When Robert Smith was a Banshee

From November 1982-May 1984, Robert Smith was a Banshee. Siousxsie and the Banshees and related band member projects produced some incredible work during that period. In some ways, Robert Smith seemed happier with The Banshees than he was playing with The Cure. Siouxsie and Robert had a fruitful musical relationship which revitalized both The Banshees and The Cure, But it couldn’t last forever. In this video we’ll tell the story of Robert’s time with The Banshees, the antics of the players, and how this unique musical moment energized and revitalized both bands and artists involved. We’ll also discuss the connections and tensions, creating a golden period of musical output that was doomed to end eventually.
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VIDEOS!!
WATCH these are performances we reference in this Rock Doc:
LOVE IN A VOID (with John McKay and Kenny Morris) : • Siouxsie And The Bansh...
TIGHTROPE by Tor Gabor (John McKays band): • Zor Gabor / Tightrope ...
THE LORDS PRAYER (1978) • Siouxsie and the Bansh...
SPELLBOUND - Siouxsie & The Banshees with John McGeouch - • Siouxsie And The Bansh...
THE CURE (with Steven Severin on bass) SIAMESE TWINS LIVE Rierside Royal Ballet: • The Cure Siamese Twi...
THE CURE Let’s Go To Bed
The Glove- A Blues In Drag : • The Glove A Blues In Drag
PULLED TO BITS Live- Siouxsie and The Banshees (with Robert Smith): • Siouxsie and The Bansh...
SOURCES:
Siouxsie and The Banshees: The Early Years by Laurence Hedges
Never Enough: The Story Of The Cure bty Jeff Apter
faroutmagazine.co.uk/the-rela...
www.last.fm/music/Zor+Gabor/+...
Camden Market image:
Wikimedia Commons
Creator: Jorge Franganillo
Copyright: Jorge Franganillo
#TheCure #siouxsieandthebanshees #robertsmith
00:00 A golden moment
00:45 Join Hands With Robert
03:23 Siouxsie's Curse
04:44 Finding New Banshees
06:11John McGeoch and Banshees Phase 2
07:54 Severin's Seeds of Discontent
09:02 Robert Smith and Banshees Phase 3
10:45 Siamese Twins: Robert & Severin
11:26 The Glove vs The Creatures
14:57 Nocturne & Hyaena
16:14 The Cure: Japanese Whispers & The Top
17:17 end of an era

[@kool_thing]

Lol Siousxsie is a tough lady. I'm glad Robert returned to The Cure though and gave us so many amazing albums. Thanks for the great video, very informative!

[@rocdocs]

Thank you for watching - really appreciate. She is indeed a tough cookie 🍪

[@seanp8220]

@@rocdocs I really wish she did another solo album, coz it's been a heck of a long time since Manta Ray. We NEED Siouxise back!

[@deaddoll1361]

@@seanp8220 She's 66 years old, can't you just enjoy what she's done without asking for more?

[@jungatheart6359]

I once saw her perform with her leg in a plaster cast at a Banshees gig in Cardiff, apparently after falling off the stage at an earlier concert on the tour. I heard some people who were standing at the back complaining afterwards that they couldn't see her and asking why she wasn't galloping round the stage as usual. Clearly it didn't affect the intensity of her vocals at all.

[@zimriel]

@@jungatheart6359 reminds me of Crystal Castles. Alice Glass is a force of nature. And of course there was always Tina, but it wasn't her fault she had that broken arm . . .

[@highwayman1218]

These two legends are out there killing it on tour on their own gigs... Imaging seeing these two headlining together! Thatd be such a great show, Id love to see.

[@rocdocs]

THat would be an amazing show!!

[@innagotavita6117]

Trying to make that happen …it’s up to souxie I think more than rob

[@highwayman1218]

@@innagotavita6117 Thats too bad.... My guess she knows if she jumps on Robs gig, theres probably a lot of extra shows she will have to do. She may not be ok with that.

[@lisaparkhill682]

Undying respect and admiration for Robert Smith and The Cure. Love, Always ✨❤️✨

[@a.nevillechamberlain7612]

I saw Robert Smith play with Siouxsie in NYC, beacon theater show, I was shocked when the audience didn’t really give Robert his due respect as a member of the Cure, and played on stage with the Banshees. I was just amazed to see the cure front man joining with Siouxsie Sioux, great show. I wished there was a live recording of the show…, any bootlegs?

