Introduction
Simon Gallup is one of the most iconic bass players in alternative rock, known for his signature low-end grooves and instantly recognizable tone. As the longtime bassist for The Cure, Gallup’s propulsive basslines and dark aesthetic have become woven into the band’s DNA.
Gallup first joined The Cure in 1979 and is the longest standing member after Robert Smith. His distinct, melodic bass playing and use of effects like chorus and flanger helped establish The Cure’s atmospheric post-punk sound. Along with Smith, Gallup is responsible for writing many of the band’s most beloved songs.
Over four decades, Gallup’s instantly identifiable bass has anchored classic Cure albums like Pornography, Disintegration, and Bloodflowers. His musical partnership with Smith has become one of the most prolific and enduring frontman-bassist duos in rock history.
Even during a brief split from The Cure in 1982, Gallup continued playing on Cure records as a session musician, highlighting his integral role. After rejoining full-time, Gallup remained a core element of The Cure until his sudden departure in 2021, which was later reversed.
As The Cure’s musical heartbeat for so long, Simon Gallup helped forge the band’s dark, romantic sonic aesthetic. His bass work is a huge part of what makes The Cure’s music so atmospheric, emotional and evocative.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Simon Gallup was born on 1 June 1960 in Duxhurst, England. From an early age, Gallup was drawn to music and started learning to play the bass guitar as a teenager. He was inspired by artists like The Who and The Kinks to pick up the instrument.
Gallup’s first band was called The Magspies, a punk rock group he formed with school friends in 1976. Though short-lived, The Magspies gave Gallup his first taste of live performance and recording. After The Magspies broke up in 1978, Gallup went on to play bass for several other local punk bands including Lockjaw and The Magazine Spies.
During this time, Gallup developed his aggressive and melodic bass playing style that would later become his signature sound with The Cure. Playing in these formative bands allowed him to hone his skills and gain experience on the local music scene before joining The Cure in 1979.
Joining The Cure
Simon Gallup first joined The Cure in 1979, replacing the band’s original bassist Michael Dempsey. His aggressive and distinct bass playing would become an integral part of the band’s evolving post-punk sound. Gallup made his recording debut with The Cure on the 1980 album Seventeen Seconds, which featured a gloomier and more atmospheric direction. His propulsive basslines on tracks like "A Forest" helped cement The Cure’s dark sonic aesthetic.
Gallup’s bass work was also pivotal on the subsequent albums Faith and Pornography, which saw the band reach new heights of gothic art-rock. His deep reverberating bass tones provided the foundation for Pornography’s harsh and intense sound. Songs like "Cold" and "Siamese Twins" showcase Gallup’s intricate bass parts that weave around Robert Smith’s vocals and guitar. Throughout the 80s into the 90s and beyond, Gallup’s innovative bass playing has been at the core of iconic Cure albums like Disintegration, Wish, and Bloodflowers. His style is a crucial ingredient in the band’s singular post-punk, goth rock sound.
Musical Style and Songwriting
Simon Gallup’s bass playing is instantly recognizable and has become an integral part of The Cure’s signature gothic rock sound. His aggressive, effects-drenched basslines weave seamlessly with Robert Smith’s guitar work to create the band’s atmospheric, gloomy style.
Gallup frequently utilizes chord-based riffing in his bass playing rather than sticking to the root notes. This gives The Cure’s songs an ominous, swirling undercurrent that perfectly complements Smith’s emotional vocals and shimmering guitars. Gallup also often plays using a pick rather than fingerstyle, allowing him to articulate punchy rhythmic parts with percussive accuracy. His tone is thick and distorted, laden with chorus, flanger, and delay effects.
Some of Gallup’s most iconic basslines can be heard on The Cure classics like "A Forest," with its instantly recognizable descending progression, and "Fascination Street," where Gallup’s sinister riff powers the verse. His driving bass is crucial to the urgency and momentum of thrashing post-punk numbers like "The Hanging Garden" and "Piggy in the Mirror." Gallup’s nimble fingerwork is also on display in the intricate bass runs of "Lullaby."
