The Cure headlined Øyafestivalen in Oslo with a nostalgic, hit-heavy set that showed Robert Smith in notably warm, playful spirits. The performance mattered as it contrasted with the more anxious tone of the band’s 2023 shows, while also underscoring the emotional pull of songs that have defined its long career.

The two-and-a-half-hour concert opened with “Alone” from 2024’s “Songs of a Lost World”, then moved through favourites including “Pictures of You”, “High” and “Lovesong”, alongside less expected early-2000s tracks. Smith became visibly emotional after “In Between Days” and “Just Like Heaven”, wiping away tears as the song ended; the review also praised his undiminished voice and the precision of the band, including Simon Gallup, Roger O’Donnell, Jason Cooper and Reeves Gabrels.