The Cure’s Tribute to Paul McCartney: A Look Back at ‘Hello Goodbye’

Robert Smith avoided releasing a new Cure record for over a decade. He focused on world tours, collaborations with artists like The Twilight Sad, Gorillaz, and Chvrches, and other projects. Finally, he released the album Songs Of A Lost World this month.

A notable diversion occurred ten years ago. The Cure participated in a tribute album for Paul McCartney called The Art Of McCartney. They covered the upbeat song Hello Goodbye and featured James McCartney, Paul McCartney’s son, on keyboards.

In a statement, The Cure expressed pride in covering a song by one of the greatest songwriters ever. Smith has publicly stated his admiration for The Beatles, noting they were one of his first musical influences. He grew up listening to the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd.

This cover isn’t Smith’s only connection to The Beatles. In 1983, he played guitar for Siouxsie And The Banshees when they covered Dear Prudence and performed on Top Of The Pops. Smith’s fondness for The Beatles remains strong. Last year, he wore a Magical Mystery Tour T-shirt during a Cure concert in Atlanta.

You can watch The Cure and James McCartney’s version of Hello Goodbye on YouTube.