“We were thinking about doing a different podcast before we started ‘Curious Creatures’,” says Lol Tolhurst, the co-founder, drummer, and keyboardist of The Cure. In an interview with Yahoo Entertainment, Tolhurst discusses his idea for a podcast game called “Goth/Not Goth,” where he and his cohost, Budgie, would throw out different names and decide if they fit the gothic genre or not. They even play a quick lightning round of Goth/Not Goth with various bands.
It’s still up for debate whether Michael Jackson’s music qualifies as gothic, but Tolhurst’s point is that fans can recognize gothic music when they hear it. However, defining the genre has always been challenging. Tolhurst attempts to unravel this mystery in his book, “Goth: A History,” with Budgie writing the foreword. Despite being regarded as influential gothic bands, both Tolhurst and Budgie have had complex relationships with the gothic label.
Back in the ’80s, Britain’s music weeklies would mock the gothic term, spelling it as “goff.” This made Tolhurst suspicious, as they weren’t trying to summon spirits but rather exploring a different way of life. Tolhurst emphasizes that gothic music isn’t a bad influence but rather a way for people to understand themselves and find healing.
Tolhurst traces his earliest encounter with gothic music to Kate Bush’s “Wuthering Heights,” while Budgie’s dark private world was influenced by Black Sabbath’s first album. Despite the diverse range of gothic acts, Budgie theorizes that the through-line is a distinct look and intention in presentation.
The iconic styles of Robert Smith and Siouxsie Sioux have forever defined gothic fashion, with Sioux’s makeup inspired by Theda Bara and Smith’s lipstick scrawl dating back to the Banshees tour in ’79. Tolhurst recalls their transformation during the release of The Cure’s fourth album, “Pornography,” which he considers their most gothic and confrontational work.
Likewise, Budgie says Siouxsie and the Banshees’ most quintessentially gothic album is “Juju,” with its bass-driven menace. He mentions the inspiration behind the track “Halloween,” which was influenced by their extensive collection of horror films.
In conclusion, Tolhurst and Budgie aim to explore and understand the gothic genre through their podcast and book, respecting its roots while challenging preconceived notions.