[@rocdocs]

There are videos around, but most of the ones I have seen of Robert w the Banshees are either TV appearances or from Nocturne video. You can find em on youtube pretty easily. Thanks for watching and commenting-

[@unknown-ub9rz]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6LVoYd5ea91l5Y

[@Gunnery69246]

There's a video on KZbin of Robert Smith playing guitar for the song _Love in a void_ on stage with them back in 1979.

[@thomaswalter5312]

Siouxsie sang back up on The Cure’s Jumping Someone Else Train b-side I’m Cold.

[@seanp8220]

Was it the case that Robert was inspired by Siouxsie first? I bet it was, with B sides like Eve White/Eve Black I can just see a Faith era Robert being blown away listening to that and thinking "Right I'm gonna make an album like that!"

[@voodoodrew23]

Robert Smith has mentioned in a few interviews that he was a huge fan of The Banshees' b-sides

[@rocdocs]

Thank you for this factoid, which I did NOT know!

[@MrMichaelAndrews]

They say live music is a dying culture.. there's got to be something to come along and blow us all away again, get people super hyper excited, like Elvis or the Beatles... It's just a matter of time and circumstances I believe. I hope it happens soon. Have a great day.

[@MrMichaelAndrews]

By "they" i mean the voices in my head. No credit here, all debit.

[@rocdocs]

Hahahha ! Thanks! Great comment

[@seanp8220]

If the musicians keep dying it won't anyway.

[@sexobscura]

If it does happen it WON'T be through MUSIC because it's basically 'flogging a dead horse'. Some other, NEWER medium will do it. Stop looking in the WRONG places

[@joebrewer4529]

It won’t happen. We’re about to move into a total digital future that will cure all that off within the next six years.

[@armandourso1526]

I’m from Brazil. I just love The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees and The Glove. Can you believe ? Hugs from Brazil 🎉

[@rocdocs]

ROCK ON BRAZIL!!! Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to say hello!

[@jamesl6670]

Met Robert in " The Gay Traitor" bar in the Hacienda - he put me and my mate on the guest list to see the Banshees at the Apollo the following night. He was stand in guitarist. I had the audacity to say the Cure were second best band I the world next to Joy Division. Suppose alcohol can make you cheeky 😂 top bloke - would love to meet him again someday to thank him personally.

[@rocdocs]

Well thats amazing. Did he laugh at the Joy Division comment?

[@jamesl6670]

@rocdocs Not as I remember- it was a long time ago. I remember saying to him I bet you hate people like me bothering you - he said its quite the opposite as people won't normally approach me ! After seeing a few of his interviews over the years he does come across as a special guy.As I said would love to meet him again one day to say a personel thank you.

[@Kkidzz]

Severin and Smith's 'The Glove' album is absolutely wonderful.

[@rocdocs]

I agree. THats one of the reasons I wanted to make this video... I love that album, AND Nocturne, and Hyeana... I had to find a way to talk about all of them and Robert The Banshee was the perfect thread connecting everything. Well, that and LSD.

[@Des7iny7]

Remember the track ‘orgy’? I still love that🩵

[@katebeck1788]

Brilliant album !!😊

[@smelltheglove2038]

It’s fantastic

[@carbonidsolo5479]

I agree as well! Their music supports me through my Life since the day I found it! Its like a trip through Life. Jeanette Landray did a great job singing on this. I wished they did more together...

[@johnnyhock]

Siouxsie went through a lot of guitarists, John McGeoch, John Valentine Corruthers & Robert smith to name just three….. When Smith “guested” for tours and studio time, she playfully nick named him “the pop star” as he had had several chart hits already with The Cure

[@woody5831]

My 1st ever gig age 13 in 1978.was Siouxsie and the Banshees before the Scream came out & saw them on the Join hands tour with the Cure as Support & Robert Smith playing in the Banshees in 79

[@rocdocs]

Whoa!!!

[@dirkjewitt5037]

The Cure "In Orange" is the greatest concert film i have ever watched

[@rocdocs]

I forgot about that! Time for a rewatch

[@riggstwenty2]

OMFG . I was lying in bed last night and for no reason at all , started to wonder if Siouxsie and Robert ever made up ! And lo , look what popped up in my recommendations .

[@rocdocs]

I’m a psychic! I hope you enjoyed the video, Riggs!

[@Merylstreep1949]

Yep and Hyaena is my favorite Siouxsie record Rob's time with The Glove was good too

[@rocdocs]

Chris, thanks for watching and commenting! Much appreciated

[@BronsonTheCat]

Love your work, Dennis! As much as I like Robert Smith I still think you can’t beat John McGeoch’s guitar work on Spellbound which is my favourite Banshees track.

