Join Bob Dylan Center Director Steven Jenkins on Thursday, July 17, for a virtual book club event with Lol Tolhurst, co-founder of The Cure and author of a new book that explores the dark Romanticism of goth music, a misunderstood genre and culture.
“Goth” is an engaging historical memoir of goth music and culture, highlighting creative giants like The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Bauhaus and Joy Division. These bands offered a refuge for misfits of the 80s and beyond. Written by Tolhurst, the book provides a deep dive into the movement’s key figures, featuring stories and anecdotes from his personal memories, as well as insights from musicians, magicians and artists who shaped goth into an enduring cultural force.
Tolhurst traces goth’s origins through early art and literature, examining the works of T.S. Eliot, Edgar Allan Poe, Sylvia Plath and Albert Camus. He outlines the evolution of gothic forebears, showing how many musicians transitioned from punk to goth. He then introduces the “Architects of Darkness”—Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division and The Cure—who defined the genre’s foundation. Tolhurst also discusses the “Spiritual Alchemists,” including Depeche Mode and Cocteau Twins, who expanded goth’s influence.
The book follows goth’s rise beyond England to New York, Los Angeles and beyond, exploring the fashion that accompanied the music. Finally, Tolhurst examines goth’s lasting impact across music, film, TV, visual arts and social media, concluding with why goth still matters today.
Details:
This event will take place virtually via Zoom.
Thursday, July 17, 2025
6 p.m.
Tickets:
$5 for nonmembers
Free for Bob Dylan Center members