In addition to his bass contributions, Gallup has regularly collaborated with Robert Smith on songwriting over the years. The pair co-wrote tracks like "The Walk" and "The Lovecats," among others. Gallup receives songwriting credits on some of The Cure’s biggest hits and fan favorites, like "In Between Days" and "Just Like Heaven."
His musical interplay and chemistry with Smith has developed over decades of recording and touring together. Gallup’s basslines and songwriting are essential ingredients in The Cure’s singular style. Without his darkly melodic bass guitar and creative input, the band’s sound would be markedly different.
Simon Gallup’s Bass Guitars and Gear
Simon Gallup’s distinct bass tone and style are crafted through his extensive collection of basses, effects pedals, and amplifiers accumulated over his decades-long career. His gear choices evolve with each new era of The Cure’s music, adapting to suit the shifting styles and songwriting approaches.
Gallup’s main bass in the early days of The Cure was a Fender Precision. Its deep, rich tone suited the band’s early post-punk sound. By the mid-80s, Gallup expanded his arsenal with a Gibson Thunderbird, adding thickness and grit to albums like The Head on the Door and Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me.
As The Cure’s soundscape grew during their commercial peak, Gallup needed more tonal variety. He incorporated Jazz basses and a custom-made Schecter into his rig. His signature Schecter Ultra Spitfire bass features EMG pickups and a thin fast neck ideal for The Cure’s complex basslines.
Effects pedals are vital for Gallup’s atmospheric bass tones. During live shows, he runs his bass through chorus, flanger, octaver, and delay effects. This layers his playing with otherworldly textures and ambience. Gallup also uses distortion and overdrive to add a sinister edge when needed.
While Gallup’s gear is always expanding, his core tone remains, binding together four decades of The Cure’s iconic music. His technical skill and effects manipulation make his bass an integral part of The Cure’s somber, emotive sound. Even when not playing, the echoes of Gallup’s basslines continue resonating for fans worldwide.
Leaving The Cure in 2021
In August 2021, The Cure announced that Simon Gallup was "no longer a member" of the band. This came as a shock to fans, since Gallup had been the band’s bassist for over 40 years.
However, Gallup was quick to refute this statement, saying "I’m still The Cure, I can’t think of doing anything else." This conflicting information led to confusion over Gallup’s status with the band.
Some speculated that Gallup and Robert Smith had creative differences that led to his supposed departure. Others wondered if Gallup’s past struggles with alcohol played a role. There was also conjecture that Gallup’s health issues like back problems or diabetes complications prompted his exit.
Ultimately, neither Gallup nor The Cure provided details on what exactly happened behind the scenes. But Gallup asserted that despite the strange announcement, he remained committed to the band he’d been part of since 1979. Fans were relieved that this legendary member didn’t appear to be leaving after all.
The conflicting reports added intrigue into the inner workings of the long-running gothic rock group. But Gallup’s statement affirmed that he was still an integral part of The Cure going forward.
Return to The Cure
After announcing his departure in 2021, Simon Gallup returned to performing with The Cure in 2022. He rejoined his bandmates Robert Smith, Reeves Gabrels, and others for their first live shows in several years.
In August 2021, Robert Smith stated in an interview that Gallup was "no longer a member of the Cure." This led to speculation that Gallup had left the iconic band after over 40 years. However, Gallup disputed this claim on Facebook, writing "I’m still The Cure, I haven’t left."
The confusion was cleared up when Gallup performed with The Cure at festival shows in 2022. This included appearances at Mad Cool in Madrid, Fuji Rock in Japan, and ACL Fest in Austin. Gallup’s signature basslines were back anchoring Cure classics like "Pictures of You," "Lovesong," and "Boys Don’t Cry."
Fans were thrilled to see Gallup reunited onstage with The Cure’s frontman Robert Smith. Their long history and musical chemistry was evident during the energetic festival sets.
Looking ahead, Gallup appears firmly committed to The Cure again. The band is planning a world tour in 2023 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their bestselling album Wish. Gallup is expected to be onboard, marking his first full Cure tour since 2016.