[@rocdocs]

McGeoch was so good! It’s sad he left the band, truly

[@Kkidzz]

Yeah, my all time fave next to Robin Simon and Andy Gill. McGeoch’s book that came out last year is a great read.

[@FromaTwistedMind]

Agreed

[@williamwilkes9873]

@@rocdocs aiñ't.......

[@scottbutkowski5803]

Agreed. McGeoch was the best guitarist they ever had.

[@brysimm404]

Robert Smith… tough guy leg breaker. A hilarious thought 😂

[@rocdocs]

I know! A gangster! Lol that killed me

[@terrypussypower]

I saw Siouxsie And The Banshees with Robert Smith at the Glasgow Apollo in late 1982. Being a huge John McGeoch fan I was really disappointed when Smith walked out on stage! But after the first few tunes you could tell the music hardly suffered at all.

[@rocdocs]

Wow- how was Robert? Did he sing?

[@billysmith1722]

We already knew something of this, but now we have a much clearer picture of it, thank you very much.

[@rocdocs]

Glad to hear that. Same for me actually- I learned a lot researching it. Thanks for watching and commenting Billy-

[@alukuhito]

Who's we? I already knew all of this, and have known it for 30 years.

[@yvettevitacaponigro]

@@alukuhito 🙄

[@richies6420]

This could go on and on. That tennis ball sure knows a lot. I really liked The Glove. I found it when I first went into the navy. So, new territory and the glove definitely have a place in my heart.

[@rocdocs]

Richie, thank you 🙏

[@fvez_]

Amazing video! As someone who wasnt even born during these times, these videos help out a lot to know more about the band.

[@rocdocs]

Thanks! Glad you got something out of it! I learned a lot just reading the source books!

[@DreamersOfVixendia]

One time they all spent the night partying. The next day Siouxsie cancelled a show bc they were too hungover. This pissed off Robert who said, "You owe it to your fans." "We dont owe our fans anything. We had fun last night. You had fun. We do this for fun. When it stops being fun, we stop doing it" was her response. I don't think he quite got Siouxsie.

[@rocdocs]

Good story, thank you dreamers !

[@metaphy]

This collaboration was one of these rare planets alignments in art: two creative creatures like Robert Smith and Steve Severin, collaborating and partying over years with the very center driven Siouxsie ! No wonder that she never liked anybody saying no to her, like any « independant entitled woman » 😂 while Steve and Robert remained friends, keeping memories of all good moments even if this was exhausting as they said many times in interviews. The legacy is this wonderful gem: Hyena, with a spark of Cure and Siouxsie in every song ! The album is a classic and comes with splendid artwork and one the best pictures of the members.

[@rocdocs]

Fully agree, and well said! Thx for the kind words Metaphy!

[@metaphy]

@@rocdocs Yes. I subscribed and regret to just have discovered this channel only in 2023 !

[@koont666]

I saw them at the Hammersmith Odeon, with the cure supporting,i remember that the cure said,"This is out monday ,Jump on somebody else's train ,i think 👍🇬🇧

[@rocdocs]

Nice! What was the show like?

[@koont666]

@@rocdocs it was amazing,I can still picture it ,big theatre I was in the balcony middle left of stage and everyone was dancing even in the balcony (circle) I remember love in void being particularly lively the place was electric 🇬🇧I'm really so lucky,I lived a 5 min walk from the venue,I've seen so many bands there including blondie,police, Motorhead,The Damned ect 👍🇬🇧🍀🇮🇪

[@DanHintz]

robert smith also famously played guitar with the stranglers (as did robert fripp) when hugh cornwell was in jail for a few months on drug possession charges. both smith and fripp were/are big stranglers fans and they kicked ass with them.

[@rocdocs]

Dan - thanks for this comment, interesting

[@ncapone87]

Tbf both Roberts kick ass

[@Alt_Bettyy]

So much luv for 🖤Susan & Robert 🖤

[@rocdocs]

Same!! Thx Betty for watching!

[@PinkyPuff69]

This was good, thank you. Hyaena was my first Siouxsie and The Banshees recoed and The Glove was one of my favorites, too. When The Creatures toured in San Francisco in the 90's I saw them after work and got so horribly drunk that night that I made a loud noise about meeting Siouxsie. She and Budgie came out after the show and had drinks with everyone still left over after hours. I got to meet her and talk with her for a few minutes... she was so nice to deal with me and laugh along with my giddy, joyful awe for her.

