CHVRCHES and Robert Smith perform 'How Not To Drown' at the BandLab NME Awards 2022

[@perryb5984]

Imagine being in a band and being huge Cure fans. Then one day you ask Robert Smith to contribute on one of your songs and he says yes. Not only that but he later says yes to performing the same song live with your band at the NME Awards show. Then imagine that you are on stage with Robert performing the song. It really must have been just like heaven for the members of CHVRCHES. I'm happy for them. The song is great and deserves to win an award which it did.

[@werem1381]

Это действительно очень круто!

[@lama9926]

They’re sooo lucky😔😔 I wish I had a beautiful voice maybe I’ll have a chance then

[@iancolthart6676]

"Just like heaven" I see what you did there ;)

[@StPatrickzz]

Hear! Hear!

[@perryb5984]

@@iancolthart6676 😄

[@mikhailkurzanov5900]

everything Robert Smith touches turns into gold. And no one fucking knows how the hell he does it.

[@dek86s]

because he make music from his heart!!

[@steve261brown]

@@dek86sSPOT ON.

[@jocelynbaggi1483]

Robert, please save us all. We need your music to go through all this.

[@juantagalacad3185]

Ok

[@kalebdaark100]

So, no pressure then

[@msiloverockmusic8395]

Amen!

[@michaelmccarthy5727]

not long to wait, The Cure's new album is incoming very soon... then World Tour. Happy days.

[@Sleepflowrr]

Yeah..

[@agreen182]

How is Robert smiths voice still so incredible. Hasn’t lost a single fraction of a step

[@estelatechera7030]

Es cierto.

[@benttwisted210]

I seen an interview where he said he just doesn't push himself, as in, as little touring as possible over the years & when he no longer feels young & excited about music, he'll quit. (It's not perfect, but, it's something to that effect)

[@dieseltao]

Because unlike most aged rockers he takes care of himself. He doesn’t do drugs, he doesn’t smoke. Those are 2 keys to keeping your voice. I think he really only drinks red wine now in moderation.

[@brandixx7453]

Because he is beyond amazing & clearly gifted. The epitome of a natural born musician.

[@MrSodan11]

Robert's voice has never been stronger than right now. Can't wait for "Songs of a Lost World" !!

[@Debunis]

Robert's voice Is Like a wine!

[@armandoarrojo9841]

Keep waiting 😂

[@tmingng]

Still waiting...

[@erwinn58]

@@armandoarrojo9841 ALMOST!!

[@marcoboldoni3205]

The time has come

[@artvjon]

Oh my GOD this is bone chilling good.

[@JCWelch-uk3um]

yes. sofa king amazing

[@svencarter580]

Brilliant isnt it.

[@robertsanssouci2093]

💯

[@roger1724]

Robert Smith, please, never die!

[@juantagalacad3185]

Ok

[@alisonchristensen1169]

I will literally die if he does!

[@williamwilkes9873]

........& Taxes!

[@AF-yn4cv]

Like the rest of us, I am sure he doesn't want too

[@cecicestmoi]

never ever ever

[@johanpinzon9064]

Robert + Lauren = Total perfection

[@jaygray835]

Incredible song, long live Robert Smith.

[@swervature]

Robert's eye flutter at her high note cracks me up. Love the combination of these 2 amazing powerhouses.

[@SonomaBill1]

that eye flutter was one of the moments ... there were a couple others during the performance, where just a flash of the youthful Robert came through .... gave me a bit of the feels.

[@dumalipa]

@@SonomaBill1this very on point and descriptive comment gave me chills

[@user-gq1uj1im7s]

I think Robert was genuinely enjoying himself here

[@kildogery]

You know he wouldn't be there otherwise. He's obviously a fan.

[@gruwer92]

Can’t stop listening to this masterpiece.

[@TiernanVO]

#same This particular live version is even better than the single. 🔥

[@poocky483]

Both voices compliment each other so well. Simply gorgeous

[@Movielibrary101]

I cry like a baby whenever I hear this song. It's like a great story that unfolds in your mind and hits you hard

[@PROGROCK-tr9hw]

I know,it doesn't make any sense.He's in his sixties and his voice is still so clear and youthful.Still has that emotion and expression that gets me every time.

