2022.10.06 Riga - Arena (Latvia)

Pongo · October 07, 2022, 08:41:15

Very nice to see that Perry is back.
How was the show otherwise?
I was rather disappointed when I saw the setlist. Only two new songs and then mostly songs that I guess they feel, more or less, that they have to play. A Cure show is probably always going to be a fun experience, but it tickles a bit more if there are at least some excursions into some of the paths less travelled.
Here only 39 and Trust, and maybe Edge, feel like deeper cuts.

Ulrich · October 07, 2022, 09:39:17

Wow, does that mean Perry and Roger both performed alongside Reeves?

Certainly unexpected.

I am glad about 2 new songs, with no new album out (yet), I feared they might play none at all.

You can find a setlist & videos of the 2 new songs here:
http://craigjparker.blogspot.com/

Redser · October 07, 2022, 10:28:26

Quote from: Pongo on October 07, 2022, 08:41:15Very nice to see that Perry is back.
How was the show otherwise?
I was rather disappointed when I saw the setlist. Only two new songs and then mostly songs that I guess they feel, more or less, that they have to play. A Cure show is probably always going to be a fun experience, but it tickles a bit more if there are at least some excursions into some of the paths less travelled.
Here only 39 and Trust, and maybe Edge, feel like deeper cuts.

Totally agree about the setlist....very disappointing. I was there and whilst they sounded great, the stage visuals are also mostly the same as previous gigs. Going on last night, this tour is nothing new other than a couple of new songs

Rietan · October 07, 2022, 10:30:22

Still I tend to say that you were right...ok I had kind of a panic attack and tried to survive, but still I was dispointed. Not even about the setlist but also about the for me not existing logic in the arrangement of the setlist. Not many videos , so I still hope they will adapt it for the cities that are used to host the cure!

mehrlicht · October 07, 2022, 10:36:43

I hope by the end of the month, when I will see them, they have settled with 3 encores. One of them being the singles encore with 3 singles. And the rest of the setlist free from festival songs.

dsanchez · October 08, 2022, 12:47:39

Hi all,

Currently writing from Helsinki and for long reviews I prefer a computer so this one will be rather quick.

First of all, you all know by now the setlist which can be found on https://www.cure-concerts.de/concerts/2022-10-06.php A simple YouTube search will also show the new Cure songs and pretty much all the Riga show.

I want to give a first summary before my very long review. So here it goes:

This is the second time the band plays as a six-piece, the last (and only time) being in 1987 during the KMKMKM Tour
Perry Bamonte played with the band for the first time since 2004 (he and O'Donnell were sacked from the band in 2005 when The Cure became a trio)
We do not know if Perry is back (as an official member) with the band. We only know he is currently touring with the band. I was in front of Perry and to tell the truth his input during the show was minimal and I would say accessory. But personally, seeing him was the highlight of the night for me, more than even the two new songs. I will explain why in the long review
The Cure has played two new album songs for the first time since the 4Tour (2008). In my opinion, this is their best stuff since Bloodflowers, if not Wish (first we need to hear the whole album). If you are into Slowdive, Ride and such (as I am) then you will love this
The band played their usual setlist, and considering this is the first time they play in Riga, it was expected to hear several hits. Hardcore fans must understand that unless the show is a very special one (ala Reflections) there won't be much variation. I am personally grateful to still be able to see the world's best band sounding great and with Robert's voice still intact
This is the concert where I have seen most young people ever. There were literally lots of people on their 20s. Good to see The Cure music reaching all ages
I was happy to meet other curefans during the pre-drinks which was a success!. That place (https://labietis.lv/en/) was awesome and if you are in Riga you must visit it. It set the bar too high for all upcoming meetup bars for which I don't have that high expectations anymore

dsanchez · October 08, 2022, 13:18:24

Attaching a few shots from the night. The "Quick Reply" option doesn't allow attachments so if you are in your phone you need to User Actions > Reply, or choose simply Reply if you are in a computer.

dsanchez · October 08, 2022, 13:31:32

QuoteTotally agree about the setlist....very disappointing. I was there and whilst they sounded great, the stage visuals are also mostly the same as previous gigs. Going on last night, this tour is nothing new other than a couple of new songs

Agree about the stage visuals. For a new tour, your would expect different visuals for the classic songs. The projections for Plainsong, A Forest, Shake Dog Shake etc are the same from past tours.

mehrlicht · October 08, 2022, 13:52:31

Quote from: dsanchez on October 08, 2022, 12:47:39considering this is the first time they play in Riga, it was expected to hear several hits.

I did not have this in mind. Totally understandable and recommendable. So I take back my criticism about Riga's setlist.

QuoteHardcore fans must understand that unless the show is a very special one (ala Reflections) there won't be much variation.

I don't agree. Of course I am not expecting more than 3 songs from Faith or Pornography... Maybe from Wish as we all know

MeltingMan · October 08, 2022, 18:38:43

Quote from: dsanchezI was in front of Perry...

It could be that the tour becomes even more 'Wish-heavy'. I'm happy for him.

Rietan · October 08, 2022, 20:10:53

You are so right David. 95 percent there had the time pf their life! Only old miserable fucks like me... always wanting more... tonight wow! I hope i recover for Hamburg!

dsanchez · October 10, 2022, 13:54:39

Watch Riga's full show below:

Matti · October 10, 2022, 15:31:03

That's great to see, thanks.

btw have any audio recordings surfaced so far (for the boring old farts among us who like to keep and update a local collection)?

dsanchez · December 22, 2022, 21:22:04

Was fortunate enough to be in first row at this show. Re-watching the video from "Alone" from that night I noticed a thoughtful Robert Smith. Check minutes 04:00 to 04:25. I wonder what was he thinking about? Love how he is so concentrated, how he closes his eyes and open his arms looking up... like if this was his The Cure first concert ever... If I ever see him again (last time I exchanged a few words with him was 10 years ago!) I'd like to ask him what he was thinking about...

Someone in YouTube thought the same: "I'm struck by how nervous and vulnerable Robert seems here. Pacing before he sings, the different emotions playing over his face. Looking at the crowd. Questioning everything. and then singing a new song about questioning everything"