Despite rumors of creative differences and health issues leading to his brief exit, Gallup seems happy to be back as The Cure’s bassist. His unique style remains essential to their somber, atmospheric sound. Gallup has defined the pulse of The Cure for over four decades, and that is set to continue into the future.
Other Music Projects
Outside of his work with The Cure, Simon Gallup has collaborated with numerous other artists over the years. He is constantly exploring new musical ventures beyond the post-punk genre that The Cure is known for.
In the early 2000s, Gallup played bass on several tracks for the alternative rock band Lockjaw. This included their songs "Living in Hell" and "Rise and Shine." His heavy basslines added a nice contrast to the band’s lighter guitar melodies.
Gallup also served as a touring bassist for the British psychobilly band The Meteors in the mid-2000s. His time with The Meteors allowed him to showcase his versatility across punk sub-genres.
Throughout his career, Gallup has made guest appearances on albums by bands like Freg, Neon, Cult Hero, and The Magickal Mystery Diorama. His signature bass sound can be heard elevating the music of these varied rock artists.
Most recently, Gallup played bass guitar on the 2022 album by the indie pop duo Marsheaux. His driving bass grooves on songs like "Only Lovers" reinvented the band’s synth-pop sound.
Gallup is always open to new music projects where he can demonstrate his creativity. While The Cure remains his main priority, these outside collaborations allow Gallup to explore different musical styles and challenge himself as an artist. His willingness to work with emerging bands also highlights his support for cultivating new talent in the alternative rock scene.
Personal Life and Interests
Outside of music, Simon Gallup leads a relatively private life, though he does share occasional glimpses into his personal interests and hobbies through social media. He is known to be an avid fisherman, often posting photos on Instagram of his catches from trips out on the water. Fishing appears to be a peaceful escape for Gallup from the pressures of the music industry.
Gallup also enjoys restoring and riding classic motorcycles, particularly vintage Triumphs. His Instagram feed reveals his passion for motorcycle culture. In interviews over the years, he has expressed his love of animals and the countryside, far removed from city life.
On social media, Gallup engages with fans by sharing tour stories, responding to comments, and posting nostalgic photos from his days with The Cure. He has shown his support for various charitable causes close to his heart too, including cancer research.
While intensely private about his family and relationships, Gallup comes across as humble, friendly and down-to-earth during interactions with supporters. He seems to appreciate the loyal fanbase he and The Cure have built over the decades. Music remains Simon Gallup’s driving passion in life, but he has cultivated some intriguing hobbies and interests outside the studio and stage as well.
Legacy and Influence
Simon Gallup has left an indelible mark on alternative rock music through his iconic bass playing with The Cure over the past four decades. Widely regarded as one of the most influential bass guitarists of all time, Gallup’s signature style and tone have inspired and shaped generations of bassists in the post-punk, gothic rock, and new wave genres.
Gallup’s throbbing, melodic basslines were a core element of The Cure’s gloomy sound, and he demonstrated the bass’s potential as a lead instrument capable of driving entire songs. His bass work on Cure classics like "A Forest," "Primary," and "The Hanging Garden" exemplified this lead bass approach and showed how the instrument could conjure up chilling atmospheres.
Beyond The Cure, Gallup’s creative use of effects like chorus, flanger and distortion opened up new possibilities for bass guitar tone and texture. His willingness to experiment with unconventional techniques made him a pioneer in expanding the boundaries of the bass.
According to numerous bassists, Gallup was a key influence in their own musical development. Artists like Peter Hook of Joy Division/New Order, Les Claypool of Primus, and Eric Avery of Jane’s Addiction have all cited Gallup as a formative inspiration. His bass playing on early Cure albums showed these musicians the instrument’s potential in crafting mood, melody and riffs.
Even today, Simon Gallup is upheld as a virtuoso and tone master by bassists across genres. His signature style lives on through the countless musicians he has impacted, both directly and indirectly. After over 40 years anchoring one of alternative rock’s most beloved bands, Gallup’s legacy as an innovator and cult icon is assured. He remains a towering figure in the history and evolution of the bass guitar.