[@michaelashton]

Sounds better than the studio version.

[@AbrahamVivanco]

Definitivamente... 😃

[@spaceengineer1452]

Overproduction kills good songs. This is great. She can't sing though...

[@HerveBoisde]

Beatle #9 come on. Her voice is perfectly suited to their style. People used to say the same thing about Robert (can’t sing)

[@PlopstoperGames]

@@spaceengineer1452 her voices is literally great… what

[@spaceengineer1452]

@@PlopstoperGames Ordinary.

[@natp1052]

“THE CURE” saved my life….. 29years ago and ever since. I never imagined anyone able to sing by his side and shine as bright as he does…. But this girl…. Wow! 1st few lines I was like…. Wat. No way, not with Robert Smith…. The more she sang the more captivated by her voice I became…. Goosebumps! Her stage presence …. A really good fit. Both quirky, and so unique, found each other, collaborating together. Congrats ✌️

[@Samuelmeyer373]

I showed this song to my mom, she's 54 and I'm 28. She said "the song is really good." Well, now that I think of it, this song is a connection between decades, when you simply can listen with your parents that are huge fans of The Cure, and me, as a huge fan of CHVRCHES. If this isn't amazing, what is it? Music is eternal, it's about connection. Btw, the chords of this song gives me chills and this live version is even better than the studio one!

[@indylar]

I'm 52. It is my favorite modern band with my favorite "back in the day" band. I had no idea what I was about to hear the first time it came on the radio. It brought tears and chills when I heard Robert Smith's voice come in.

[@Samuelmeyer373]

@@indylar duuude, that’s amazing!

[@miguimau]

I´m 55 and love both The Cure and Chvrches.

[@markholland1578]

I remember hearing this song traveling in my car and flipping through the channels and hearing Lauren's voice which made me immediately stop scrolling and then....Robert Smith? You KNOW this distinctive voice....I almost crashed grabbing my phone and begging Bixby (Samsungs assistant) "What is the name of this song" and literally thinking "No way! The Cure has a new album!!" and then getting upset thinking "How did you not know about this!!??" .....Glad I found this band and glad that Robert is still relevant and active on the music scenes and getting airplay here in the States!

[@garethdunne3443]

Been a Cure fan for 35 years, what a banger of a tune.

[@maryd.2136]

My ears couldn't be happier than they are right now.

[@Alpha_7227]

Their voices just fit together, like yin and yang. So beautiful. It would be the coolest thing if they could tour together

[@clvrswine]

Not really.

[@xhaozhao]

I’d be more thrilled if they collaborated a 4 track EP together. Aside from their voices, I feel their writing is also a Yin Yang balance between modern artists and classic which makes this song kind of nostaligic imo. I kind of felt I heard it before even though its only recent.

[@HeedTheLorax]

I have tickets for the DC show !

[@Wendygo2]

It would be cool if they were openers for the next tour

[@panterpanterpanter993]

JAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJA , LOOKS LIKE YOURE YOUNG PEOPLE , NO MORE GOOD TASTE ON MUSIC , THIS GIRL JUST CAN'T SING , JUST SCREAM. , THAT DOESNT MEAN SHE IS SINGING

[@hugokruis15]

Robert Smith. The man has a heart made of gold, wish we had have more of these...❤

[@Norial77]

Amazing song, Robert Smith is the best and I cannot believe people in first line instead enjoyed the performance, is Robert Smith in person and they rather to see him throught their phones, I cannot believe that

[@jimtunn5034]

You'd hope they weren't original goths

[@juanplazas4593]

Robert you're fucking legend!

