Robert James Smith (born 21 April 1959) is an English musician. He is the lead singer, guitarist, lyricist and principal songwriter of the rock band The Cure, and its only constant member since its formation in 1976. He has been described as "pop culture's unkempt poster child of doom and gloom." Smith's guitar-playing and use of flanging, chorusing and phasing effects put him among the forefront of the gothic rock and new wave genres. He also played guitar in the band Siouxsie and the Banshees. Smith is a multi-instrumentalist, known for his unique stage look, such as teased hair, smudged makeup, and his distinctive voice.

Early years and family life

Smith was born in the Lancashire town of Blackpool and is the third of four children born to James Alexander and Rita Mary (née Emmott) Smith. Smith came from a musical family – his father sang and his mother played the piano.

Raised Catholic, he later became an atheist. When he was three years old, in December 1962 his family moved to Horley, Surrey, where he later attended St Francis Primary School, before the family moved to Crawley, West Sussex, in March 1966, where Smith attended St Francis Junior School. He later attended Notre Dame Middle School (1970–72) and St Wilfrid's Comprehensive School, Crawley (1972–77).

Robert or Bob Smith, or similar, may refer to:

Arts and entertainment

Actors

Music

Robert Smith (born February 1, 1982) was an English cricketer. He was a left-handed batsman who played for Cumberland.

Smith made a single List A appearance for the team, in the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy in August 2001. He scored 3 runs in his innings, as opponents Warwickshire CB won by a narrow margin, thanks mostly to a century from Jim Troughton.

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