# Robert Smith

> English singer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter

**Wikidata**: [Q491252](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q491252)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Smith_(musician))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/robert-smith

## Summary
Robert Smith is an English singer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter best known as the frontman of The Cure and a founding member of the band. He is widely recognized for his influential role in shaping the post-punk and new wave genres through his work in music and performance.

## Biography
- Nationalities have been used to describe Robert Smith's work, but no country of origin is specified.
- Known for: Pioneering the post-punk and new wave sound and leading The Cure, one of the most iconic alternative rock bands.
- Work period start: 1978
- Field(s): Music, songwriting, and performance art

## Contributions
Robert Smith is primarily known for his contributions as the founder and frontman of The Cure, a band formed in 1976. He is also a founding member of The Glove, a side project formed in 1983. Additionally, he was involved in the band Malice earlier in his career. His use of the Boss DS-1 distortion pedal, a piece of equipment used in live and recorded performances, reflects his long-standing influence on guitar effects and sound design. These contributions are tied to his role in shaping the sound of alternative music.

## FAQs
**What is Robert Smith known for?**  
He is best known as the lead of The Cure, a band he co-founded and fronted, which became a defining act in the new wave and post-punk genres. The Cure was formed in 1976 and gained international prominence with Smith as the lead creative force.

**Did Robert Smith play in any bands besides The Cure?**  
Yes, he was a founding member of The Glove, a side project formed in 1983, and also played in a pre-Cure band called Malice.

**What tools or effects did he use in his music?**  
He used the Boss DS-1 distortion pedal, a popular effects pedal, in crafting the band's signature sound.

## Why They Matter
Robert Smith's work with The Cure and The Glove, along with his use of the Boss DS-1 pedal, established a new sound in alternative music. His influence shaped the genre, and his creative contributions are considered foundational in the evolution of alternative rock.

## Notable For
- Founding The Cure in 1976, which became one of the most iconic bands of the post-punk and new wave era.
- Being a founding member of The Glove in 1983.
- His early work in the band Malice.
- His use of the Boss DS-1 effects pedal in live and studio performances.

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Robert Smith, born in England, began his musical journey in the mid-1970s, playing in a pre-Cure band called Malice. By 1983, he had co-founded The Glove, a side project. In 1983, he became involved with the band The Cure, which he would later lead as the primary creative force. His early use of the Boss DS-1 effects pedal in performances helped define the band's signature sound.

### Career and Influence in Music
Smith co-founded The Cure in 1976, which became one of the most influential bands in the new wave genre. The band's sound, which he helped define, was shaped by his use of guitar effects, especially the Boss DS-1, in the band's performances. In 1983, he co-founded The Glove, a side project with members of other bands. The band used the effects pedal in live and recorded performances.

### Legacy and Influence
Smith's influence on new wave and post-punk, along with his use of the Boss DS-1, established his status in alternative music. His work with The Cure and The Glove helped shape the sound of the late 70s and 80s. His influence is widely recognized in the music industry.

### Related entities
- The Glove [band] - formed in 1983
- The Cure [band] - formed in 11976
- Malice [organization] - a pre-Cure project
- Boss DS-1 [effects pedal] - a pedal used in performances.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. [1989](http://www.thecure.cz/resources/FANZINES/CURE-NEWS/curenews.n06.1989.uk-001.jpeg)
4. Never Enough: The Story of The Cure (2009 Omnibus Press ed.)
5. general catalog of BnF
6. MusicBrainz
7. Discogs
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. [Source](https://www.timeout.com/london/news/robert-smith-is-curating-meltdown-this-year-020618)
11. BBC Things
12. [Source](http://iswcnet.cisac.org/)
13. ISWC Network
14. The Movie Database