[@tracygreen794]

Omg obsessed with this! Robert Smith is just amazing… been a massive Cure fan for a longtime. Love this

[@massimobetti3635]

Churces did it again , they effortlessly shift from one genre to another . Love Lauren voice and it matches perfectly with Robert Smith’s. I saw him live 40 years ago or so . Touring with Siouxsie Sioux and the Banshees and later many times with The Cure . Distant memories but wow this rolled back not just tears but decades !!

[@Schellnino1994]

That pick slide at 2:40

[@niallrobertmoran]

I love the epic contrast between Robert and Lauren's accent (eg when the both say down!) - amazing collaboration and Martin and Iain are in dreamland 😁

[@chrislovett5999]

Honestly it’s perfect. Fucking amazing.

[@jeromegreenberg4202]

This is a beautiful union of two unique artists painting different timeless paintings that somehow interweave to make something spectacular. I hope to hear more of this expanding different collaborations.

[@11Ouroboros11]

This is the essence of why I love live music. The Chvrches and Robert Smith on this iconic song blending two of my favorite artists!

[@etamommy]

This has a really “cure”-like guitar line and I like it a lot. Never heard the original yet so don’t know how much is Robert Smith’s contribution or whether he was driven to the song because it sounds like his band.

[@Nunziotg]

He co-wrote it with them and everywhere he sang here he does on the studio track.

[@HerveBoisde]

Smith doesnt play guitar on the studio recording. Theyre just huge fans of the Cure and a great band.

[@chucksplatt]

@@HerveBoisde I think Martin said he did contribute guitar because it was clear to Robert they were just using The Cure sound and he offered to just give them the real thing.

[@HerveBoisde]

Hung Nguyen are you sure? I heard he only contributed vocals

[@HerveBoisde]

Hung Nguyen if you watch the video when the band stops playing and Robert sings the slow part of the song the guy on the right side of the stage starts playing that guitar part you hear on the studio recording with a Fender Jazzmaster guitar. That’s the guitar Robert used on Seventeen Seconds.

[@brendaccc]

Instrumentals. Voices. Arrangement. The best live.

[@TheWokingmike]

Lauren looking at Robert like ❤️ - in a respectful way

[@steve261brown]

She is thinking .. Oh my God that really is Robert Smith. #legend

[@maryd.2136]

This is absolutely beautiful.

[@notnokker9496]

Thank you Lauren, Thank you Lain, Thank you Martin, Thank you Robert Smith, Thank you CHVRCHES! I listen to this every day, such a fantastic song, fantastic performed live, Thank you all! LOVE YOU ♥

[@etiennevachon2813]

Imagine if Siouxsie and Robert had been able to put aside their egos and sing together in their prime. Damn. It would have been epic beyond belief for us fans! What an era. This collaboration here, this song is absolutely unreal. This song is so powerful. Just beautiful.

[@marwaunordest]

Such great vocal improvements from Lauren!!!! The overall performance sounds awesome

[@brysimm404]

Even better than the single because Robert sings AND plays. That haunting guitar sound is still like nothing else.

[@bernhardgemmel8051]

Robert Smith and his new Cure Album are incredible. Nice to see him help young talents.

[@slothgimbarr7538]

Robert Smiths voice sounds so young and matching to Lauren Mayberrys. He is 63 in this concert and the whole song sounds like a cure song from the Kiss Me album.

[@lucybat]

The emotion is his voice... ❤

[@yonath94k]

Love how the song ends with Lauren chilling or drowning in the tunes of Smith's guitar.

[@Boleskinebeatz]

This is a great version.. Love the massive snare drum sound and the guitar sound is just brilliant too.

[@tubodd]

Best Smith's collaboration with a younger band, along with "Not in love" by Crystal castles

[@facundhopy6640]

Robert Smith, el último gran ícono.

[@alexpiedrabuena6066]

Beautiful. I have 35 years as a Cure fan. Powerful Chvrches. This is SO great !!! 👏👏👏😃👍

[@LaurentGRATTEPANCHE]

What a performance ! Robert Smith is so powerful and everything we need in those times!