[@theonlyonestanding8079]

You drunk fool 🥴🍺🥃

[@daimonos418]

'Venus in Furs' was first a short story written by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch published in 1870. That's where 'Severin' is from, originally.

[@rocdocs]

Thank you

[@user-dj9nl2vs9x]

I think it was '79 I saw The Banshees at the Royal Court in Liverpool. The Cure were supporting, Robert Smith later played with Souxsie.

[@rocdocs]

Wow 🤩

[@brayden.the.canadian6253]

Love this vid, I respect both the Banshees and The Cure as legendary groups and you put in a lot of research into this timeline coming from a total nerd on cure lore. Nice work!

[@rocdocs]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching and the kind words Brayden.

[@direbearcoat7551]

I love Siouxsie and the Banshees!!

[@paisleypypers]

Fantastic video!!! I can’t believe it took me this long to watch it! One thing that I’d wished for mentioned more was Robert’s hesitance to play guitar on Hyaena, and the band would sometimes have to push him towards the guitar instead of the piano. I’m glad that the Banshees finally agreed to let Robert play the piano on some tracks since it really enhanced the sound of the record! Also, a funny story related to Robert’s 2 week notice was that while Siouxsie was on vacation, he gave Steven the notice. Siouxsie states in an interview that: “the one time I went to Bali, Robert left the band. As soon as I packed my bags he did a bunk. He wouldn’t have dared if I’d been in the same country!”

[@rocdocs]

Wow thanks! Great info, I wish I’d included both of those details. Thanks for watching and sharing your knowledge!

[@jenovahcremator2133]

Extremely interesting in-depth look into piece of musical history, thanks for that! Btw, glitch at 11:36 :)

[@rocdocs]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@HappyMealBieber]

Gave a Guitar away to a Fan. That is a level of Awesome rarely seen. Imagine being that guy later having actual equipment.

[@Gunnery69246]

Saw The Cure back in the early 1980s. Great band.

[@rocdocs]

Yes they are! Saw them in the disintegration tour. So good

[@davebeattie5663]

It was a long time ago... I was only sixteen and still at school.The Cure were the best band I'd ever heard live at the time. All I remember about the !ords prayer was it was very long and loud!!

[@rocdocs]

Cool. Thanks for replying. When I look back on those sorts of times I kick myself for not having taken photos or video! But, we didnt have access to the tools as readily.

[@davebeattie5663]

@@rocdocs No cameras allowed....

[@illmsg77]

I love everything Siouxsie Sioux and have been this way since 1988. I really appreciate all the info you've gathered and shared. Seeing her perform recently was a dream come true and an occurrence I never thought I would have the pleasure of attending, and I must admit, I cried. Like a little girl I bawled my eyes out briefly. During Dear Prudence, which she sang more beautifully than I could have ever imagined, I got caught up in the moment of realizing Im finally seeing her perform and it was one of the best moments of my life. Whew! That got heavy!!!!

[@rocdocs]

Wow, I am truly jealous! Thanks for watching and for your kind words!

[@thatsafactjacksampson]

Congrats on the new channel name, Dennis! So, Robert was only on one of the Banshees studio albums? Fun fact: the drummer from the Glove (Andy Anderson) was a member of the Cure for the Japanese Whispers era, and maybe the Top.

[@rocdocs]

Thanks Jack! Cool fact!

[@metaphy]

Yeah, good drumming on these !

[@Agaricfly68]

Whilst i didn't learn anything new from your video it was a very well constructed and enjoyable watch. Thank you!

[@rocdocs]

Thanks!

[@zimriel]

hey it was all new to me :)

[@Heartwing37]

Siouxsie sent a drink to my table one time after a show. Unfortunately, my boyfriend was with me and took exception… ❤❤❤

[@rocdocs]

Oh wow! I'd be like sorry dude. I'm playing Peek-a-boo with Siouxsie!

[@seanp8220]

Definite influence on the tribal psychedelic manic THE TOP album. My favourite Cure album and the most aligned with Robert Smith's personal sensibilities as opposed to commercial outreach or 'Cure sound' consistency. The Top didn't give a fuck.

[@itssoezy]

The Top really stands alone as one of The Cure's best albums. I also think Japanese Whispers is one of their great moments.

[@seanp8220]

@@itssoezy Those synthpop singles after the trajectory of the dark brooding years before must have been so odd and dispiriting to Cure fans at that time lol - and yes of course Robert/Lol did irresistible quirky synthpop quite unlike anyone else.

