As a fan of the English rock band The Cure, I was excited to hear that they may be embarking on a tour that includes stops in Canada in 2023. The Cure first formed in 1976 and rose to popularity in the 1980s with hits like “Boys Don’t Cry,” “Close To Me,” and “Just Like Heaven.” They are known for their gothic rock sound and frontman Robert Smith’s signature voice and hairdo. Over the years, The Cure has released 13 studio albums and are revered as one of the most influential alternative rock acts of all time. Their devoted fanbase, nicknamed “Cureheads,” are crossing their fingers that the rumored 2023 tour will bring Robert Smith and co. to play live across Canada once again.
Will They Really Come to Canada?
Rumors of a Canadian tour in 2023 started swirling when Robert Smith indicated in a recent interview that The Cure was planning live shows next year in various cities they have not played in a long time. This sparked excitement among Canadian fans since it has been over a decade since The Cure has performed a full-fledged tour of Canada. Their last major Canadian tour was in 2008 in support of their album 4:13 Dream. Since then, they have only made occasional festival appearances or one-off shows in few major cities across Canada.
Diehard Canadian Cureheads will remember that the band’s very first North American show was actually in Canada back in 1979 at the CN Tower in Toronto. So Canada holds a special place for The Cure and it would make perfect sense for them to plan a proper coast-to-coast Canadian tour for 2023. However, nothing has been officially announced yet. Robert Smith is known for cryptic hints and releasing information slowly to keep fans guessing. But all signs seem to indicate that announcements of Canadian tour dates could be coming very soon.
What Cities Might They Play?
If The Cure is indeed planning a full Canadian tour for 2023, these are some of the cities and venues they may include:
Toronto
Having kicked off their North American touring history in Toronto, the band is very likely to play at least one show in the city. Potential venues could include Budweiser Stage, Rogers Centre, or Scotiabank Arena.
Montreal
Montreal always gets live music love from visiting legends, so Bell Centre would be an obvious choice. Perhaps they’ll play multiple nights there.
Vancouver
Vancouver is usually a must-visit on Canadian tours, with Rogers Arena or Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre as options.
Calgary
Calgary might be in the mix for a show at Scotiabank Saddledome.
Edmonton
Edmonton is also known to draw music acts north, likely at Rogers Place.
Quebec City
The Cure has not played Quebec City since 1987 so fans there are starved for a live show! Videotron Centre would probably host them.
Winnipeg
Winnipeg could get The Cure at Canada Life Centre or Burton Cummings Theatre for more an intimate night.
Other Cities
Some additional cities and venues The Cure may play include:
- Ottawa – Canadian Tire Centre
- Saskatoon – SaskTel Centre
- Regina – Brandt Centre
- Halifax – Scotiabank Centre
Wherever The Cure ends up performing, Canadian fans will be ecstatic to have the chance to see the gothic rock icons live once more. Smaller cities not traditionally part of national tours could even try lobbying the band to get added!
How Quickly Will Tickets Sell Out?
Whenever legacy acts like The Cure tour after long breaks, tickets are bound to sell out extremely quickly – especially in major cities. Demand will be high from loyal older fans who have been waiting years to see The Cure again, combined with younger fans discovering their music catalog. Add in the band’s propensity for playing smaller venues for a more intimate show, and you have the recipe for premium tickets evaporating fast.
To get a sense of how quickly The Cure could sell out Canadian dates, let’s examine some stats from their recent 2022 North American tour:
New York
Madison Square Garden – Sold out immediately
Los Angeles
The Forum – Sold out immediately
Las Vegas
The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan – Sold out immediately
Phoenix
Arizona Federal Theater – Sold out in under 1 hour
| City | Venue | Sell Out Time |
|---|---|---|
| New York | Madison Square Garden | Immediately |
| Los Angeles | The Forum | Immediately |
| Las Vegas | The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan | Immediately |
| Phoenix | Arizona Federal Theater | Under 1 hour |
As we can see from this table, even relatively smaller cities like Phoenix sold out rapidly. This trend indicates that hungry Canadian Cureheads will jump at the first chance to purchase tickets and aren’t likely to wait around. Savvy fans should be ready to buy tickets the instant they go on sale to avoid getting shut out.
How Much Will Tickets Cost?
Pricing for The Cure’s Canadian tour dates is still TBD, but looking at their 2022 US prices gives us an estimate:
New York
Madison Square Garden
– Floor seats: $129+
– Lower bowl seats: $69+
– Upper bowl seats: $39+
Los Angeles
The Forum
– Floor seats: $129+
– Lower bowl: $89+
– Upper corners: $69+
Las Vegas
The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan
– General admission floor: $135
– Reserved seating: $99+
Given the band’s enduring legendary status and the pent-up demand among Canadian fans, I would expect ticket prices for a 2023 tour to be comparable to 2022 US prices, if not slightly higher. Floor seats and lower bowl seating would likely start above $125 CAD, while the cheapest upper bowl seats may start around $50 CAD.
Of course, prices could fluctuate venue to venue, with arenas in major cities like Toronto or Montreal perhaps going slightly higher. There is also the likelihood of VIP experiences or meet and greet packages that could cost several hundred dollars more. Regardless, Canadian Cureheads hungry for the chance to see their heroes again after so many years away will find the ticket prices well worth it.