[@diegoo5593]

I'm writing a book on how to stay conscious when you drown And if the words float up to the surface I'll keep them down This is the first time, I know I don't want the crown You can take it now You promised the world and brought me it hanging from a string Stuck it in my mouth, into my throat Told me to sing That was the first time I knew You can't kill the king And those who kiss the ring Tell me how It's better when the sun goes down We'll never escape this town I wasn't scared when he caught me Look what it taught me Tell me how It's better if I make no sound I will never escape these doubts I wasn't dead when they found me Watch as they pull me down I'm writing a chapter on what to do after they dig you up On what to do after you grew to hate what you used to love That was the first time I knew They were out for blood And they would have your guts Tell me how It's better when the sun goes down We'll never escape this town I wasn't scared when he caught me Look what it taught me Tell me how It's better if I make no sound I will never escape these doubts I wasn't dead when they found me Watch as they pull me down Watch as they pull me down Watch as they pull me down Pulling me down Dead when they found me Watch as they pull me down Watch as they pull me down Watch as they pull me down Pulling me down Dead when they found me Watch as they pull me down I'm writing a book on how to stay conscious when you drown And if the words float up to the surface I'll keep them down This is the first time I know I don't want the crown You can take it now You can take it now Take it now

[@FutileGrief]

I'm so happy we get to see Robert again!!! Timeless talent! 💜 Also the song is KICKASS. One of the best I've heard in a while!

[@rudymoerloos4725]

They sound so good together. A great song too.

[@dagonmeister]

"Timeless, a peak to remember "once upon a time" in music history

[@brandixx7453]

Robert Smith will save the world. ❤

[@maryellenbeagle1242]

Their voices blend together so well

[@beyondprofanity]

First time seeing this as a live set! I am an artist and this is so moving that I am in tears.

[@heywhatsup5602]

YESSSS FINALLY THE OFFICIAL 🙌🏻

[@jennifereagleton5567]

I saw The Cure live in Hong Kong in 2007 - and they played for 3 hours non stop - amazing!

[@dogo1969]

I have been there too..... and in other concerts too. They always play st least 2.5 hrs

[@yaseenbradley9829]

I love this womans unique vocals and such a good band plus Robert Smith a legend

[@francisco8655]

Realmente Robert Smith Es un genio Su voz es única e inigualable

[@buythiscar]

de verdad

[@alejandroy.l.4115]

Sin la pinta de siempre no tendria la misma voz de siempre...

[@Pndrastruthseeker1087]

Salame

[@Pndrastruthseeker1087]

@@alejandroy.l.4115 Salame atroz

[@omarterc7805]

Genio!!!

[@nobody32retired61]

These new songs resonate on an epic level. It's like rediscovering them all over again. I am filled with so many different emotions all at the same time.

[@defshrimp]

This song is a Masterpiece!

[@alejandrocurado5134]

Robert adds in good old cure quality in the end

[@IncApu2025]

Musical history you are withnesing!!! Robert and Laureen, The Cure - CHVRCHES. Your generation and mine, my dejar dougther 😔🤗

[@terasasanders8155]

What A Beautiful Song. Great Performance.

[@ars4455]

Mr. Smith, the unmistakable voice...one of the kindest men in the business... and a true artist...does not follow fashion or musical movements...doesn't mix politics or ideologies with his music and lets the fans be what they want to be...everyone is welcome in Cure's world.

[@REDSCOUSERFC]

The GOTHFATHER & his Scottish Princes. BOSS! If I had this on a cassette single it would be worn out in 1 hour.

[@sagiv-levy]

Masterpiece.

[@kingdiamondcoven1391]

Robert sounds amazing. Greetings from polish fans. See You in Lodz/Cracow

[@skieswatcher9321]

This song is so much Cure, I guess that's what it makes very very good, also the final part,last seconds, has half drum pattern in "if only tonight we could sleep" style

[@universoazul10]

Robert Smith un maestro universal todo un ejemplo de saber estar los años hacen mejorar la calidad viva ese personaje oscuro y humano Robert eterno mil gracias por tu música💥❤️

[@NIKE-Music]

Roberth Es un GENIO 👍 influencia para Millones de personas y Músicos. The Cure 🎶🎵🎹🎸 también cambio mi Vida

[@Idkitsuptoyou]

his voice FITS PERFECTLY in this song

[@lebeaubizarre123]

Superb title and interpretation with the sublime Robert Smith and Lauren Mayberry. CHVRCHES an awesome band thank you for your continued music.