[@rocdocs]

I agree, it’s peak stuff.

[@alukuhito]

I love The Top. It's also interesting that it's Robert, not Simon, playing bass on the album too. Robert's a great bassist, something overlooked by most people.

[@tammydj9941]

I had a good time listening to the stories. Satb and the cure are two bands I truly like. I still have albums from both bands to this day I love to listen to. Never gets old. I'm just the one aging off. Mabuhay!

[@rocdocs]

Tammy ! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

[@khonsuthecore4788]

Nocturne is simply one of the best moments of the Banshees and of Smith's guitar playing. He takes what McGeoch did to a more terrifying level that Severin was able to match with lots of cool pedals. Severin was using two of the same powerful flange in a row at the time. I saw Nocturne in a record shop before I knew what it was and grabbed The Scream instead bc I like to start at a bands beginning. I regret that now a bit but ofc The Scream has seen a ton of time on my record player.

[@carolynmurphy3697]

I saw Siouxsie and the Banshees at Coventry Hypadrome when Robert Smith was in them

[@rocdocs]

Wow! Any specific memories you can share with us?

[@merlin5476]

For me, Smith was awesome in the banshees, The nocturn at the royal albert hall is one of the best gigs I've seen ( apart from The gathering... Killing joke)

[@rocdocs]

You were there? AMAZING! I am very jealous. They were truly amazing in those two shows.

[@chuffa1130]

Thank you for this detailed history between these two bands and Robert Smith, He's always intertwined with the banshees in and out and never really understood the timeline this is really awesome video or reporting

[@zoeherriot]

There is a minor error - The Caterpillar was the single from The Top and wasn't part of the Japanese Whispers compilation.

[@rocdocs]

Thank you Zoe! I hope you otherwise dug it.

[@zoeherriot]

@@rocdocs absolutely did - it was a great breakdown, and I really enjoy this period of The Cure and the Banshees. Top work. :)

[@GoldAmple]

This channel is super underrated

[@rocdocs]

Thank you so much for saying this, it means the world. GolaAmple, thanks so much for watching!

[@mfi-cf7sp]

seriously though.. this was well written and well carried out.. the graphics of the video are premium also 🖤

[@rocdocs]

This means a lot, thank you. Ballette drew the images - she is 12

[@factsevidenceagainstmarxis4474]

​@@rocdocsAmazing talent!!👍🏼

[@mbburke3780]

I never knew that ! Thank you ! I so miss my Siouxsie t -shirt but so very happy I got to see The Cure this month .💜💜💜

[@rocdocs]

Nice, I’m glad you got to go! Thx for stopping by

[@azloii9781]

Goth music has the best exchange of artists and creativity man

[@MagnumInnominandum]

A lovely piece. It really fleshes out some connective tissue for my life lived, unexamined. 🖤 Thx

[@rocdocs]

Thank you! Glad you liked it.

[@vukovalevsky]

Such a great video. Thank you!

[@Gothikrose]

Loved everything in your video! The narration and the graphics! Top notch! Even learned a few new tidbits about this special time. Thank you! Happy to be a Siouxsie and Banshees / Cure fan :)

[@rocdocs]

Rose, thank you so much! That means the world !!!

[@TimPlavac]

Wow great video! I thought I was a hardcore fan but I learned a few things here. Thank you!

[@lasttime1372]

What a great video! Thank you ❤

[@rocdocs]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching and commenting, LastTime!

[@jschap712]

I remember seeing an interview, probably on MuchMusic in the late 80s, where Siouxsie complained about people supposedly giving Robert Smith too much credit for the music on Hyaena.

[@rocdocs]

Thanks I will check that out!

[@FromaTwistedMind]

Bloody Excellent video 😊

[@jeromealexandre4162]

This is fantastic ! Thank you .

[@rocdocs]

That’s so nice to hear, thanks Jerome!

[@-blunkisbunk-]

Great breakdown, thank you!

[@rocdocs]

Glad you enjoyed it, Brice! Thanks!

[@spillyjane]

Dennis, great vid! This is a period in music history that I've always wondered about, but had never looked into. This cleared up a lot of questions.

[@rocdocs]

Glad it was helpful!

[@glowingman]

Great vid! I recently began to dig deeper into the Banshees discography and saw somewhere he had played for them, and this video was exactly was I was hoping to find! I will take a listen to the glove, thanks!

[@rocdocs]

Cool, spoon! Happy to be of service!!!