What Will The Setlist Be?
With 13 studio albums and 40+ years of material to choose from, Robert Smith and co. have plenty of options for crafting a dynamic setlist tailored for 2023. Looking at recent 2022 US setlists provides clues into what they might play in Canada:
– Alone
– Pictures of You
– Last Dance
– Lovesong
– Just Like Heaven
– Trust
– Fascination Street
– The Walk
– Charlotte Sometimes
– 39
– Push
– In Between Days
– Doing the Unstuck
– Friday I’m in Love
– Play for Today
– A Forest
– From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea
– End
No matter what they end up choosing, Canadian fans can expect a setlist packed with Cure classics sure to take them on an emotional nostalgia trip. There is also possibility for surprise deep cuts and rare gems. A 20+ song set is likely, with their 2022 shows running about 2 hours long including encores. The Cure has such an expansive discography that no two shows were exactly alike on the recent US tour. This bodes well for Canadian cities getting unique experiences too.
While their vintage hits are must-plays, there is also chance Robert Smith sprinkles in highlights from 2008’s 4:13 Dream album since they haven’t properly toured Canada in support of that record yet. But no matter the city or the setlist, The Cure in concert is sure to be a dream come true for their devoted followers.
How Soon After Announcement Will The Shows Sell Out?
Based on incredibly high demand, most Canadian tour stops are likely to sell out extremely quickly after the on-sale dates are announced. Looking at recent immediate sell outs on their 2022 US tour, highly anticipated Canadian dates could do the same, especially the major markets. The band’s management would be wise to enforce ticket purchase limits to deter scalping bots and give real fans a fair shot.
Additionally, The Cure is notorious for announcing tours and dates in a slow, piecemeal fashion versus all at once. So it’s probable that initial major city dates like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver will be revealed first and sell out immediately. Smaller markets may not go on sale for weeks or months after the tour is revealed.
Regardless, whenever and wherever the dates are announced, savvy Canadian Cure fans need to be hyper vigilant and jump on tickets the instant they can to avoid being shut out. Given that their 2008 tour was their last proper run through Canada, anticipation has only grown exponentially since. This could very well be the hottest and quickest selling tour of 2023 when it’s finally made official.
How Does This Tour Compare to Previous Ones?
Longtime Cure fans who have seen them during previous treks through Canada will have context into how this rumored 2023 tour may be different:
Setlist Variety
Recent 2022 US setlists show about 75% consistency with repeated classics played most nights. But 25% rotated through more obscure songs. Compared to past habitual tours relying on hits, this indicates fans may get treated to some rarities and album cuts live.
Production Value
Modern arena shows allow for more elaborate staging and effects than The Cure utilized decades ago. So the visual spectacle is likely heightened on this go around.
Intimacy
Many recent 2022 shows were at smaller theaters, allowing for a more intimate vibe. Canadian venues on this tour may follow suit.
Length
With recent shows running over 2 hours with encores, 2023 shows could be longer than their typical 90 minute sets in the past.
Ticketing
Limited capacities, presales, and verified fan programs make ticketing more complex than the lineups of yore. Selling out instantly is the new norm.
Band Lineup
While Robert Smith still helms the band, other members like bassist Simon Gallup and keyboardist Roger O’Donnell who were fixtures in past Canadian tours have left. So the supporting cast will be different.
Overall, while the Cure’s iconic sound remains consistent, changes to technology, venues, set construction and ticketing allow them to offer a fresh experience even for repeat concertgoers. Canadian fans who’ve caught them before likely have never seen a Cure show incorporating all these modern enhancements under one roof.
How Does This Compare to Other Recent Reunion Tours?
The rumored Cure reunion tour of Canada will be in good company alongside other recently reunited legacy acts:
Rage Against the Machine
Also returning in 2022 after an extended hiatus, Rage played a mix of stadiums and arenas at hefty ticket prices, selling out instantly across North America. Their political fire is still a major draw.
Swedish House Mafia
This EDM supergroup reconvened in 2022 after nearly a decade, playing a combo of festivals and arenas at high prices, also selling out quickly. Their formula still packs dance floors.
My Chemical Romance
My Chem announced their long-awaited reunion tour in 2020 after a six year breakup, though it was postponed until 2022. But demand was massive with instant sell outs at top dollar prices.
The Cure’s enduring inter-generational appeal matches or exceeds these other reunited bands, so similar vigorous ticket sales and venues are likely. Veteran acts with cult fanbases still have what it takes to command top dollar and draw masses. Whatever the other logistics, one thing is certain – Canadian Cureheads will fork over whatever it takes to see their idols on home soil again.
Conclusion
In summary, whether The Cure ultimately announces a full-fledged 2023 Canadian tour or select special engagements, rabid fans will undoubtedly snap up tickets the instant they can. Given the band’s status as gothic rock pioneers with a catalog full of timeless hits, the shows are destined to be unforgettable singalongs. Older fans get to relive their youth, while younger fans get educated in Cure 101 from the masters themselves. It will undoubtedly be a highlight of 2023’s concert calendar, whenever dates and details are finally unveiled. Canada is long overdue to host Robert Smith and The Cure again, and if these rumors hold true, that reality inches closer every day. After years away, The Cure in Canada once more will be well worth the wait.