The connectivity of the movies, literature, fashion and music of the Gothic way of life are explored by Lol Tolhurst, a founding member of The Cure, in his book "Goth - A History." Published in 2023, Tolhurst is very adamant that he is not a historian. Most of this book is based on his own personal experiences. After all, he participated in the Goth lifestyle with three of The Cure's albums being referred to as Gothic according to the author.
Goth really became noticed during the post-punk period. In addition, the punk band The Damned had many Gothic elements in their sound and look. There are many subgenres within the world of punk, but one can also say that there are some Gothic elements in the music of The Doors. The Gothic vibe goes back even much further in film with the silent film "Nosferatu." It is no secret that Johnny Depp based his character's look in "Edward Scissorhands" on The Cure's Robert Smith.
The Cure had an odd effect on me because they were one of those bands that I didn't think I really liked but always found myself listening to their music. It was like being in a trance! Alice Cooper's inspirations were compared with those within the Goth music scene and they were eerily similar. Many bands were touched on by Tolhurst including Joy Division, Christian Death, The Sisters Of Mercy, Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees and Depeche Mode. Many more were also discussed!
Authors like Bram Stoker and Mary Shelley also had their influence as well as some even more contemporary ones. Remaining loyal to your subculture was described as a good way to stay youthful, after all many members of Gothic post-punk bands are currently in their sixties. The book was well-written and designed to make the reader feel like Tolhurst was talking to you like a friend. It made me realize that to be into the Goth scene you don't have to be depressed but rather to be in touch with your feelings.