[@miguee1579]

If this song was meant to fit into a The Cure´s album, this would be Disintegration. The sound is as darkly and deliciously daunting as that of said album.

[@Jimbo1221]

I love Robert Smith !!!!!!!!!

[@IVANTHETEA]

Incredible emotions from the track, fascinating voice, melody.

[@Hayri2011]

Love when they sound the same on stage as they do in the studio! That's how you know they are truly talented.

[@ximena5002]

Me encanta, Robert Smith es un dios 😍😍😍❤💯 como siempre creando maravillas

[@AbrahamVivanco]

Justamente!!!

[@bilfoot222]

Sharing a stage together really completed the song. Amazing!

[@henrybrown3171]

Really good mixing for this recording. Everything’s sat nicely. Kudos to the sound engineers👏

[@georgies347]

Awesome song!! Addicted to it! Live version is so much better than the recorded version.

[@Aimaim0909]

Totally agree! I love it!

[@EduardoCruz-fk3qe]

Chvrches needs an album produced by Robert

[@Sogonrei]

I am a die hard Robert Smith /Cure Fan since '87 and his singing and guitar incredible and so true to his style, and he played with your band? You have a new fan!!!! Loved how you sound together! 💜🖤💜🖤

[@aligator7]

Robert,Robert you are a living legend and always special. I wonder, how many musicians have achieved this? I wish you continue for many, many more years to beautify the music with your wonderful voice. Love from Greece...

[@holgerschink1341]

Such an amazing, brilliant song.💓

[@stephenedmunds207]

I love this song and performance from both vocalists and the band ,i really like cvurches and would like to see them live one day.

[@JutaStokes]

That was magical! I'd love to see CHVRCHES and The Cure tour together.

[@cerissalopez7378]

Robert Smith is the fucking GOAT

[@DrManhattanLoL]

Father giving his blessing to his children

[@alejandrashanahan7827]

I love him! He brings me so much joy! I can't explain what his music has done for me and still touches my soul!Fantastic song and I could listen to it forever!! Thanks for saving my life through your songs! Absolute genius and incredible voice!

[@avahartman4075]

i saw chvrches live last year and they sound absolutely insane in person so good

[@BAMIBRAKADABRA]

Saw them last week in Fort Lauderdale and they are incredible live!!

[@pie68]

NME grazie per questa straordinaria performance... Si viaggia in poltrona con cuffie wireless e volume a palla...

[@oliverpapps7840]

Mesmerising performances. Wish I'd been there.

[@dogo1969]

You couldn't have been.... NME only by invit a tion😃

[@jean-pauljonkeau9824]

J'adore cette version live, Lauren et Robert sont excellents. Un duo exceptionnel. Merci Chvrches.

[@SpecialKStudios]

Lauren & Robert the best singing duo of this decade! #ThankYouRobert #ThankYouLauren

[@ZXFrankie]

Love this song. For me the best song released last year, so its most definately deserved winning best song, but I can’t stop wonder how on earth this song didn’t even make it into the top 75 in the UK????? Sick world we live in 😔

[@chrisbayliss3532]

i wasnt even aware of it last year and i like ti think im bit of a chvches fan , as soon as i heard this for the first time goose bumps everywhere ! what a song!

[@SamWalsh1]

Amazing performance by both her and him. Their voices go so well together

Great Performance! Great Sound! Great Voices! Great Song from the Churches!😊👍

[@carouselwilly]

Robert Smith voice incredible

[@mo_be223]

Non so se il signor Smith si rende conto di quanto la gente lo ama 💓💓

[@MotoGraham]

we need chvrches on a summer tour! and robert smith always