The Cure
The Cure performs The Figurehead Live at The Oxford Road Show
In March 1983, when The Cure delivered their hauntingly atmospheric performance of "The Figurehead" at the Oxford Road Show, they were riding high on the waves of their acclaimed album *Faith*, which had dropped just a year before, in 1981. This era marked a transformative phase for the band, firmly establishing them as icons of the post-punk scene with a sound that was rich, melodic, and tinged with melancholy. Interestingly, it was during this period that The Cure began embracing darker aesthetic elements both in their music and their live presentations, which resonated powerfully with audiences. Their use of intricate guitar effects and Robert Smith's signature emotive vocals were making waves, leading to their growing prominence in the UK and beyond. This live performance not only showcased their musical prowess but also set the stage for the band’s evolution, paving the way for future masterpieces like *Pornography* - a bold and ambitious follow-up released later in the same year.