[@stephenowens5375]

Think between me and my wife we have or had every record shown but only got to see the Banshees once when Siouxsie had her leg in plaster, the whole show she sat on a bar stool but it was still a great gig. Had quite a few posters back in the day from the concerts and album promotions. Never got to see The Cure but saw Rob with the Banshees which sort of made up for it, I think. The Glove was class better than The Creatures (sorry Budgie and Siouxsie) and even found the 2 x 12" singles in my local Woolworths. Anyway, just reminiscing back in the old days when music really was music, never to be repeated. Thanks for the video Dennis it really was a pleasure, everything was just as it should have been.

[@rocdocs]

Stephen thanks for your memories! I agree- The Glove is better than The Creatures. Anyone who saw Robert play with the banshees is a lucky 🍀 man in my book!! So cool. Did he sing at all? Or just guitar?

[@stephenowens5375]

@@rocdocs No Rob was just on guitar mate. I also had a neighbour 3 houses down by the name of Norman Fisher Jones who played with the Cure, as well as a few other bands, on tour in Germany. Can't say I really knew him though but his parents often came to my father in laws parties who house I now own since he passed on. Small world isn't it!

[@smac3794]

John valentine was the guitarist when siouxsie hurt her knee... Not Rob..

[@stephenowens5375]

@@smac3794 I doubted you I must admit, but I guess it's a false memory. I saw them in 1985 in Liverpool at the Royal Court but I see it was the year before when they made the Nocturne album from the live tour. Thanks for the reply happy to stand corrected. 👍

[@senorsalami]

More great work here, Robert did well stepping into fill John's shoes!!!

[@rocdocs]

Thanks my friend!!

[@TheNightdiver]

Loved the video!

[@rocdocs]

Thanks nightdiver! Appreciate you stopping by and commenting by friend!

[@elihyland4781]

I’ll never get over the fact that Sid Vicious was their drummer. Just….. what??????

[@rocdocs]

Yeah it’s kind of mind blowing

[@alukuhito]

Only once - the first show. He was a useless musician.

[@elihyland4781]

@@alukuhito he still did it and that’s why I can’t stop staring at the ceiling

[@alukuhito]

@@elihyland4781 It wasn't a very serious show. Sid was one of the gang. There were a bunch of people - The Sex Pistols and the Bromely Contingent. They all knew each other, especially at that time after the punk thing had been happening in London for a while. Obviously Siouxsie wasn't thinking Sid would be a long-term collaborator on anything serious. It is weird though and sort of stains the band, him being a useless murderous druggy.

[@elihyland4781]

@@alukuhito im afraid that stain is not making me stare at the ceiling any less, in fact it makes it more acute. I’m the guy on the ground in the Radiohead “Just” video and this is why. Belinda Carlisle was in The Germs, only for a week… that week is robbing sleep from me. I love how history touches itself

[@paulbalogh4582]

Wow - this was kool, I never knew any of this… thank you .

[@sethkaicer319]

Dennis and I adopted a cannibalistic voodoo witch doctor and named him Ziggy.

[@mdhh7859]

Excellent video thanks

[@rocdocs]

Hey thank YOU for watching and commenting- I appreciate it!

[@stevesm4]

Possibly already mentioned but The Banshees' mad version of The Lord's Prayer didn't become a feature of their live set after it was recorded for Join Hands. It was the other way around. In fact it was the first thing they ever played at that notorious 100 Club gig with Sid on drums and Marco Pirroni on guitar. Because they hadn't actually written anything at that point and weren't even sure if they would be playing again. The versions they played subsequently would be largely improvised and would include comments on the gig and the audience. Not always complementary. The recorded version on Join Hands was pretty lacklustre by comparison.

[@rocdocs]

Thank you! I read a bit about that but I only know the studio version. There were a few details I omitted and I appreciate you filling us in,

[@AlejandroLopez-cd9de]

The illustrations are REAL goof! Credits please....

[@rocdocs]

Goof or good? My 12 year old daughter drew them. Ballette is her artist moniker.

[@alisterfolson]

New sub! Liking the fresh look and storylines!

[@rocdocs]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for subbing, and the kind words Allister!

[@churchillsliver2259]

Subscribed. Great video.

[@rocdocs]

Thanks so much Churchill’s liver! That means a lot

[@smelltheglove2038]

I really like that song “Icons”

[@rocdocs]

I do to it’s so cool and catchy

[@P_RO_]

A lot of the goings-on weren't well known back then except locally, and in England it seems whoever you name has played with several other famous people or bands somewhere along the way. Love Robert Smith anywhere, but McGeoch was the "most Banbshee" of all that bands guitarists. Now imagine if he'd stayed, all the friendships, influences, likes and dislikes which greatly influenced the future for all involved might not ever have happened....

