Robert Smith, the iconic frontman of The Cure, has joined forces with Scottish rock band The Twilight Sad for a poignant new single titled Waiting For The Phone Call. This collaboration marks a significant moment for both artists, as they explore themes of grief, love, and mental health in a deeply personal context.
Exploring Themes of Grief and Loss
The single, released recently, has been described by James Graham, the lead vocalist of The Twilight Sad, as a reflection of his emotional struggles following the loss of a loved one. Graham stated, “Waiting For The Phone Call is about grief, love and mental illness. These things took over my life and I became ill. I lost the person most important to me in one of the cruellest ways.” His candid remarks highlight the therapeutic role of music in processing profound loss. He added, “I’ve always used writing as a method of processing and coping with my emotions.”
The collaboration is not just a random pairing; it stems from a shared history between the two artists. The Twilight Sad previously shared the stage with The Cure, and in 2015, Robert Smith covered their song There’s A Girl In The Corner. Guitarist Andy MacFarlane recounted how he reached out to Smith after their album Nobody Wants to Be Here and Nobody Wants to Leave was released. “I sent it to Robert to have a listen, and he said it was ‘BEAUTIFUL’,” MacFarlane recalled.
A Collaborative Journey
MacFarlane expressed his surprise and excitement when Smith agreed to cover one of their songs for a double A-side release. “I couldn’t believe it when he replied, saying he’d like to cover There’s a Girl in the Corner,” he noted. The experience of hearing their music interpreted by an artist they have long admired was a surreal moment for the band. “Hearing someone that we’ve all looked up to for so long sing and play one of our songs is definitely one of the most surreal moments we’ve ever had,” MacFarlane added.
The new track resonates with many listeners, as it delves into the universal experience of waiting for a significant phone call—an event that can change lives, but in this case, focuses on a call that is dreaded.
Looking ahead, fans of both artists may have the chance to see this collaboration performed live. The Twilight Sad is set to embark on a 2026 UK and European headline tour, which could feature Smith joining them on stage.
This collaboration not only showcases the talents of both Robert Smith and The Twilight Sad but also serves as a reminder of the power of music to help navigate life’s most challenging moments.
