The Cure’s Six-Piece Lineup: Where Are The Band Members Now In 2025?
The Cure, one of the most influential and enduring bands in the history of post-punk and gothic rock, has always been defined by its revolving door of talent, centered around its sole constant member, Robert Smith. As of December 25, 2025, the band is operating as a powerful six-piece ensemble, a configuration that has brought renewed energy to their recent work and extensive touring. This current lineup is not only a testament to the band’s longevity but also features a significant, recent return that has thrilled long-time fans.
The band has been making headlines with fresh material, including the release of their first new studio album in 16 years, *Songs from a Lost World*, in November 2024, and the confirmation of a second new album recorded in March 2025. This period of renewed activity makes the current roster of musicians—some of whom have decades of history with the band—more relevant than ever as they shape The Cure’s next chapter.
The Cure: The Complete 2025 Band Member Lineup and Biography
The current official lineup for The Cure, which performed on the "Lost World Tour" and is featured in the upcoming 2025 concert film, consists of six members. Here is a detailed look at the musicians who are creating the band's new music and maintaining their legendary live reputation.
- Robert Smith (The Constant): Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards, Primary Songwriter
- Simon Gallup (The Stoic Bassist): Bass Guitar, occasional Keyboards
- Roger O'Donnell (The Keyboard Maestro): Keyboards, Piano
- Jason Cooper (The Longest-Serving Drummer): Drums, Percussion
- Reeves Gabrels (The Innovative Guitarist): Guitar
- Perry Bamonte (The Returning Member): Guitar, Keyboards, Bass
Robert Smith: The Founder, Visionary, and Driving Force
Robert James Smith (born April 21, 1959) is, without question, the heart and soul of The Cure. He is the co-founder, lead vocalist, guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, and primary songwriter, holding the unique distinction of being the band’s only continuous member since its inception in 1976 (initially as Easy Cure). Smith’s distinctive look—messy black hair, smudged lipstick, and a penchant for black clothing—has become an iconic symbol of the goth and alternative rock genres.
His contribution is monumental, having written or co-written nearly every song in The Cure’s vast discography, from the bleak existentialism of *Pornography* and *Faith* to the pop brilliance of *Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me* and *Wish*. Smith’s unique, often melancholic vocal style and atmospheric guitar work are the sonic signatures of the band. In 2024 and 2025, he continues to lead the creative charge, overseeing the release of *Songs from a Lost World* and the recording of its follow-up.
Simon Gallup: The Unshakeable Bassist
Simon Johnathon Gallup (born June 1, 1960) is often considered the second most essential member of The Cure, a claim Robert Smith himself has endorsed. Gallup first joined the band in 1979, replacing Michael Dempsey, and his tenure has been remarkably long, spanning from 1979–1982 and then continuously since 1984. His driving, melodic basslines are fundamental to the band's sound, providing the rhythmic backbone for classics like "A Forest" and "Lovesong."
Gallup’s stage presence is known for its energetic intensity, a stark contrast to Smith’s more stationary performance style. Despite a temporary public split rumor in 2021, Gallup remains firmly entrenched in the lineup, proving his importance to the band's continued existence and performance.
Roger O'Donnell: The Master of Atmosphere
Roger O'Donnell (born October 29, 1955) is the band’s primary keyboardist and is instrumental in creating the lush, atmospheric soundscapes that define The Cure’s mid-to-late period. He initially joined in 1987, replacing Lol Tolhurst, and has had several key stints: 1987–1990, 1995–2005, and since 2011. Before The Cure, O’Donnell was a member of The Psychedelic Furs and the Thompson Twins.
O’Donnell’s keyboard work is crucial on albums such as *Disintegration*, often cited as a cornerstone of the goth rock genre, and the more recent *Songs from a Lost World*. His ability to weave complex, emotional textures with synthesizers and piano is a defining element of The Cure’s epic sound.
