Goth cover art

Goth

A History

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Goth

By: Lol Tolhurst
Narrated by: Budgie, Lol Tollhurst
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About this listen

Following his memoir Cured, a fascinating deep dive into the dark Romanticism of Goth music, a misunderstood genre and culture, by co-founder of The Cure, Lol Tolhurst

GOTH is an entertaining and engaging historical memoir of the genre of 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. Authored by Lol Tolhurst, co-founder of The Cure, this book offers a fascinating deep dive into the movers and shakers of goth with stories and anecdotes from Tolhurst's personal memories as well as the musicians, magicians and artists who made it all happen - the people, places and events 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, Albert Camus and more. He also outlines the path of Gothic forebears and shows how many musicians played in punk bands before transitioning into goth endeavours. Next, he introduces listeners 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 so much more, finally concluding with 'Why Goth matters!'

©2023 Lol Tolhurst (P)2023 Hachette Book Group
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What listeners say about Goth

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A belter, fantastic book to engage with...

Superb, thoroughly enjoyed this honest and knowledgeable account of Lol's life and his views on Goth, a positive creative force in our culture.

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Interesting

An interesting read and reminder for someone who grew up and lives their life on the scene. However a little self indulgent in places and if you didn’t know better, you’d think the Cure were the only Goths ever to grace the block!

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Fascinating listen

Very much enjoyed this listen, opened me up to a lot of literature, art, music and film that I was previously unfamiliar with. At times it feels very much like a follow on from ‘cured’ but then it is relevant to the time being spoken about.

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Engaging.

Really good to listen to this. Lol has a super way of calmly humbly honestly sharing with you.
It was great to hear some more insights into his experience in this musical world.

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Past, present and future of Goth

I really enjoyed this, not as in depth as the John Robb book on the same subject, but worth a look. Inevitably the book ends up being very The Cure-centeic which is a shame, but as Lol was there from the start I guess that's ok.
If you have any interest in the Post Punk/ Goth genre this is a great listen.

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