[@deaddoll1361]

He had a nervous breakdown, it wasn't a matter of "if he stayed". There was no telling how long his recovery could have taken.

[@joshualeizerman6164]

Pulled to Bits off Nocturne is my favorite song. Not my favorite SatB song. My favorite song. That Severin's bass and Smith's guitar are just amazing.

[@rocdocs]

That performance is sublime!!! So good

[@titoburrito777]

Well done. Can you do a small piece on the collaboration between Suzie and Morrissey?

[@rocdocs]

Good idea! Let me look into that!

[@terrypmusic]

Great stuff

[@rocdocs]

Terry - thanks for watching and for your support!

[@maybeitsneato]

Catch a horror taxi, I fell in love with a video nasty.

[@rocdocs]

Yes! Lol!!!

[@stelleratorsuprise8185]

According to some comments (I don't understand enough about it) McKay was an excellent innovative guitarist, it's a pity how he quit from the Banshees, ...

[@johnkuthe1]

The Scream is a fantastic album! :-)

[@rocdocs]

It really is special.

[@MR.B00_]

Man this video dusted off some memories I hadn't visited in a while.

[@rocdocs]

I hope you dug it, Mr.b.

[@callsignstatic6872]

Great time of this band

[@rocdocs]

Really was. What a time for incredible music from both bands

[@davebeattie5663]

I was at the gig in Aberdeen, excellent night and we got our money back......

[@rocdocs]

Thank you! That was a detail I omitted- siouxsie insisted on giving the punters their money back! How was the extended Lord’s Prayer?Its amazing you were at the ABERDEEN INCIDENT!

[@richardmanderscheid6836]

Damn I remember the 12"" Zor Gabor, punk mud...

[@uncleswan3896]

I saw Siouxsie and the Banshees with Robert Smith playing guitar open for the Cure in Oakland CA at the Henry J Kaiser Convention Center, about 1986? It might have been just a thing for that show but RS was playing live with them after 1984 at least that night.

[@rocdocs]

Cool! Do you remember any of the songs they did or highlights? That’s an amazing time to have seen them! Thx for watching and commenting swan!

[@ihavezeroideawhattoputhere3653]

i don’t think they ever opened for the cure? john valentine was the guitarist in 1986 and they were on tour with love and rockets at that time

[@uncleswan3896]

Yeah I admit I may be blurring memories at this point, but still have tix stub for Siouxsie June 1, 86 at the Henry J Kaiser. Cure at the Greek July 26, 86. Saw both before that. Also the head on the Door tour book from 87? Saw The Cure and Siouxsie and the Banshees and Love and Rockets all at least 3 times all between 84- 87. My memory is that Robert Smith played with them, so maybe it was in 84? have to admit I was 12-15 years old 84-87 and I could be blurring some memories now. I'll try to confirm it with some people I went with. definitely saw L&R open for them one of the times I saw them. Saw L&R at Wolfgangs and at the Berkeley Community Theater also around then. Could be blurring that in there. The SF Bay Area was a goldmine for inexpensive live shows /all ages shows and easy BART access.

[@uncleswan3896]

@@ihavezeroideawhattoputhere3653 could/may be blurring memories of shows I saw around the same time but I remember RS sitting in and it was a buzz. maybe it was him sitting in with the opener at the Oakland arena show in 87 or the greek theater show in 86? will ask some of the people I went with

[@ihavezeroideawhattoputhere3653]

@@uncleswan3896 L&R opened for them during the tinderbox tour, and i think L&R opened for the cure in 89? maybe that’s where the confusion is coming from

[@theoriginalbluey]

Like An Animal by The Glove was/is SUCH an amazing single. The sleeve is fascinating with a hole in the middle so that you can spin it on your record player.

[@rocdocs]

Whoa 🤯 I am going to need to get those singles! Thanks bluey!

[@Mojokiss]

Robert sleeping on the floor of Severins flat in a pile of coats its my favorite part of this documentary

[@rocdocs]

Thank you. I was proud of that. It took me a while to figure out how to accurately portray it.

[@Mojokiss]

I'll be back to enjoy more of your excellent work@@rocdocs

[@raimywinter2309]

🤘🏻🎱🤘🏻very cool

[@rocdocs]

Thank you Raimy! Appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@raimywinter2309]

I learn allot from your vids man.

