The week in music history brought to you by MusicGoldmine.com.
Just a couple of highlights from this week in music history!
APR 21: Happy birthday to Robert Smith! The iconic frontman, guitarist, and primary songwriter of the British band The Cure was born on April 21, 1959, in Blackpool, England. Smith is known for his distinctive look—wild hair, smudged red lipstick, and pale complexion—which became emblematic of the gothic rock movement. He formed The Cure in 1976, and the band rose to prominence in the late 1970s and 1980s with a sound that blended post-punk, new wave, and gothic rock.
Smith’s songwriting is deeply emotional, often exploring themes of love, loss, and existential despair, yet he’s also known for more upbeat pop hits like “Just Like Heaven” and “Friday I’m in Love.” His unique voice, melancholic lyrics, and innovative guitar work have earned him critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase worldwide.
Despite the ever-changing lineup of The Cure, Smith has remained the constant creative force behind the band. Over the decades, he’s maintained a reputation for artistic integrity and emotional honesty. As of today, he continues to tour and record, solidifying his legacy as a legendary figure in alternative music.
Photo: Christopher Johnson [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en]
APR 29: Sadly, today Mike Peters passed away age 66. The Welsh musician is best known as the lead singer, guitarist, and founding member of the rock band The Alarm. Born on February 25, 1959, in Prestatyn, Wales, Peters rose to fame in the 1980s with The Alarm, a band known for its anthemic songs, socially conscious lyrics, and energetic live performances. The group’s early hits, such as “68 Guns” and “The Stand,” established them as one of the key acts in the post-punk and new wave scenes of the decade.
Throughout his career, Peters had been noted not just for his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence but also for his resilience. Diagnosed with cancer several times, he turned his health battles into a source of strength, founding the Love Hope Strength Foundation, a music-centric cancer charity that promotes bone marrow donation and cancer care.
The Alarm continued to evolve under Peters' leadership, embracing new sounds while staying true to their passionate, politically engaged roots. Whether performing solo or with the band, Mike Peters remained a symbol of determination and hope in the rock world. His enduring commitment to both music and humanitarian causes earned him admiration far beyond the stage. RIP
Photo: Mark Heybourne [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en]
MAY 1: Sadly, today it was reported that Jill Sobule passed away in a housefire at age 66. The singer-songwriter was known for her witty, socially conscious lyrics and genre-blending music. Born in Denver, Colorado, in 1959, Sobule rose to national prominence in the mid-1990s with her hit single “I Kissed a Girl” (1995)—a playful, folk-pop track that explored themes of sexuality and identity long before such topics were mainstream in pop music. The song was part of her self-titled second album and showcased her knack for combining humor with heartfelt storytelling.
Sobule’s music spanned folk, rock, and pop, often infused with irony, empathy, and a narrative sensibility. Beyond “I Kissed a Girl,” her songs like “Supermodel” (featured in the film Clueless) and “Margaret” reflect her sharp observational style and interest in character-driven songwriting.
Throughout her career, Sobule remained fiercely independent, often turning to fan funding and grassroots support to produce her albums. She also collaborated with writers, comedians, and other musicians, including creating musical theater and concept albums. Known for her advocacy and openness, Sobule continued to perform and release music that challenged norms and told stories from overlooked perspectives up until her untimely passing. RIP
Photo: Joi Ito [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en] cropped
Want more content like this? Subscribe to our free MusicGoldmine newsletter which comes out every two weeks. Go here to sign up.
Be the envy of all your friends! Get MusicGoldmine.com Music History in your Facebook feed each day. Just follow us on Facebook here
