The Cure was started by Robert Smith and a few of his friends from high school back in the late 1970's. Little did they realize that the band would still be in existence 20 years later. The Cure played their first debut "concert" at their very own high school. In order to get on stage, they told the school board that they would be playing jazz. Once on stage, the band immediately started playing music that no one at their school had expected. Their music was fast and loud, and the other kids from their school did not like it. Nevertheless, The Cure didn't care; they had a message to get across, and they could not be stopped.

In this aspect, The Cure started out as an artistically punk group. Their early music may not have sounded very punk-ish, yet, like punk rock, it was and is an offbeat style when it is compared to popular music. Their music also had a message they felt must be delivered, something that nothing would hinder.

Today, The Cure largely plays "mope rock". This style can best be described as guitar rock (and the occasional synth) with gothic-like undertones. The lyrics in The Cure's music has much depth to it, very often containing connotative devices. The intelligence of the group contributes to their music greatly. Smith has stated that all the members of the group are well read, and sometimes their conversations can soar.

Smith himself, the lead singer, is the now the only remaining original member of the group. Simon Gallup (bass player) comes in at a close second, having been with The Cure since 1979. The former drummer, Boris Williams (used to be with The Thompson Twins), unfortunately left the band in 1993. Regardless, The Cure will always exist as long as Robert feels they have the need to exist.