones' new album.
In short
- The Cure closed Electric Castle 2026 with a two-hour set in Romania
- Rare tracks "Secrets" and "alt.end" featured alongside classic hits
- Wet Leg cancelled through illness; Dogstar and Just Mustard also performed
Explained simply
The Cure are an English rock band formed in the 1970s and fronted by Robert Smith. They pioneered goth and alternative rock music and have become one of the most influential bands in their genres, with a devoted international fanbase.
Electric Castle is a major annual music festival in Romania. The Cure's appearance at the festival marked only their second-ever visit to the country and their first performance there since 2019, making it a notable occasion for Romanian fans.
The band has remained musically active for nearly fifty years, with a large fanbase spanning multiple generations. Their continued recording and touring means that performances in regions where they appear infrequently attract particular attention from fans.