The New Guard and The Returning Veteran
While Smith, Gallup, and O'Donnell represent the classic core, the current lineup is solidified by three equally vital members who have cemented the band's contemporary identity and helped craft their newest material.
Jason Cooper: The Longest-Serving Drummer
Jason Toop Cooper (born January 31, 1967) has been the drummer for The Cure since 1995, a remarkable tenure that makes him the longest-serving drummer in the band's history. He joined after the departure of Boris Williams and made his debut on the 1996 album *Wild Mood Swings*. Cooper's drumming style is powerful yet subtle, capable of delivering the driving rhythms needed for rock tracks and the delicate precision required for the band's more intricate, atmospheric pieces.
His stability and reliability have provided a consistent rhythmic anchor for the band for over two decades, covering major albums like *Bloodflowers* and the latest 2024 release.
Reeves Gabrels: The Experimental Guitarist
Reeves Gabrels (born June 4, 1956) is an American guitarist known for his innovative and often avant-garde guitar work. He officially joined The Cure in 2012, bringing a fresh, aggressive, and experimental sonic palette to the band. Gabrels is also famous for his extensive collaborations with David Bowie, particularly during the Tin Machine era.
His addition has allowed Robert Smith to step back from some of the more complex guitar duties, enabling a richer, dual-guitar sound in both the studio and live setting. Gabrels’ contributions have been particularly noticeable in the darker, heavier tones of the band’s recent work, including the tracks on *Songs from a Lost World*.
Perry Bamonte: The Crucial Return
Perry Bamonte’s return to The Cure in 2022 was a major event for fans. He originally served as a key multi-instrumentalist (guitar, keyboards, bass) from 1990 to 2005. His current tenure began with the "Lost World Tour" and he has remained a member into 2025, confirming The Cure as a six-piece for their current era.
Bamonte’s presence is vital for reproducing the complex layers of sound from the band’s extensive catalog live, especially the material from the *Wish* and *Bloodflowers* albums where he originally played a significant role. His versatility on guitar and keyboards adds immense depth to the band's sonic tapestry.
The Legacy of The Cure: Key Former Members
The Cure's history is marked by over a dozen lineup changes, each contributing to their evolution from a new wave punk band to gothic rock titans. Understanding the legacy requires recognizing key figures who helped forge their early sound.
- Lol Tolhurst: A founding member and childhood friend of Robert Smith, Tolhurst initially played drums on the first three albums, including *Three Imaginary Boys* and *Seventeen Seconds*. He transitioned to keyboards before his departure in 1989, playing a major role in the band's early days.
- Michael Dempsey: The original bassist from 1978 to 1979. He played on the debut album, *Three Imaginary Boys*, and was replaced by Simon Gallup.
- Porl Thompson: A long-time collaborator and multi-instrumentalist who had several stints with the band, most notably from 1983-1993 and 2005-2009. His guitar work is featured prominently on albums like *The Head on the Door* and *Disintegration*.
- Boris Williams: The drummer from 1984 to 1994, whose powerful drumming anchored the band during their most commercially successful period, including the albums *Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me* and *Wish*.
The Cure in 2025: New Music and Future Plans
The current lineup’s stability has fueled a significant creative resurgence. The band released *Songs from a Lost World* in late 2024, their first new album in 16 years, which was met with critical acclaim for its return to a darker, more introspective sound. This album deals heavily with themes of loss, aging, and mortality, reflecting the personal reflections of Robert Smith.
Looking ahead, the band has confirmed that they returned to Rockfield Studios in March 2025 to record 13 new songs for a follow-up album, suggesting that the current six-piece is set to deliver another new project soon. Furthermore, fans can look forward to the release of "The Show of a Lost World," a concert film featuring the current lineup, which is slated for a worldwide cinema release in December 2025. This period marks one of the most creatively fertile and active phases in the band's recent history, driven by the unique synergy of its veteran members.
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