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Goth  By  cover art

Goth

By: Lol Tolhurst
Narrated by: Lol Tolhurst, Budgie
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Publisher's summary

The co-founder of The Cure and author of Cured delivers a fascinating deep dive into the dark romanticism of Goth music, a misunderstood genre and culture.

GOTH is an entertaining and engaging historical memoir, and a journey through Goth music and culture, exploring creative giants like The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Bauhaus, Joy Division, and many more great bands that offered a place of refuge for the misfits of the ‘80s and ever since. Written by Lol Tolhurst, co-founder of The Cure, this book offers a riveting retrospective of the genre’s iconic movers and shakers, infused with stories from Tolhurst’s personal trove of memories, as well as anecdotes about the musicians, magicians, and artists who made it all happen—the people, places, and things that made Goth an inevitable and enduring movement.

Starting with the Origins of Goth, Tolhurst explores early art and literature that inspired the genre and looks into the work of T.S Eliot, Edgar Allan Poe, Sylvia Plath, and Albert Camus, among others. He also outlines the path of Gothic Forebears and shows how many musicians played in punk bands before transitioning into Goth endeavors. Next, he introduces readers to the “Architects of Darkness”—Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division, and The Cure—the Godfathers of Goth who established the genre's roots. Following these early bands, Tolhurst discusses a group he calls the “Spiritual Alchemists,” consisting of bands like Depeche Mode, Cocteau Twins, and more, who helped the darkness expand into the culture. He also tracks the expansion of the genre overseas, from England to New York, Los Angeles, and beyond. Gothic fashion was an important part of the movement as well, and Tolhurst discusses the clothing that accompanied and complemented the music. Finally, Tolhurst examines the legacy of Goth music, and shows how its influence can still be seen to this day across music, film, TV, visual arts, social media, and more.

As thoughtful and thorough as it is utterly bewitching, GOTH is a timeless testament to why Goth matters—and why it always will.

©2023 Lol Tolhurst (P)2023 Hachette Books

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A Trip Through Time

Lol is very good at taking us to the place he speaks of. He has a nack for narration and a lovely voice. Thoroughly enjoyed this trip.

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Music history and much much more!!!

Lol writes and iterates articulately and intelligently - insightful, fun, and refreshing prose from one of The Cure’s founding members .

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ElderGoth Approved!

Absolutely wonderful tale of the essence of Goth. A must read for those that love The Cure, expertly told by Lol Tolhurst.

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Love Lol

Love Lol’s voice and stories. Very informative and relaxing. Love the stories behind the music.

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What more could an OG goth want?

Told by a gothfather who lived it and breathed it. I really appreciated the rundown he gives of songs on the selection of records by bands like Joy Division, the Banshees and Bauhaus.
💀💀💀

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Goth: A Glorious Perspective from LOl

Goth is a glorious perspective on life as reflected and presented by Lol. I adored Cured, reading the hardcover after meeting Lol at a book signing in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and later listening to the audiobook. Having seen the Cure play live many times throughout my life since age 12, I’ve grown and changed along with this fantastic and varied tribe. Read or listen to this book - it’s a filled with stories from the past brought to the present of sorrow, love and joy.

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Kudos

A lovely memoir and history. Mr. Tolhurst has a wonderful voice as a narrator. Recommended to any fan of the genre or those just discovering what it’s all about.

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A deep dive into a genre I really didn’t know

I grew up listening to the ‘60’s & ‘70’s music my older brothers played, by the later seventies music started to change, I resisted listening because this new type seemed weird and unorganized. By the early eighties I grew to like Goth and it’s spin-offs, The Cure was one of many I liked and followed. Then decades have gone by and getting a look through the rear view mirror of Lol’s stories is fascinating to me. He’s so damn good at describing it all not only because he lived it and contributed but because he’s a natural born writer with solidly honest introspection. His contributions to the music I bought and loved (still love) and his recall of it all is something I thought I’d never experience - now we all get to through his eyes and thoughts. Both his books are excellent.

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A delightful puzzle

Longtime Cure drummer Lol Tolhurst follows up his personal memoir, Cured, with a guided tour through the origins of UK goth, the bands the Cure grew up with, crossing the pond to explore the nascent Southern California death rock scene, and including some prominent (and really great) modern goth-influenced acts like Drab Majesty, Boy Harsher, and Molchat Dolma. Warmly written and read, and studded with goth trivia, this was so enjoyable!

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As splendid as Cured

I do love that Tolhurst has discovered his gift for writing later in life. Cured was a terrific book and Goth is every bit as good. A must read for any fan of The Cure or goth culture in general.

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