[@Kyle_heringer]

I loved the video ! Is there a way to make a continuation until the end of the band on 1996? Much appreciated.

[@rocdocs]

Thanks Kyle- we will add it to the trello as a possible future vid!

[@galetinm]

Great video. Love Robert Smith and The Cure, great guitarist, but his main talent is songwriting. Give me John McGeoch with the Banshees any time of day. McKay deserves his praise for playing with the Banshees too, before Robert. Robert is already praised enough, deservedly so, for his work with The Cure. Let others have their moment. They deserve it.

[@rocdocs]

Thanks galetin- I appreciate you watching and commenting! And thanks for your kind words, I’m glad you like the video.

[@VuotoPneumaNN]

I think you should have mentioned that copious amounts of LSD were consumed by all subjects involved during this time.

[@rocdocs]

It was mentioned a couple of times, but I didn't want to belabor the point. Thanks for watching and commenting, much appreciated!

[@jimpayne8784]

Saw Smith play with The Cure then after with The Banshees.At the time we didn't know what was going on .Later found out it was just after the walkout.

[@rocdocs]

Wow!

[@nowiamsane6561]

The bold and the beautiful.

[@rocdocs]

You are indeed sane! 😂

[@khonsuthecore4788]

The Banshees also asked Daniel Ash to join after McGeoch left, imagine that timeline.

[@rocdocs]

Wow, thanks for that fact! I had no idea!

[@thomaswalter5312]

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@jeffdixon847]

16:37 - quick correction: The Caterpillar was a single for The Top. Not part of the 82/83 Cure singles.

[@rocdocs]

Jeff, thanks for the knowledge!

[@TheeMadOnes]

❤❤❤

[@Evocati-Augusti]

This is were Robert really found him self during this time, it almost killed The Cure, which was the product of 'the Cure is dead' incident , when Cure roadie and friend of bassist Simon Gallup Gary Biddles took to the mic, with Robert on drums, Simon on guitar, and Lol on bass, ,Biddens would take there mic and sing "Smith is a wanker, Tolhurst is a wanker, only Simon is worth anything in the band! The Cure is dead!" over and over making Robert throw his sticks, And its Robert who writes all the music, and for Cure drummers like me, that's kinda of a problem, because its hard to recreate live a Drum machine(the Boss DR-55) so you have to have a trigger bar( Roland BT-1 Bar Trigger )and an electric drum pad (2 Roland PDX-100 Electronic V-Drum Pad, 10-Inch ) and also a Roland SPD-SX 10 pad sampler pad, to make them work. Disintegration has an average of 3 triggers the drummer has to hit in each song , on The Same Deep Water As You ,he triggers the thunder sound and the rain, and the wood block is on the trigger bar,

[@rocdocs]

Interesting facts on the drum triggers, and the story! Am I correct that you played drums with The Cure at some point? Thx for watched and commenting!

[@Jabular1]

I watched Robert Smith playing with the Banshees at Preston Guild Hall, it was October 1985. I don't know if he was filling in for someone or if he was still in the band, it was definitely him though.

[@rocdocs]

Nice! Did they play “pulled to bits”? Any memory of the setlist?

[@Jabular1]

@@rocdocs Icon Cascade Pointing Bone The Sweetest Chill Cannons Melt! Candyman Land's End Night Shift This Unrest 92º Pulled to Bits Christine Party's Fall Bring Me the Head of the Preacher Man Painted Bird Arabian Knights Happy House Encore: Cities in Dust Encore 2: Israel

[@beecrispy]

@@Jabular1 it is impossible bc The Cure played The Head Tour in USA, 04 Oct 1985 they were in Portland, and your concert happened on 05 Oct 1985 in England. Both sides never interacted with each other since Robert Smith left like they say

[@Jabular1]

@@beecrispy It was deffo Robert Smith, I'll put my life on it. Maybe I've got the dates wrong. I googled the gigs for the Banshees in Preston around the middle 80's and that date came up. Maybe it was earlier than I first thought, I'm 55 and my memory isn't what it used to be ... lol.

[@beecrispy]

@@Jabular1 I believe you but it was something else probably, not that date or the place. I couldn’t find another date in Preston in any tour list, so the date is correct I guess. And The Cure were in USA/Canada from September, so it’s physically impossible to happen. Maybe was it another show, not in Preston ?

[@julianhermanubis6800]

Siouxsie is just formidable. That's the word. 😆 She is an amazing performer though, definitely.

[@rocdocs]

That word definitely sums her up!!