Pale Blue Dot: A Tale of Two Stargazers

Robert James Smith (born 21 April 1959) is an English musician who is the co-founder, lead vocalist, guitarist, primary songwriter, and only continuous member of the Cure, a post-punk band formed in 1976. His guitar-playing style (including his use of the Fender Bass VI), and distinctive singing voice shaped the sounding identity of the Cure. His fashion sense (often sporting a pale complexion, smeared red lipstick, black eye-liner, unkempt wiry black hair and all-black clothes) were highly influential on the goth subculture that rose to prominence in the 1980s. Smith's other work includes playing the lead guitar as a member of Siouxsie and the Banshees from 1982 to 1984 and being the co-founder of the short-lived band the Glove in 1983. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Cure in 2019, and Rolling Stone magazine ranked him as the 157th greatest singer of all time in 2023.