The Cure Make a Surprise Grammy Appearance and Win Their First Grammy

After more than 50 years of shaping alternative music, The Cure finally earned their first Grammy Awards during the early portion of this year’s ceremony. The wins marked a rare moment of industry recognition for a band whose influence has long outweighed its trophy count.

The group took home Best Alternative Music Performance for the song “Alone,” a stark and emotional centerpiece from their latest work. However, the band was not in attendance to accept the honor, as members were mourning the loss of longtime collaborator Perry Bamonte, who passed away in late December at the age of 65.

Robert Smith’s Message and a Second Win

In their absence, frontman Robert Smith submitted a prepared statement, which was read by presenter Jesse Welles. In the message, Smith thanked the Recording Academy for the “wonderful award” and acknowledged everyone who contributed to the band’s 2024 album, Songs of a Lost World.

“And most importantly, all the Cure fans around the world who came to our Lost World shows and enjoyed our Lost World music,” the statement read. “Without you, none of this would be possible.”

Moments later, The Cure’s night grew even more significant when Songs of a Lost World won Best Alternative Music Album, giving the band their second Grammy in quick succession and solidifying the album’s impact both critically and commercially.

Decades of Influence, Finally Recognized

Formed in England in 1976, The Cure became a global force in the 1980s, shaping generations of artists with their blend of melancholy, melody, and emotional honesty. Despite their legacy, Grammy recognition had previously eluded them. Their 1992 album Wish was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album in 1993 but lost to Tom Waits’ Bone Machine. In 2001, Bloodflowers received a nomination in the same category, only to be edged out by Radiohead’s Kid A.

This year’s victories feel less like a sudden breakthrough and more like a long-overdue acknowledgment of a band whose relevance has never depended on awards. As the televised portion of the 68th annual Grammy Awards unfolds later tonight from Los Angeles, The Cure’s early wins stand as a reminder that longevity, artistic integrity, and a devoted fanbase can eventually command the spotlight—on their own terms and in their own time.